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. Watch interviews with a selection of clients and speakers on our multimedia pages.
We have also produced a film in which six clients tell their stories and explain the effect MDLF has had on their businesses (you can also watch a 2-minute version), and published a stunning commemorative book of photographs and essays capturing some the most important global news stories from the past decade and a half. 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 2010, more than 38 million people in developing democracies got their news from MDLF clients.
- After five years with MDLF, clients on average increase their sales by 213%.
- For every $10,000 invested in 2010, MDLF supported access to independent news for 8,944 readers, listeners and viewers.
- After 1 year of working with MDLF, client reach grows by an average of 33% and after 5 years by 71%.
