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 more than $90 million in financing to 71 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 will bring together all of our clients for two days of discussions in Bratislava, Slovakia, where our story began. We are also commissioning special films and publishing a commemorative book.
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.
