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Like all businesses, media companies in emerging democracies need capital to strengthen and grow. Yet in many countries, independent news organizations are starved of affordable finance – credit usually comes at the price of compromising editorial independence. MDLF provides resources that enable its clients to build solid businesses around the core values of independent journalism.
From 1996 to 31 December 2007, MDLF has:
- Financed 161 projects for 64 independent media
companies in 21 countries.
- Provided almost $66 million in low-cost financing.
- Written off as losses about 3% of the total loaned and
invested.
- Ended December 2007 with a $30.5 million portfolio of
outstanding loans and investments.
Revolving pool
MDLF maintains a segregated, revolving pool of funds for its loans and investments. Loan repayments are recycled through the pool to provide financing for other news businesses. Most MDLF financing is given in the form of loans or finance leases. Maturities, amounts and interest rates vary depending on the particular company, business plan and country.
“MDLF offers the best [media support] model – that is to say, the most cost-effective at joining civil society and free press goals with a workable financial strategy.” Professor Craig L. LaMay, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University, USA
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