Rethinking Funding Models for Independent Media

Perhaps more than ever, independent media are being challenged to rethink how they sustain themselves. Traditional revenue streams continue to weaken under growing market pressures and the consolidation of media ownership concentration. Public funding mechanisms, meanwhile, often remain outdated and poorly adapted to the realities of independent and multimedia formats. Participatory models have provided important alternatives, but they too are reaching their limits. The question now is: what new forms of support can help independent voices thrive? How can communities be more effectively engaged in fundraising, decision-making, and shared responsibility? This panel will explore creative pathways for ethical investment, cooperative ecosystems, and new models of solidarity that can secure the long-term future of independent media and cultural structures across Europe. With: Julie Majerczak (RSF), Patricia Reguero Ríos (El Salto), David Kardos (CSM) Moderation: Francesca Festa (Médianes)