mediadev library

"The main finding of this study is that digital media entrepreneurs are deeply transforming the way that journalism is conducted and consumed in Latin America. They are not just producing news — they are generators of change, promoting better laws, defending human rights, exposing corruption, and ... fighting abuses of power. They are driven to produce independent news in countries that are highly politically polarized — and some of them are paying a high price for it [...] Nearly half the journalists interviewed for this study reported threats and physical attacks in response to their coverage. More than 20% of the founders and directors we interviewed admitted that they avoided covering certain topics, people, and institutions because of threats and intimidation. Others face punitive lawsuits, cyber-attacks, never-ending audits, and the loss of advertising revenues in retaliation for their coverage. Digital natives in Latin America have an even more important role to play than their counterparts in the over-saturated media markets of the developed world. News ownership is highly concentrated in these countries, and government advertising is frequently used to reward compliant media outlets. Even in the face of these legal, financial, and physical threats, entrepreneurial journalists are building sustainable businesses around quality journalism. The advent of social media and easy-to-use web design tools has made it possible to launch a digital media venture almost entirely on sweat equity. More than 70% of the ventures in this study started with less than $10,000, and more than 10% of those now bring in at least a half million dollars a year in revenues. After analyzing data on traffic, finances, revenue sources, staffing, and years in business, we identified four distinct tiers of business development. Diversified revenue was key to success, especially in the mid tiers, and we found more than 15 distinct revenue sources, including events, training, membership, crowdfunding, and native advertising. More than 65% reported they were earning revenue in at least three ways. In the top tier, where audiences reach more than 20 million visits per month, advertising is the top revenue source, but not the only one. In the mid ranges, there is no dominant business model and diversified revenue sources that combine advertising with audience-driven sources, such as events and crowdfunding, are crucial for sustainability. When we analyzed the lower tiers, we found lots of opportunities for improvement. Despite their dedication to quality journalism, more than 30% brought in less than $10,000 in total revenues in 2016. Broadly speaking, we found two paths to growing these businesses: building audience to drive traffic and advertising, or leveraging the loyalty of the audience to inspire micro-donations and the 15 other ways they are making money." (Executive summary, pages 6-8) more

"Este estudio es el primer estudio exhaustivo sobre el impacto que tienen emprendedores de medios digitales, los riesgos a los que se enfrentan, y si ha surgido un modelo de negocio viable para el periodismo digital independiente y de calidad. Para llevar a cabo esta investigación, SembraMedia, con ... more

"As media ecosystems in West Africa are increasingly diversifying and opening up after decades of state control, innovative and independent journalism is advancing government transparency and accountability. New opportunities for funders are opening in tandem, with potential for both social and econ ... more

Inflection Point: Impact, Threats, and Sustainability. A Study of Latin American Digital Media Entrepreneurs
Deep Insights

Strengthening Kenyan Media: Exploring a Path Towards Journalism in the Public Interest

Punto de inflexión: Impacto, amenazas y sustentabilidad. Estudio de emprendedores de medios digitales latinoamericanos
Deep Insights

People-Powered Media Innovation in West Africa: Accelerating Development & Good Governance in the New Media Landscape

Inflection Point: Impact, Threats, and Sustainability. A Study of Latin American Digital Media Entrepreneurs Deep Insights

Strengthening Kenyan Media: Exploring a Path Towards Journalism in the Public Interest

Punto de inflexión: Impacto, amenazas y sustentabilidad. Estudio de emprendedores de medios digitales latinoamericanos Deep Insights

People-Powered Media Innovation in West Africa: Accelerating Development & Good Governance in the New Media Landscape

Inflection Point: Impact, Threats, and Sustainability. A Study of Latin American Digital Media Entrepreneurs
Deep Insights

Punto de inflexión: Impacto, amenazas y sustentabilidad. Estudio de emprendedores de medios digitales latinoamericanos
Deep Insights