Chytomo launches an advisory board for institutional co-financing

After the suspension of U.S. grant programs and the reduction of EU funding, and in search of a new sustainability model, Chytomo is launching an advisory board. The media outlet plans to bring together up to 20 entrepreneurs and philanthropists who are willing to share their expertise and support the work of the editorial team.

How will the advisory board function?

The advisory board will include entrepreneurs and philanthropists who will be able to take part in making strategic decisions and evaluating the media’s activities. At the same time, the advisory board will not influence content or editorial policy. Chytomo retains the right to refuse partnerships with representatives of businesses whose values differ from its own.

“In Ukraine, several media outlets have closed, and some have significantly reduced their operations, putting certain activities on pause, during the past six months,” Chytomo’s editor-in-chief Oksana Khmeliovska said. “However, media worldwide face institutional challenges, e.g. authoritarian regimes, censorship, opaque algorithms of social networks and searches, and competition from various types of content on social media. This makes the support of industry representatives who understand the importance of the only professional Ukrainian media about books even more valuable to us. The fact that creative businesses are helping the media in times of war is an unprecedented situation globally and a true example of care for critical thinking and the education of their fellow citizens.”

Philanthropists will provide ongoing financial support to Chytomo through monthly contributions starting at $500. Those who join the advisory board will have the opportunity to pitch topics, which the editorial team will consider when developing the media plan in accordance with the editorial policy. They will also have the opportunity to commission and customize analytics and small-scale research, as well as attend closed and open events on sustainability and the protection of the national book market during the war, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and public organizations.

The first members of the advisory board are:

• Readeat bookstore
• The Old Lion Publishing House
• Litosvita school of creative and professional writing
• Frontera festival
• Laboratoria publishing house
• Ukraїner publishing house
• Komubook publishing house
• Ranok publishing house

How to join?

To find out how to become a member of the advisory board, representatives of business may contact Chytomo via email: [email protected]. Please write “Join the advisory board” in the subject line of the email.

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Copy editing: Joy Tataryn