About the Project →

All over Europe small, independent media outlets are emerging. Countering the decline in traditional media, the rise of misinformation, they are still outnumbered, and face significant challenges to their survival.
The Journalism Value Project aims to advance knowledge of and debate around Europe’s independent media. It has three strands: The Survey, documenting the status, The Loop, sharing of experiences, and The Proposal, pointing a way forward.

• Strands of the Journalism Value Project •

Map the field

The Survey

Through an in-depth survey we mapped independent media in Europe, the various business models in play, and examined the sector’s sustainability in a report.

Share best practice

The Loop

In more than 20 interviews with leaders from independent media we share best practice and the lived experience of the pioneers of cross-border collaboration, and the challenges they face.

Reframe the debate

The Proposal

By hosting conversations and events we will build on the insights from the Survey and the Loop. We aim to reframe the debate around funding and support of independent media.

Reflekt’s Johanna Weidtmann on how to reach out to new audiences through influencers

Audience Fundraising Sustainability

News April 12, 2025

“Journalism is an essential infrastructure for democracy”

Independent journalism in Europe is under siege, but it remains a vital force for democracy, civic trust, and social cohesion, said Peter Matjasič at the Perugia International Journalism Festival

News April 11, 2025

The Proposal is now online

The Proposal or the white-paper that concludes the Journalism Value Project is now available online and was launched at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia.