Helpdesk Media, a Russian anti-war news startup founded by former Meduza publisher Ilya Krasilshchik, announced its closure due to a lack of funding. Established shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Helpdesk Media focused on service journalism, telling stories about the war, raising funds for victims, and maintaining a support hotline for Russians and Ukrainians. Despite efforts to secure grants to sustain its operations, the startup was unsuccessful, leading to the decision to close gradually.
The annual financial report for 2023 revealed that Helpdesk Media received 75% of its funding from grants, highlighting the reliance on external support for its activities. The closure of the news division of its operations, which employed 20 individuals, was announced by the startup, stating that it would not impact its hotline or fundraising efforts for Ukrainians affected by the war. However, the lack of funding and the inability to continue producing a daily publication ultimately led to the decision to cease operations, leaving the future of the startup uncertain.
In December, Helpdesk Media Foundation, based in Latvia, was declared an “undesirable” organization by Russia, resulting in the ban of its activities and putting staff at risk of being imprisoned in the country. This further complicated the situation for Helpdesk Media, creating additional challenges for sustaining its work and continuing its mission of supporting those affected by the conflict. The pressure on independent Russian media foundations also played a role in the reduction of financial support for startups like Helpdesk Media, as donors struggled to navigate the political landscape and the risks involved.
Despite the closure of the news side of its operations, Helpdesk Media remained committed to maintaining its hotline and continuing fundraising efforts for Ukrainians impacted by the war. The dedication to supporting those in need during the conflict remained a priority for the startup, even as financial challenges forced a change in its operations. The closure of Helpdesk Media highlighted the difficulties faced by independent media outlets in navigating political pressures, funding constraints, and the risks associated with operating in environments where press freedom is limited.
As the media landscape in Russia continued to evolve, the challenges for startups like Helpdesk Media deepened, with foundations reducing funding and donors facing uncertainties about supporting projects that operate in politically sensitive areas. The complexities of operating in an environment where media freedom is restricted added to the struggles faced by news outlets, making it increasingly difficult to sustain operations and continue serving their audiences. Despite the closure of Helpdesk Media, the impact of the work they did during their time in operation highlighted the importance of independent journalism and the role it plays in informing the public and supporting communities affected by conflict.
The closure of Helpdesk Media represented a loss for the media landscape in Russia, as the startup’s innovative approach to service journalism and support for those impacted by the war set it apart from traditional news outlets. The challenges faced by the startup reflected broader issues within the media industry, including funding constraints, political pressures, and the risks associated with operating in environments where press freedom is limited. As independent media outlets continue to navigate these challenges, the legacy of Helpdesk Media serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting independent journalism and the valuable role it plays in providing information, telling stories, and serving communities in times of conflict.
