How can we expand the spectrum of capital available to support high-quality media as a public good?As news outlets rethink business models and threats to press freedom multiply, what can media funders learn from the world of impact investment? Is it possible to balance financial returns with the social good of safeguarding a robust and independent media ecosystem? Or is the entire premise a mirage, destined to disappoint as it creates unrealistic expectations of commercial viability in places hostile to media pluralism?
This roundtable is co-organised by the
International Press Institute, the
Global Forum for Media Development, and
Media Impact Funders.
The event will bring together philanthropic foundations and other media funders with impact investors, media development experts, regional accelerators, media builders and journalists.
In-person participation is by invitation only.
AGENDAWelcome remarks (11:30 - 11:35)
Timothy Large, Director of Independent Media Programmes, International Press Institute
Vincent Stehle, Executive Director, Media Impact Funders
Mira Milosevic, Executive Director, Global Forum for Media Development
Introduction and overview (11:35 - 11:45)
Anya Schiffrin, Director, Technology, Media, and Communications at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs
Fishbowl discussion (11:45 - 13:00)
Moderator: Anya Schiffrin
- Part 1 (11:45 - 12:10): Why invest in independent media? How can traditional business models be applied and adapted to the media environment? How do we define success?
- Duc Luu, Director of Sustainability Initiatives/Journalism, Knight Foundation
Tracie Powell, Founder, The Pivot Fund
Gerald Pambo-Awich, Investment Officer, Mission Investments, Ford Foundation
- Part 2 (12:10 - 12:35): How do we ensure that innovative investment and funding solutions are compatible with editorial independence and media freedom?
- Harlan Mandel, CEO, Media Development Investment Fund
Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro, CEO, National Trust for Local News
Saša Vučinić, Co-founder, North Base Media VC
Sharon Moshavi, President, International Center for Journalists
- Part 3 (12:35 - 13:00): How can independent media gain the confidence of investors and secure capital?
- Zoe Titus, Director, Namibia Media Trust
Joanna Krawczyk, President, Gazeta Wyborcza Foundation
Carlos Barrionuevo, Director, Public Media Company
Jim Friedlich, Executive Director and CEO, Lenfest Institute for Journalism
Branko Brkic, Editor-in-Chief, Daily Maverick
The rest of the roundtable will not be available online! Networking lunch (13:00 - 14:00)
Breakout groups (14:00 - 14:45)
Conclusions (14:45-15:00)
