Ukrainian media under threat due to the stopping of USAID funding

This was reported on Hromadske Radio by the director of the Institute of Mass Information, Oksana Romanyuk, commenting on the suspension of funding for USAID programs and projects for 90 days.

Critical funding situation

According to Romanyuk, even national media that have started receiving advertising income cannot fully cover their expenses. In regional media, the situation is even worse – advertising income constitutes only 3-10%, which does not allow them to function.

Risks to media and democracy

The suspension of funding could lead to the weakening of democratic institutions, the monopolization of the information space, and increased corruption. Since the media provide control over the authorities, their weakening could pose a threat to transparency in the country’s processes.

The threat of media monopolization

Until 2022, the Ukrainian media space was controlled by five major oligarchs. The weakening of independent media could open up opportunities for new control and turn media into a tool of political influence.

Media’s grant dependency

According to the IMI, over 80% of Ukrainian media received support from USAID. For some outlets, grants covered 100% of funding, while for others – 40-60%. In addition to American programs, Ukrainian media also received support from the EU and the UN.

The situation remains critical, and without additional funding, independent media could find themselves on the brink of survival.