First Media Forward Fund grants for Tsüri and Reflekt
The cross-border Media Forward Fund (MFF) has awarded grants for the first time to support sustainable business models in quality journalism that serves the public interest. Among others, the Bern- and Zurich-based media outlets Reflekt and Tsüri are receiving grants.
Tsüri received 400,000 euros and Reflect 300,000 euros, as the fund announced on Friday. The media would explore new avenues with different approaches geared towards the common good in order to expand their distribution channels or to attract more users for a subscription or membership.
At Reflect is reportedly an investigative medium from Bern that has been regularly uncovering grievances for more than five years, thereby achieving social impact. It is therefore increasingly trying to reach younger target groups by producing investigative videos for social media.
The digital city magazine Tsüriwhich has been reporting for a predominantly young target group for ten years, wants to report on the housing crisis in the city of Zurich with a new hyperlocal newsletter.
In addition to the Swiss titles, the two Austrian media On the other hand" (400,000 euros) and Dossier (390,000 euros) will benefit from subsidies. With On the other hand people with and without disabilities research and write, Dossier would like to expand the communication of his investigative journalistic approach and individual research findings on the theater stage.
9 million francs for underserved target groups
The Media Forward Fund launched its first funding round in 2024 as the first transnational fund for journalism funding in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A total of 136 media companies from German-speaking countries applied for funding. The funds come from several foundations.
The fund is endowed with nine million euros. Three funding rounds are planned per year. New applications are possible from March 2025. Funding generally amounts to up to 400,000 euros per medium.
The Media Forward Fund is open to media and projects oriented towards the common good after the idea phase. Media that fill gaps and focus on target groups that previously had little access to journalism are particularly eligible for funding. (SDA/swi)
