Local Cultural and Artistic Online Media: Features of the Format

E. Ohar

Abstract


The research aim of this article is to identify the distinctive features of local online media focusing on culture and the arts, and to assess the development potential of this sector of the Ukrainian media.

Research methodology. To address the tasks arising from the aim, a comprehensive methodology was applied: analysis and synthesis – to generalise academic interpretations of the concepts of ‘local media’ and ‘cultural media’, and to conceptualise the notion of ‘local cultural media’; to identify strategic and current challenges in the sphere of operation; the descriptive method – to characterise a possible content concept for media projects of this type;  case studies – for a detailed examination of a real media project; content analysis – to examine the genre structure, section organisation and content presentation formats. 

Results. A detailed examination of the ‘post impreza’ case study as a locally-based cultural and artistic media platform reveals that media of this kind serve not only as a source of information about events, but also as a tool for maintaining cultural continuity, preserving memory and shaping local identity. They document the community’s experience, represent its cultural practices and create a space for collective reflection. The online format expands the boundaries of local cultural journalism, making local culture, local events and artefacts visible on a national scale. post impreza presents a possible model of a culturally convergent online media platform, offering an alternative to news-oriented media through a ‘slow’, critical and contextualised approach to covering culture. It is also a media project in which journalism is combined with research, educational and exhibition activities, as well as digital archiving.

The novelty of this study lies in identifying the defining characteristics of the local cultural media sector and the key challenges to its viability in the current climate.

Practical meaning. The findings can be used to replicate the case study described as a model in other cities or regions of Ukraine with similar backgrounds and conditions, to identify effective business models capable of ensuring the sustainability of projects and their qualitative development, as well as for further research into the audience’s needs and attitudes towards local cultural content.

Key words: local media, cultural and artistic media, online format, art criticism, post-event, cultural identity, Ukrainian media landscape.


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.32840/cpu2219-8741/2026.2(66).8

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