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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, supported by 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.

Find out more about applying for financing or investing in MDIF

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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 20 years, our financing and technical assistance have helped scores of media organizations build robust businesses, strong enough to hold governments to account, expose corruption and provide a platform for debate.

$226.7m
total financing

362 projects
for 117 clients
in 41 countries

$104m 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 realize their full economic potential.

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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 by a median of 32%

After five years of working with MDIF, client sales increased by a median of 105%

Impact on society

Our clients impact their societies in areas including

Social issues
Corruption and accountability
Elections
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What’s new

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

Impact Dashboard 2018

Impact assessment is a critical part of our work. Since 2005, we have published our Impact Dashboard to publicly present the findings of our annual analysis. The Dashboard provides a…

Resources

MDIF Portfolio Review 2018: Interactive

The MDIF Portfolio Review 2018 presents an overview of the performance of our investment portfolio, including visualizations of allocations by geography, press freedom ranking and corruption perceptions. It also offers…

Resources
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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.

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