Crisis and Opportunity: How Independent Media Can Learn from the Pandemic

On the one hand, sustained and unprecedented demand from audiences for trustworthy information presents an incredible opportunity for independent media; a chance to showcase the value of good journalism and hopefully build lasting relationships with millions of new viewers, listeners, and readers.

On the other hand, the decimation of advertising is disintegrating what little remains of the sector’s traditional financial model. It is alarming that media outlets are closing all over the world, even as demand for their reporting reaches unprecedented levels.

Therefore, what is most important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, is to understand the needs of the audience. This article highlights examples of media outlets which have actively listened to the needs of their audience and acted accordingly.

Author: JJ Robinson

Year Country Organisation Author Type
2020 Global Open Society Foundations Robinson, J.J. report
Theory of Change Keywords Download/link
Intermediate Outcome 1, Intermediate Outcome 3 covid-19, financial viability Download/link