Hrodna.life covers events in Hrodna (also sometimes spelled as Grodno), a city in the western area of Belarus with approximately 350,000 inhabitants.
The media outlet's goal is to "cover important events in the city, country, and the world; report on the achievements of the people of Hrodna, its history and current affairs; to put this reporting into the national and global context." The editorial team also covers political repressions in the city and region, public procurement, and tenders.
With its reporting, the newsroom aims to "join the people of Hrodna in making the city a better place to live."
The website has traditionally had a focus on current affairs and lifestyle reporting, rather than chasing the news. An important element of its editorial offer is content for, and about, the women of Hrodna and the city's minority groups.
Hrodna.life, one of Belarus's most innovative local websites, regularly experiments with new online and offline formats. For example, the newsroom has published branded board games and also runs offline events to promote its coverage. To reach a broader audience Hrodna.life create a number of podcasts.
In 2021, the Belarusian government blocked the website and branded it "extremist information". In 2022, KGB RB (the State Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus) labelled it an “extremist organization", which can result in criminal charges against the editorial team. Consequently, most of the team has had to relocate from Belarus.
Last updated: March 2024