What is the value of independent journalism?

What do we mean when we talk about journalism value? What does this value consist of, and how can it be assessed? These questions are important to answer, if the sector is to argue for increased political attention, better framework in Europe and future funding and support opportunities.

At the Dataharvest, The European investigative journalism conference, in Mechelen, Belgium, JVP partners and other independent media came together to brainstorm these questions. We discussed the challenges media face, their value, and solutions for helping the sector become more sustainable.

We heard from participants on the funding and operational challenges newsrooms across Europe are facing, and the desire for journalism to have greater impact in an increasingly polarised and complex environment.

Here are some points that participants shared on the value of public interest media:

• It holds power to account, informs civic engagement and political participation, and helps with social cohesion.
• Public service role: represents and covers stories from communities otherwise neglected by commercial media.
• It serves as a platform for experimentation and innovation!
• Fights dis- and misinformation.
• Serves as a bridge between politics and citizens, and translates complex issues to readers.
• Increases diversity in the media ecosystem

A big thank you to everyone that took part in the sessions! We know there is no perfect solution to all the challenges we are facing, but we also heard interesting opportunities such as advocating for more supportive policies from tax to NGOs or engaging with new and local foundations.