Media Viability Index of Ukrainian Media: People, Funds, Security
Lviv Media Forum conducted a comprehensive study of the state of the Ukrainian media as of 2025 through early 2026 and calculated the Ukrainian Media Viability Index for the first time.
This refers to news organizations of various types—from national television networks and multiplatform media outlets to local online outlets and niche projects—for which adapting to extreme security and economic crises has become a daily reality.
The study notes that the Ukrainian media sector is in a state of constant struggle for survival, and its overall viability is rated as weak—2.7 out of a possible 5 points. Most newsrooms operate in a state of constant crisis, focusing on day-to-day tasks due to the depletion of internal resources and the inability to engage in long-term strategic planning. This leads to critical financial dependence on isolated sources of income, a shortage of staff, and vulnerability to digital threats.
The aim of the study was to provide clear, verified data on the state of the media sector, to categorize key challenges into the clusters “People,” “Fund,” and “Security,” and to identify the actual needs of newsrooms. The project describes the realities of media professionals’ work, measures their level of adaptability to changes in the environment, and establishes a foundation for developing recovery programs and targeted support for the industry.
The findings of this study may be useful to international partners, donor organizations, government institutions, and industry associations. The data in this report will help stakeholders allocate resources more effectively to support independent media, which is critical to maintaining democratic resilience and accountability in Ukraine’s recovery process.
The Lviv Media Forum conducted this comprehensive study in partnership with UNESCO and in collaboration with YouControl and the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting.