Five independent regional media outlets from different parts of Ukraine have been selected to participate in the second round of the Ukraine Innovative Media Program (UIMP), a joint initiative by Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) and the Association of Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU).
The program aims to support Ukrainian media in building resilient, sustainable business models by providing a combination of targeted funding and strategic guidance.
Each selected outlet will receive up to €10,000 in grant funding, and 12 months of tailored one-on-one expert support. The aim is to develop new revenue-generating products, grow audiences and strengthen operational efficiency, helping ensure these organizations can continue delivering critical news and information to their communities in times of war.
The five selected outlets represent a cross-section of Ukraine’s independent regional media, working in different regions across the North, West, Centre and South of the country. All are members of AIRPPU and operate independently of political or business influence.
The participants are:
Chernihiv Media Group – Active since 1997, Chernihiv is an independent multimedia company with one newspaper, one magazine, five local/hyperlocal websites and a local radio station. It is positioned as the only fully independent multimedia company in the region.
Kremenchuk Telegraph – A local news publisher founded in 1998, Kremenchuk Telegraph formerly published multiple print editions with a flagship weekly which has now transitioned to primarily digital, as the print edition was closed down post‑invasion.
Texty (NGO Data Journalism Agency) – Founded in 2010, Texty is an independent nonprofit newsroom focused on data journalism, data visualizations and public‑interest investigations/analysis.
Odeske Zhyttia / Odesa Life – Established with the motto of “Reading is useful”, Odeske Zhyttia was founded in 2007 as a regional newspaper, launching its website in 2009. Now the company is one of the largest regional media outlets in the Odesa region. It provides local readers with valuable and verified information.
RIA (Information and Advertising Agency) – Combining its print, digital and social platforms, RIA is a leading independent regional media in Ternopil with 25+ years of history of publishing verified, investigative and innovative journalism, with strong brand trust and multimedia development.
Participating outlets were selected through a rigorous process led by a five-member internal MDIF committee, drawing on expertise from MDIF’s Media Advisory Services, Program and Investment departments. Thirteen eligible AIRPPU members applied in total, and candidates were assessed against clear criteria covering relevance, feasibility, innovation and impact.
Marcin Gadzinski, MDIF’s Program Director for Europe, who was also a part of the selection committee, said: “Ukraine remains the most challenging environment for independent media in Europe. Yet during our work selecting new grantees, we were often amazed with their applications: thoughtful, professional, focused on business, yet so committed to values of independent journalism. In coming years MDIF will be expanding our assistance to media in Ukraine.”
This second round of the UIMP comes at a time when regional media remain under severe pressure. Attacks on infrastructure, workforce displacement and economic instability continue to threaten the viability of independent news organizations across the country.