News deserts in Ukraine. II Iteration

An interactive map for an in-depth study of news deserts in Ukraine — built with MapLibre GL on data from the Media Development Foundation research team.

The map visualizes news deserts — areas where local journalism is absent or underdeveloped — a problem that has become especially acute since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. It presents the second iteration of the research, which expanded the analysis from 11 frontline and border oblasts to the entire territory of Ukraine.

The methodology adapts standard Western approaches to Ukrainian wartime realities, including special treatment of temporarily occupied territories (TOT), where access to independent Ukrainian media is severely restricted. The map also draws on interviews with local newsrooms to help identify the causes of news deserts across different regions.

The map lets users explore the geographical distribution of media coverage gaps — crucial insight in a country where information security is directly tied to national security.

Carried out with the Media Development Foundation. Available online in Ukrainian and English.

Health level

District clustering

Media headquarters

Information coverage

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Below is the interactive version in English. The Ukrainian version is available on the Media Development Foundation website.