Global Media Development Community Unites to Address Journalism’s Economic Crisis

In a landmark initiative, the Media Viability Manifesto (MVM) has been launched by a coalition of leading media development organizations, including the BBC Media Action, Deutsche Welle Akademie, Free Press Unlimited, International Media Support (IMS), and the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD). The MVM aims to solve journalism’s economic crisis by fostering strategic collaboration, coordinated implementation, and systemic change in the way journalism is funded and supported.

The timing couldn’t be more critical, as the media landscape undergoes rapid transformation. African media outlets urgently require a robust coalition to address the pressing challenges threatening their financial sustainability. These challenges include chronic power shortages, declining advertising revenues, and the disruptive impact of digital convergence. By forming a united front, African media can effectively engage with and leverage partnerships from tech giants that now dominate the information dissemination landscape.

The manifesto consists of three main components: Concept, Strategy, and Implementation. It addresses actors engaged in supporting freedom of expression and access to information worldwide, including media development organizations, governments, donors, policy makers, think tanks, academics, and media organizations.

The MVM identifies four key areas of focus: Business and technical support, Coalitions and partnerships, Evidence-based advocacy, and Research and insights. These areas will guide interventions, exchange, and collaboration in the field of Media Viability.

According to the MVM, key principles underlying the initiative include the need for tailor-made solutions based on specific contexts, local ownership and integration of actors in partner countries, recognition of diverse information landscapes, and addressing broad challenges facing journalism.

The initiative seeks to enhance collaboration, coordination, and impact among stakeholders. It provides a shared framework for discussion, debate, and development, and serves as a starting point for joint research and advocacy agendas.

A draft Theory of Change for Media Viability was developed by the MVM core group, comprising representatives from the aforementioned organizations, and validated through an interactive online workshop. This shared framework aims to improve the impact and effectiveness of Media Viability programs.

By uniting the global media development community, the MVM paves the way for coordinated action to safeguard freedom of expression and access to information worldwide.

The MVM invites stakeholders to join forces in addressing journalism’s economic crisis. Through collective action, the global media development community can improve efficiency and impact in Media Viability, enhance collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, make a stronger case for donor support, and develop context-specific interventions and projects.

The Media Viability Manifesto is a crucial step towards securing the future of independent media organizations and ensuring the public’s access to quality information.

The Media Viability Manifesto (MVM) coalition is crucial now because it addresses the economic crisis facing journalism, which threatens the very foundation of democracy. By uniting leading media development organizations, the coalition can pool resources, expertise, and influence to create a more sustainable and resilient media ecosystem ¹.

The coalition’s importance is underscored by the urgent need for quality information and diverse perspectives in today’s complex information landscape. With the rise of disinformation and declining trust in media, the MVM coalition can help promote media literacy, fact-checking, and high-quality journalism.

Key Benefits of the Coalition:

• Improved Efficiency: By coordinating efforts, members can eliminate duplication and focus on high-impact initiatives.
• Enhanced Credibility: A unified front can amplify the voices of individual organizations and increase their influence.
• Increased Funding: A collective approach can attract more significant funding opportunities and resources.
• Better Representation: The coalition can ensure diverse perspectives and voices are represented in media development initiatives.