Odesa's Intent Media Faces Financial Challenges Amid USAID Funding Cuts

Intent is an independent socio-political media outlet about the South of Ukraine that has a super-active and advanced audience, which has crossed the 1.5 million view mark on its website alone last month.

In addition, the publication has social media and YouTube.

The business offer is based on an individual approach, flexibility, transparency and guaranteed results. A variety of formats: banners, articles, special projects, videos - all these are the possibilities of the publication. However, Intent does not accept political orders, maintaining its reputation and honesty towards its readers.

If entrepreneurs are interested in an honest and independent media outlet where there are no taboo topics or personalities, then they know who to write to. And the publication knows how to increase the recognition of the client, his business, product or service. Thus, Intent also calls on potential advertisers to support the media that have lost some of their funding.

There are various ways to support a publication:

• Become a sponsor of Intent's YouTube channel.
• Support with a one-time charitable donation here.
• Or subscribe to our Patreon.

The Odesa-based independent media outlet Intent, which has been informing citizens about events in the region for more than 15 years, is facing a financial challenge. The publication has never had founders from business or politics, has never accepted public funds, and has always remained independent.

Until now, international grants have covered a significant part of the costs, but due to changes in the global situation, funding has decreased. Therefore, Intent has changed its financial model, looking for new sources of income, including cooperation with local businesses and selling its own products.

On January 27, the US government agency USAID confirmed the suspension of funding for all programs in Ukraine for 90 days after the State Department ordered an audit of all international aid. In Ukraine, among other sectors, American aid has contributed to the development and overall existence of independent media.

It is worth noting that Intent was the first in Odesa to undergo an independent external audit, which demonstrated transparency and compliance with the highest professional standards and received a certificate from the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), an international standard of journalistic standards.

For three times in a row, Intent has been included in the map of recommended media based on the results of an independent expert assessment by the Institute of Mass Information (IMI) and Media Detector.

Кирило Бойко