ВІДСУТНІСТЬ ГРАНТОВОЇ ПІДТРИМКИ ЯК ЗАГРОЗА НЕЗАЛЕЖНОСТІ РЕГІОНАЛЬНИХ МЕДІА ВІД МІСЦЕВИХ ОРГАНІВ ВЛАДИ
Keywords:
regional media, democracy, local authorities, grant funding, public accountability, information policy.Abstract
The paper analyzes the political consequences of reduced international grant funding for regional media in Ukraine. It highlights how the loss of donor support increases media dependence on local authorities, shifting their role from watchdog institutions to communication tools of political elites. This dependence undermines editorial autonomy, lowers the quality of public discourse, and weakens democratic accountability at the local level. The text argues for the urgent need to develop sustainable mechanisms to support independent journalism, including transparent grant platforms, tax incentives, and partnerships with civil society organizations. The preservation of regional media independence is presented as a crucial condition for the democratic resilience and sustainable development of local communities in Ukraine.
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