Media viability

Independent media around the world are struggling to continue their existence and remain independent. The changing media market, a decline in the trust in media, government interference in the working of media, or attacks on journalists are all affecting the ability of media outlets to earn revenue and conduct independent reporting. ‘Media viability’ refers to all factors that influence the (continued) existence of independent media outlets.  

The resource guide contains information on what media viability is in general, as well as on media viability issues that are inside the direct sphere of influence of media outlets. The concept media viability is however much broader than this. To navigate quickly to the sections of your interest, please consult the navigator below.

What is Media Viability?

An introduction to media viability: the definition and framework used to approach media viability in this resource guide as well as a summary of the current viability of the media sector.

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What Can a Media Outlet Do to Boost its Viability?

In this section you find information on the factors that are in the sphere of influence of media outlets. Here the focus is on best practices that arise from the research on a media business’ operating model, business model, relationship with the audience and quality of content. Also, this section summarises the research conducted by Free Press Unlimited on the income models of media in challenging environments.

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Support

Lots of practical information that can help media with the development of their business models, including links to accelerators and media labs around the world, guides and toolkits, and also more information about Roadmap for Media Growth – Free Press Unlimited’s toolkit for business model development.

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Evidence base: Media viability

Found 117 Results | Page 6 of 10
Source Year Country Organisation Author
Media Turn to Engagement and Creativity to Confront COVID Crisis 2020 Global Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF)
Revenue Roles in Local News: Case Studies from Exemplary Civic News Organizations 2019 United States of America American Journalism Project American Journalism Project
Medill News Leaders Project 2019: Sustaining the Business of Local Journalism 2019 United States of America Northwestern Medill Northwestern Medill
Emergency assistance for media in the wake of the Sulawesi tsunami 2019 Indonesia Free Press Unlimited Free Press Unlimited
Digital Media Startup Companies in the Arab World 2019 Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco Maharat Foundation Maharat Foundation
Unlocking Journalism Resilience: Adapting a Digital Business Model to Promote Press Freedom 2019 Global WAN-IFRA Heslop, A.
How the UNC-Duke rivalry helped two nonprofit student newspapers collaborate — and make revenue 2019 United States of America Perel, E. & Beck, C.
Lessons in Innovation: How International News Organisations Combat Disinformation Through Mission-Driven Journalism 2019 Global Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism Posetti, J. et al.
Big Data, Not Big Brother: New Data Protection Laws and the Implications for Independent Media Around the World 2019 Global Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) Férdeline, A.
How to Make it Easier for Readers to Subscribe 2019 Canada Facebook Journalism Project Grant, D.
Hungary: Conclusions of the Joint International Press Freedom Mission 2019 Hungary ARTICLE 19 International Press Institute (IPI), Article 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPFM), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Free Press Unlimited (FPU), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO).
Digital Journalism and New Business Models 2019 Europe European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) Bittner, A.K.