In this first issue of MDLF's quarterly newsletter, we take a look at measuring the impact of media support. With reliable data difficult to obtain, how can anyone – including funders – know that their work really is making a difference?

To try to answer this question, MDLF has produced the first Media Development Impact Dashboard, a detailed analysis of the impact our work has on the financial self-sustainability of independent media businesses. The findings are both revealing and encouraging – and we hope a useful contribution to the debate.

We also talk to independent media editors and owners about the growing phenomenon of 'soft censorship' – and how financial independence can provide protection against governments trying to influence editorial content through financial pressure – and introduce our first client in West Africa.

Measuring the impact of media support

As all donors, social investors and non-profits know, measuring impact is a challenging but important business. Not only do they want to know that their efforts are making a difference, but funders need to see that their investments provide value for money, and media businesses want to see that the support is effective.

To try to answer these concerns, MDLF has published the first Media Development Impact Dashboard, a detailed statistical examination of how its work impacts on financial sustainability. Its findings are revealing. Read more here.

Can financial sustainability beat the soft censors?

2006 was the most dangerous year in a decade for journalists, with 81 killed and about 130 in jail at the end of the year, according to Reporters Without Borders. Yet in addition to these high-profile cases, soft censorship - a more subtle and arguably more effective way to silence critical news media - happens on a daily basis. And it takes place in far more than the 21 countries in which these murders were recorded.

It is often not a knock at the door in the middle of the night that puts an independent newspaper or radio station out of business. It is a phone call in the broad light of day, perhaps from a state monopoly or private company with links to the government telling a chief editor that it will no longer be buying advertising space. But many independent media owners are finding that financial self-sustainability can provide protection. Read the full story here.

MDLF begins working in Senegal

The independent daily Le Quotidien in Dakar has become MDLF’s first client in West Africa.

In December 2006, MDLF made a loan to Groupe Avenir Communication S.A., publisher of Le Quotidien, to finance equipment for its all-news and information radio station, and to purchase a stock of newsprint. Le Quotidien's owner, Madiambal Diagne, was jailed in 2004 for publishing articles critical of the government. Read the full story here.

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