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 7 of 10
Source Year Country Organisation Author
Digital Media Inequalities: Policies Against Divides, Distrust and Discrimination 2019 Global Euromedia Research Group Trappel, J. (ed.)
More than Money! Rethinking Media Viability in the Digital Age 2019 Global Deutsche Welle Akademie Deselaers, P. et al.
‘Adaptability is in our DNA’: how our partners make independent journalism pay 2019 Nicaragua, Pakistan, Ukraine Free Press Unlimited Free Press Unlimited
Fighting for Survival: Media Startups in the Global South 2019 Global Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) Schiffrin, A.
Pay Models for Online News in the US and Europe: 2019 Update 2019 Europe, United States of America Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism Simon, F. & Graves, L.
The Cairncross Review: A Sustainable Future for Journalism 2019 United Kingdom The Cairncross Review Cairncross, F.
Small is Beautiful. New Business Models for Digital Media: A Case Study 2019 Switzerland, United States of America Shorenstein Center Somm, M.
How News Events Foster Engagement and Expand Revenue 2019 Global Local News Lab Stearns, J.
Revenue Roles in Local News: Case Studies from Exemplary Civic News Organizations 2019 United States of America American Journalism Project American Journalism Project
Inflection Point. Impact, Threats and Sustainability: A Study of Latin American Digital Media Entrepreneurs 2018 Latin America SembraMedia SembraMedia
The State of Humanitarian Journalism 2018 Global Scott, M. et al.
Freedom of Change – A theoretical study of the intermediate outcomes of the Theory of Change of Free Press Unlimited 2018 Global, Indonesia, Nepal Involve Consultancy - Erasmus University Rotterdam Involve Consultancy - Erasmus University Rotterdam