"The interviews and the analyses by the experts show that: –– Quality content increases safety. The editors interviewed for this publication confirm that fair and balanced journalism, which clearly distinguishes between facts and opinion and treats the people at the center of the story with resp
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ect tends to lead to increased respect from the audience and makes the journalists less of a target for potential attackers. It also increases trust on the part of audiences as well as with advertisers willing to pay for content. –– Audience engagement plays a crucial role in terms of safety. No matter whether through a membership model, regular informal exchanges or listener clubs — an audience that values a certain media outlet will be less likely to accept any attacks against it. –– Flexible and resilient business models are a must-have. They help organizations to react to new threats, to adapt strategies, and to maintain high quality and independent reporting in times of crisis. –– No viability without digital security. A media outlet that loses all its data or whose data gets hacked and its sensitive sources revealed, loses everything: content and credibility. Online attacks are more likely and easier to carry out than physical attacks. Digital security is an essential part of any safety concept. –– Diversity pays off. During the COVID-19 crisis, women and minority groups came under particular attack all around the world, online and offline. To include their stories and perspectives is not only a moral obligation but also makes business sense as they make up an essential part of audiences anywhere on the globe." (Synopsis, page 39)
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"This paper presents a new set of indicators to assess the viability of news media at a time when the discussion about the survival of quality media is omnipresent, while systematic, fact-based strategies to tackle the problem are omni-absent. As digital transformation is sweeping through the media
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industry, marking the death knell of traditional business models, new answers are needed. Based on its Media Viability Model, DW Akademie has developed a framework that allows media managers, media development experts, and academics to assess individual media outlets or entire information ecosystems in a practical, solution-oriented, and tailor-made way. The Media Viability Indicators (MVIs) look at five societal dimensions that influence the functioning and quality of news media: economics, politics, content and expertise, technology, and the community they are serving. They allow for gathering data and evidence sorely needed for more effective and substantiated strategies. The MVIs also aim to develop a common language about what media viability actually means and enhance the discussion on what needs to be taken into account when talking about the future of news media." (Page 1)
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"The authors present regional trends from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, and Eastern Europe in light of global developments in investigative reporting, taking into consideration different muckraking cultures, and share examples of successful strategies of investigative media outlets. They suggest
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that a comprehensive and collaborative approach in supporting investigative media is needed to ensure a viable future for investigative media as well as the sector itself. For this, a model describing elements specific to the viability of investigative journalism is presented to help media startups, donors, media development NGOs identify possible areas of support." (Abstract)
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"This paper explores the role professional independent media and journalists can play in circumstances where people’s very survival may rely upon trustworthy information about conflicting factions, violence, or rescue efforts. It also looks at the approaches that have been tried and tested in ligh
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t of the major challenges faced by the international media development community at local and regional levels. These efforts in fostering quality journalism as a public good in itself can support the realization of other human rights. A professional and pluralistic media environment does not only provide the necessary information to survive from one day to the next, it can also maximize the chances for dialogue and help reconciliation and political transformation processes. It can be argued that media development cooperation in areas of conflict and in countries with authoritarian regimes is needed the most. However, it also faces the highest obstacles in being able to reach the right stakeholders, being effective, and keeping all those involved secure." (Page 3)
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"Even though Mexico is not at war, it has now become one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a journalist, and especially a freelancer. Since the Trust first visited Mexico in 2005, 18 newsgatherers have been killed and five have disappeared, four newspaper offices were the targets of
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bomb attacks and many, many more newsgatherers were injured and threatened. However, a great number of editors may not be aware of the dangers their freelance reporters in the field are facing, and the necessary training or insurance schemes are not easily accessible. In 2007, with the support of the Open Society Institute, The Rory Peck Trust carried out the first ever investigation into the situation of freelancers in this dangerous climate. Through focus groups and an online questionnaire, the Trust reached more than 300 freelancers in 16 out of 32 federal states and this report presents the findings." (Back cover)
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