How we work
Starving independent media of finance is one of the most effective ways for governments to stifle criticism. News outlets that are denied capital to grow - particularly in times of dynamic technological change - will wither and die. Standing still is not an option.
A key investment, from purchasing a printing press to implementing an online revenue strategy, can profoundly alter a media company's prospects - if it has the management skills to take full advantage of it. MDLF provides its clients with the financing required for such investments, while helping the company build its management capacity to fully leverage them.
We typically finance projects that strongly advance a news organisation's economic potential:- digital expansion
- printing presses
- more powerful transmitters
- upgraded audio/video production equipment
- working capital for growth and expansion
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.
Track record
From 1996 to December 31, 2011, MDLF provided $113.3 million in affordable financing, including:
· $98.9 million in loans and equity investments;
· $13.9 million in technical assistance and other grants;
· Earned over $36.4 million in interest, dividends and capital gains;
· Collected more than $50.8 million in recovered principal invested;
· $0.5 million through Digital Kiosk, the secure payment service for independent media;
It has written off only 1.91% of the total loaned and invested.
MDLF has returned more than $16.8 million to investors. It ended December 2011 with a portfolio of $40.7 million in outstanding loans and investments.
