"In FY2024, the US Congress approved $271.5 million in foreign assistance through the US State Department and USAID in the category of “Independent Media and Free Flow of Information”. Of this, an estimated $150 million directly funded journalism and media support, with the remainder supporting the wider information ecosystem and enabling environment through related topics such as freedom of expression, technology policy and digital rights (often with significant overlap between programming). In 2025 and beyond, the vast majority of this funding will disappear – potentially for good. The sudden revocation of funding has dealt a devastating blow to local media outlets, forcing many to shut down or drastically reduce their operations. This has cut off crucial financial support and resources, leaving journalists without the means to continue their vital work when they need it most. The media outlets that have been most reliant on US Government (USG) funding are those operating in the world’s most challenging and volatile environments – conflict zones, authoritarian regimes, disaster-affected regions and underserved communities where access to reliable information can be a matter of life and death. In these contexts, other business models, such as advertising or subscriptions, are often non-existent or unreliable. And it’s not just media organisations that have been devastated by these cuts – associated support organisations, such as unions, training institutions, legal services, and advocacy bodies, have also been severely impacted. Many of the global media outlets that received USG funding have had to immediately cut staff and reduce coverage, while almost all face reduced ability to operate, and uncertainty around longer-term viability. For media operating in high-risk or authoritarian contexts, funding cuts have dramatically increased their vulnerability, not only by weakening operations but by exposing them to greater legal and physical threats. As “lawfare” tactics like defamation suits and restrictive media laws rise, so too do coordinated attacks on journalists’ digital and physical safety – deliberate efforts to silence dissent and suppress democratic discourse. While some partners have been able to temporarily maintain operations, without new funding, the resulting reduction in capacity looks set to deteriorate further." (Overview, page 2)

"When independent media deteriorate, the effects ripple far beyond the newsroom, undermining public health, safety, and democracy itself. The USG funding freeze has been a huge blow to the sector and the free flow of information. That’s undeniable. However, even small investments in public interest media can make lasting change, ensuring that vital journalism continues to serve communities and democracy. This is especially true in contexts where information is urgently needed, where press freedom is under threat, misinformation is spreading, and marginalised voices struggle to be heard. There are clear actions that can be taken which will have significant results, even at a fraction of the funding gap resulting from the USG cuts. Increased coordination and providing greater flexibility for existing funding are steps that can be taken right away. What is also clear is that the dedication demonstrated by media partners around the world, many facing extreme hardship, shows that the sector has the will to meet this moment." (Conclusion, page 12)