Investing in independent media

MDIF invests in independent media around the world providing the news, information and debate that people need to build free, thriving societies. We provide affordable debt and equity financing and also invest tailored technical assistance and advisory services to help independent media thrive and safeguard their editorial independence. Our clients are companies who continue to hold the powerful to account, protect the rights of the individual and provide a platform for debate.

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Investing for impact

MDIF provides affordable debt and equity financing to independent media in a range of countries where access to free and independent news and information is under threat. For more than 25 years, we have invested capital and advisory services to help scores of media organisations build robust businesses, strong enough to hold governments to account, expose corruption and provide a platform for debate.

$282.7m
total financing

142 clients
in 46 countries

$147.5m current assets under management

Full track record

Our clients

From digital startups to national multi-platform broadcasters, whether in South America or Southeast Asia, MDIF clients are vital institutions that underpin open, vibrant societies. Many are leaders in their market, renowned for their fact-based reporting and informed opinion. MDIF investment helps each one of them to realise their full potential.

Our impact

MDIF has measurable impact on the financial viability of media businesses. By working with us, media grow audiences and sales, strengthening their economic independence and enabling them to deepen the social impact of their work.

Impact on clients

Our work helps clients grow stronger businesses

After five years of working with MDIF, client reach increased on average by 190%

After five years of working with MDIF, client revenues increased on average by 205%

Impact on society

Our clients impact their societies in areas including

Social issues

Corruption and accountability

Elections

What’s new

Updates and resources from MDIF, our clients and the world of media investing.

Digital attacks are becoming the weapon of choice to silence media

Media freedom faces a daunting range of challenges, from censorship and jailings to physical assaults and murder. As if this wasn’t enough, in this connected age, a whole new line…

03 May 2022

News

Joanna Różycka-Iwan appointed MDIF Chief Investment Officer

Joanna Różycka-Iwan has been appointed MDIF’s Chief Investment Officer. Joanna, who has worked with MDIF for more than a decade, has stepped up from her position as Deputy Chief Investment…

27 April 2022

News

El Faro says, ‘No to censorship’

Leading investigative digital news outlet El Faro has removed all content from today’s site to protest the government’s most recent attack on press freedom. For one day only, it has…

07 April 2022

News

Russian occupiers publish fake propaganda edition of newspaper Melitopolske Vedomosti

Occupying Russian forces in the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Melitopol have published a fake, propaganda-filled issue of the independent local newspaper Melitopolske Vedomosti (MV) in an attempt to deceive local…

06 April 2022

News

See all updates

Funders and investors

MDIF funders and investors include a wide range of organizations and individuals who share our commitment to independent media. Their financing helps media companies in challenging environments build strong businesses that hold the powerful to account and foster economic, social and political development.