Kathy Im
director journalism and media MacArthur Foundation
Martin Kotynek
founding director Media Forward Fund
Lucy Kueng
senior visiting research associate RISJ
Joanna Rozycka-Iwan
chief investment officer Media Development Investment Fund
The news media industry faces a structural crisis. While a few organisations have executed successful digital transformations, many are struggling. Public interest journalism is under particular strain, with local news outlets at greatest risk. A new wave of independent, entrepreneurial news organisations is seeking to fill the void. But these young ventures face the same challenges as their legacy peers and, as young organisations, even tougher odds. Many rely on philanthropic and development funding to navigate their journey toward sustainability. What drives funders’ choices? How do they decide which projects to back? Why do they pay so much attention to product-market fit and competitiveness?
In this panel, leaders from three major journalism funders will pull back the curtain on their decision-making processes. What criteria matter most? How can news organisations improve their funding applications—and build stronger, longer-lasting partnerships?
Moderated by Lucy Kueng.