Harlan Mandel, CEO of the Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening independent media around the world, emphasizing the critical link between press freedom and financial sustainability.
Speaking at the ongoing Media Sustainability Conference at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Mandel addressed journalists, media owners, and development partners on the need to build resilient media institutions capable of surviving economic and political pressures.
He noted that financial independence is central to editorial independence, stressing that for media to remain a watchdog of democracy, it must be economically viable.
“Independent media plays a vital role in holding power to account, but without a solid financial foundation, press freedom is always at risk,” Mandel said.
He shared how the MDIF, a global investment fund supporting independent news organizations, has helped media outlets across various continents—including Africa—achieve revenue-driven goals, long-term business planning, and financial viability. These efforts, he noted, have not only preserved journalistic integrity but also enabled media outlets to thrive amid shifting media consumption patterns and shrinking advertising markets.
Mandel also discussed successful MDIF-supported models that blend public interest journalism with innovative revenue streams, such as membership programmes, audience-driven products, and content monetization strategies. He encouraged Nigerian media leaders to embrace such models to build sustainable futures for their organizations.
The conference, focused on addressing the challenges threatening the survival of independent media in Nigeria and beyond, has drawn participation from both local and international stakeholders. Sessions continue to explore themes such as newsroom innovation, donor engagement, and policy frameworks that protect press freedom.
Mandel’s remarks served as a powerful reminder that the sustainability of media is not only a business imperative but also a democratic necessity.
