Marking the end of its first year (2023-2024), MDIF’s Amplify Europe program has published a detailed report capturing the outcomes of its support for independent digital media across Europe. MDIF is also pleased to announce that two new media companies, Boulevard Bulgaria and Magyar Hang, have joined the program’s cohort. The program now supports 11 independent media in Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary and Romania.
Amplify Europe is MDIF’s business capacity support program for independent media from selected countries in Europe. The program’s first-year report details how its tailored mentoring, capacity building, and innovation grants have helped participating media companies navigate intense political and financial pressure, while strengthening their business operations and advancing sustainability.
The report’s findings highlight significant progress across the program’s portfolio. On average, participating media increased their revenues by 92%, audience reach by 39%, and staff capacity by 28%. This growth was supported by tactical funding and strategic support from MDIF, which delivered strong returns: for every €1 received, participating outlets generated approximately €32 in revenue.
These financial gains were matched by a growing impact on public understanding and debate. In Romania, three outlets: Hotnews, G4Media, and Recorder, were consistently ranked among the country’s 10 most cited media sources in 2024. Their investigations, coverage of national politics and innovative formats have helped drive public debate and increase accountability.
As Amplify Europe enters the next stage of extending capacity-building and mentoring to independent media, we are also pleased to welcome two new media outlets to the cohort.
Boulevard Bulgaria is a Sofia-based news and entertainment platform. Founded in 2020, the outlet is recognised for offering clear, contextual journalism that helps readers make sense of the bigger picture.
Magyar Hang, Hungary’s only independent, nationally distributed center-right outlet, operates a weekly magazine, online portal and YouTube channel. Known for its coverage of corruption, rural life and the environment, it remains editorially independent despite Hungary’s increasingly restrictive media landscape.
Amplify Europe’s results report offers a powerful takeaway for the media landscape in Europe and outside. With the right strategic support, even media operating under difficult political and economic conditions can grow stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable.
You can read the full report here.