The private sector has a critical role to play in supporting a healthy information space, according to a new report released by the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in collaboration with the Center for International Private Enterprise.
Failing market conditions, the loss of advertising revenue to big tech, and autocratic encroachment in the media sector have made it difficult for even the best news outlets to protect their editorial independence and remain financially resilient, writes analyst Marius Dragomir. Drawing on case studies conducted in Czechia, Romania, and Serbia, Investing in Facts: How the Business Community Can Support a Healthy Infosphere identifies strategies for unlocking private capital and incentivizing greater engagement of the business community to protect information integrity and support independent journalism.
“Given the immense challenges independent media are facing, greater engagement of the private sector is critical to help save it,” said CIMA’s Deputy Director Heather Gilberds. “The business community also has much to gain as a healthy information space can strengthen markets and protect brand integrity.”
