"Diversification with age: The media in this research are in a constant process of diversifying their revenue streams. Generally speaking, the longer a medium exists, the more income streams a medium has. This shows that diversification of income models takes time and patience. Donor funding remains
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important: Donor funding is a very important source of income, even within diversified income models. Media that do not receive any donor funding are generally either start-ups (less than two years old) or solid, long standing media houses (founded more than 20 years ago) that have a print edition or also broadcast on television. Most media generate advertisement income: Advertisement income is also still a very important source of income; a large majority of the media generate some income through advertisement. Even though digital advertising generates much less revenue than print advertisement once did, advertisement income is still a welcome contribution to the annual budget of media. Reader revenue in diversified models: Reader revenue is an important upcoming revenue streams in many contexts. However, it hardly ever is the first source of revenue, and generally becomes part of already diversified income models (three revenue streams or more). Media in challenging contexts are fragile: Across all the challenging contexts, media struggle to sustain themselves financially. In low income countries, and countries with a very bad press freedom status, growth or income diversification are not easy–almost impossible –to accomplish [...]" (Main findings, page 4-5)
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"The findings of this research show that Syrians, regardless of the party in power in the area in which they reside, have a shared definition of independent media. They define it as “unbiased”, “not favouring any side”, and “credible”. Syrian audiences involved in the research emerge as
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astute consumers who expect that the media deliver balanced reporting. In addition, media are expected to play a positive and constructive role in society. According to the Syrians interviewed, this is particularly needed regarding conflict resolution and accountability of the political actors. Moreover, Syrian (both audiences and journalists) express a need not only for crisis-related news, but also stories related to everyday life. Syrian media professionals have a long way to go to fulfil the high expectations Syrians have. From the in-depth interviews it is apparent that currently Syrians are very critical – and even negative – about the role and content of media organisations." (Executive summary)
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"This study presents a snapshot of the framing used in reporting on Syria. To ensure a diverse representation, the sample includes a selection of domestic (Syrian) and pan-Arab media organisations, whose alleged preferences towards the dominant parties in the Syrian conflict are mixed. The findings
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of the research show that many partisan media demonstrate significant polarising in their reporting. These media present biased, graphic and emotive images to their audiences. The black and white portrayal by these media dehumanises groups of people and has the potential to exacerbate tensions in Syria even further. Independent outlets are noticeable for their neutrality in reporting. Also, these media outlets diverge in their use of framing: rather than acting as a mouthpiece for a political actor, they follow their individual organisation’s editorial line." (Executive summary, page 3)
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