An Introduction to Funding Journalism and Media
Donors working around the world are concerned about the threat posed by closing space, including intensified threats against freedom of expression and information, and media freedom. This compounds the crisis that the field of journalism – a critical pillar of open, democratic societies – is already facing worldwide. At the same time, the technical and financial barriers to entry into the journalism field have never been lower, and the opportunities to innovate and have impact with journalism have in many ways never been greater. Against this backdrop, the journalism field is increasingly turning to philanthropy for support, including to human rights, social change and transparency donors.
An Introduction to Funding Media and Journalism, developed by Ariadne and the Transparency and Accountability Initiative and written by Sameer Padania, aims to help funders boost their understanding of the key issues, debates and approaches in funding journalism and media. We hope that this will help prepare funders focused on human rights, social justice or transparency and accountability to engage in the journalism and media field effectively and ethically, with a stronger shared understanding of why, when and how to do so.
Ariadne would like to thank The David and Elaine Potter Foundation for part-funding this project.