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 9 of 10
Source Year Country Organisation Author
More Important, But Less Robust? Five Things Everybody Needs to Know about the Future of Journalism 2018 Global Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism Neilsen, R.K. & Selva, M.
In the Service of Power: Media Capture and the Threat to Democracy 2017 Global Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) Schiffrin, A.
Lessons on Building Lasting Revenue and Relationships through Crowdfunding Campaigns 2017 Global Local News Lab Stearns, J.
The need and the opportunities for sustainability: the case of local radio stations in Tanzania 2017 Tanzania Spurk, C. & Dingerkus, F.
Advocating for Openness: Nine Ways Civil Society Groups Have Mobilized to Defend Internet Freedom 2017 Global Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) Oh, S.
Measuring the Business Side: Indicators to Assess Media Viability 2017 Global Deutsche Welle Akademie
Pathways to Media Reform in Sub-Saharan Africa: Reflections from a Regional Consultation 2017 Africa Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA)
Final evaluation report INFORMORAC 2017 Central African Republic Guioua, B.
Fragile Finance: The Revenue Models of Oppositional News Outlets in Repressive Regimes 2016 Global Cook, C.E.
Solar Powered Transmission: A Case Study from South Sudan 2016 South Sudan Internews Kassimu, I. et al.
Who Owns the Media in Bangladesh? 2016 Bangladesh Centre for Governance Studies Riaz, A. & Rahman, M.S.
Resource-Based Analysis of the Survival of Independent Web-Native News Ventures 2016 United States of America Massey, B.