Funders Circle of Media Forward Fund
Déjà passéThe media is under pressure - and at the same time facing a real opportunity. The Funders Circle brought together funders from across the DACHLI region to discuss new paths to success in public-interest journalism and the role of philanthropic media funding.
When 50 people supporting journalism from across the DACHLI region come together, they are united by both concern and hope: concern about the worsening media crisis, with waves of layoffs in many newsrooms—and, at the same time, hope driven by the growing demand for reliable, high-quality information.
More and more people are seeking journalistic offerings that provide orientation, build trust, and avoid the sensationalism often found on social media platforms. Media outlets that meet these expectations are increasingly successful. They combine the strengths of quality journalism with new tones, creative formats, and contemporary distribution channels. Their approach is constructive, forward-looking, and rooted in dialogue with their audiences.
Media Forward Fund currently supports eleven such media organizations across the DACH region. Public and philanthropic media funding can help reinforce and accelerate this positive development. This was once again evident at the Funders Circle on December 4, 2025, in Vienna. We would like to thank the experts who contributed their insights and perspectives:
- Juliane Schader, loky*
- Stefan Wallner, BÜNDNIS FÜR GEMEINNÜTZIGKEIT
- Luis Paulitsch, DATUM Stiftung
- Florian Skrabal, Dossier
- Nana Siebert, Initiative Zukunft Medienkompetenz
Many thanks for the valuable contributions - and to Maribel Königer of ERSTE Foundation for her warm hospitality.
Photos: Valerie Maltseva
