THE GLOBAL JOURNALISM CRISIS

FAILING CORE BUSINESS MODELS

DICTATORS, CRIMINALS AND CORPORATIONS

DWINDLING COMMUNITIES

Rising digital media has imperiled traditional business models. Local newspapers are closing, cost-cutting is limiting global coverage, and major industry leaders often lack a long commitment to journalism. Newsroom censorship is growing.

The autonomy of courageous journalists is increasingly compromised. Their ability to make a living is severely impacted given the perceived (and real) controversy their stories surface, and due to plummeting pay rates.

Threats from governments, companies and criminal organizations have made journalism that truly holds power accountable an incredibly dangerous profession.

Many young and experienced reporters are dropping out due to the risks and the lack of financial rewards.

Freelance reporters often find themselves lacking the institutional support and community to effectively face these threats.

A shrinking independent press is compromising society's level of informed citizenry, and discouraging community organization around necessary social change to protect the most vulnerable communities.

Without support, vital courageous journalism is at risk of disappearing.

Shelter and safety resources for reporters are patchy and insufficient

Major media outlets pay $200-$500 for a story, sometimes not even covering the gas bill, much less costs and time for research, travel and production.

Reporters are easily isolated and targeted by regimes, lawyers, and criminals, resulting in physical and mental health challenges that few freelance reporters are equipped, trained, or resourced to face.

Many philanthropies provide limited story-specific or temporary funding, assuming that independent journalists can earn a living, which is not true

Freelance reporting is risky and financially precarious, with reporters vulnerable to threats as pay rates and core financial support has fallen to unsustainable levels.

Yet these reporters play a vital role by bringing controversial, overlooked, and critically important global stories to audiences around the world.