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Creating National Funds to Support Journalism and Public-Interest Media

"Global interest in funds to support journalism is on the rise, as governments and journalists seek ways to support quality information even as the business model has become more difficult. Some countries, including those in Northern Europe and the European Union, have been using these journalism funds for years, while others are just starting to consider how to set them up. In this policy brief, we examine government funds that support journalism in the funders’ country (not development aid). We summarise the existing literature, describe how such funds are designed and allocated, provide examples from around the world, and close with recommendations on setting up journalism funds to support quality news." (Abstract)
6 ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR ESTABLISHING A GOVERNMENT-SUPPORTED JOURNALISM AND MEDIA FUND
1 Identifying a need and building support for the idea of a fund, 2
2 Clarifying the purpose and design of the fund, 3
3 Ensuring the independence of grantees and regranting bodies, 4
4 Funding the funds, 5
5 Establishing eligibility and editorial standards, 6
6 Avoiding capture and other pitfalls, 8
CONCLUSION, 11