We strive to use grants in every possible way: experience of Kherson-based newspaper, Novyi Den

Despite the war and temporary occupation, Kherson was not left without an authoritative printed word – the newspaper Novyi Den, which for many decades was the flagship of the Kherson Region’s press, continues to hold its position, although it is published remotely. Nevertheless, journalists, even those who have found shelter in other regions, constantly leave home – for now, on business trips. The editor-in-chief, Anatolii Zhupyna, personally brings the newspaper to the city, which is constantly shelled. And he makes plans for the future. The experience of Novyi Den, in our opinion, deserves attention.

“The secret of the success of Novyi Den is the dedication of journalists to their profession, their desire to maintain the trust of readers, says the editor-in-chief of the newspaper,” said Anatolii Zhupyna.

The experience of publications that not only survived the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, but also continue to work, acquires special importance. After all, over these years, according to the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, more than 50% of print publications have ceased their activities. Many local media are barely making ends meet, fighting for every day of their existence.

We interviewed seven local publications, 66% of which operate in front-line areas, and 71% of which send journalists on business trips to combat zones. And we found out that in search of ways to survive, they are forced to rely on their own strength: 71% currently have no support from local authorities. Meanwhile, 100% of newsrooms note a deterioration in their financial situation, and salaries (100% of the deficit), printing (57%), and attracting new staff (14%) remain the most painful items of expenditure. Additionally, today, almost 43% have no advertising at all. In comparison, in 57% of cases, advertising revenue accounts for up to 30% of the editorial budget.

Therefore, publications are seeking opportunities to receive assistance from various sources, particularly by participating in grant programs. International organizations provided financial or material support to 85% of the surveyed newspapers. Additionally, all of these publications maintain close relations with the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) and have received not only material support but also technical and advisory assistance. They have been able to rent protective equipment free of charge, work in co-working hubs, and participate in training sessions.

So, despite all the challenges, these publications demonstrate extraordinary resilience. To understand how they manage to do this, we talked to those who continue to maintain the information front.

Today, Anatolii Zhupyna shares his experience

–What role do grants play in the survival of a newspaper? Why did you decide to use grant proposals, and what results can you boast of?

– Grants play a crucial role in the production of the newspaper. For two or three years, they made up 100 percent of the editorial budget. Because there was no subscription or advertising.

This year, the situation has changed slightly: donor support has decreased significantly, and in its place, there has been some editorial subscription and advertising revenue, the proceeds from which cover the costs of printing the newspaper and its delivery to the Kherson Region. But salaries are tight, and journalists have already forgotten about the fee. There is not enough money even for trips to the Kherson Region. And we are not talking about business trips, but about purchasing fuel for the car. That is why we strive to use grants in every possible way.

However, it has not been easy to get them recently. Occasionally, you receive a mini-grant, but unfortunately, there is no long-term one, at least not for a year, as was the case with the grant from the Institute for Regional Media and Information (IRMI, Ukraine) and Fondation Hirondelle. In August, financial support for the Association “Independent Publishers…” ends. What will happen next is difficult to say. Of course, the newspaper will be published until the end of the year; we will not stop halfway. Of course, the minimum wage will be reduced anyway.

– What do you see as the secret of your publication’s successful activities?

– In dedication to the profession of journalists. Neglecting the trust of our readers, losing their authority is the last thing to do.

– Is it possible to build plans and strategies for the future now? How do you envision the development of your newspaper following the victory, and are you taking steps to achieve this?

– Of course, we are building plans and developing a strategy for two to three years ahead. Of course, with the belief in the liberation of the left-bank Kherson Region (which is almost 70 percent of the region’s territory and almost 500,000 people).

First of all, it will be necessary to resolve the personnel issue, to recruit 2-3 journalists (we are already working on this together with Kherson State University, knowing in advance that graduates of journalism schools in Kyiv and Lviv will not come to Kherson). We are also considering the issue of equipping our computer center, where the newspaper will be typed and the website will be formed.

Of course, we are also thinking about restoring the newsroom premises, which have been significantly damaged. There are ideas on how to do this, there are entrepreneurs who are ready to help on mutually beneficial terms. There are also new projects to fill the newspaper with the necessary content, there are preliminary conditions… But all this will be possible only under one condition – VICTORY and the complete liberation of the Kherson Region from the occupiers.

And this is just the beginning of our restoration.

Inna Kosianchuk

NUJU Information Service