15 years of supporting independent media
Much has changed since we made our first loan to the daily SME in Slovakia in 1995. From the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement to the Asian tsunami to the Rose and Orange Revolutions, our clients have provided their readers, listeners and viewers with vital news and information about their communities and the world.
As for MDLF, in 15 years we have provided almost $100 million in financing to 72 independent media businesses in 24 countries. Our loan pool of $500,000 has grown into an investment portfolio of almost $40 million.
We are marking our anniversary in a number of ways over the year, including by holding a special Media Forum which brought together clients, funders and friends for two days of discussions in Bratislava, Slovakia, where our story began.
We have also produced a 10-minute film in which six clients from six countries tell their stories and explain the effect MDLF has had on their businesses (you can also watch a 2-minute version), and published a commemorative book. The book's designers, Tronvig Group, have posted a blog explaining the thinking behind the design.
Check back here for details of these projects and other anniversary news.
Invest in press freedom
It's easy to invest in MDLF's work, providing independent news businesses with the financing they need to hold governments to account, expose corruption and fight for justice for all.
Impact
- In 2008, more than 32 million people in developing democracies got their news from 37 MDLF clients, an increase of almost 3.5 million from 2007.
- After 5 years with MDLF, current clients on average have increased their sales by 370%.
- For every $10,000 invested in 2008, MDLF supported access to independent news for 8,789 readers, listeners and viewers, more than double the 1999 level of 4,238.
