Press Start:
Funding reporters where
the media isn‘t free
Jeremy Druker, 22. 5. 2015

Global press freedom sharply deteriorated in 2014
to reach its lowest point in more than a decade.
Source: Freedom of the Press 2015, freedomhouse.org Source: Freedom of the Press 2015, freedomhouse.org
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Dangerous times
And this is the most deadly and dangerous period for
journalists in recent history, according to a recent report
by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
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The few and the brave
But there are courageous journalists out there fighting back against
political and financial pressures, telling truth to power in spite of the
obstacles. They are investigating topics that keep big business and
governments accountable and providing exposure to topics crucial for
their societies’ democratic development.
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Press Start is a new crowdfunding
platform for journalists
• A crowdfunding platform for the best and bravest reporters working in
countries where the press cannot report freely.
• The site will unite people willing to support quality journalism and
freedom of the press with those on the front line: the journalists
themselves.
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What’s new
1. Focus only on
countries in
transition/the
developing world and
identifying those with
little access to
international
communities
2. More than just one-
off funding for a single
article, investigation, or
project
3. Strong relationships
with partners: collective
impact and revenue-
sharing model
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Collective Impact
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How It Will Work
Partners
screen
journalists
Individual
profiles for
every
journalist
Crowdfundin
g from
around the
world to
finance article
packages
Articles
published in
journalists’
media and
selections on
Press Start
platform
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Press Start is a Social Business
• From grant support to a
sustainable venture, funded by:
• A percentage of each donation
• Article syndication
• Advertising on the publishing side
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Next steps
1. Launch of Kickstarter campaign in June
2. Presentation at DW Global Media Forum
3. Beta launch of Press Start in July with six-eight journalists
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Stay informed
Go to http://PressStart.tol.org, sign-up for news and
become part of the project.
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