KUALA LUMPUR: Investigative journalism organisations around the world are developing new funding models by engaging readers as active participants in reporting, as traditional media revenues continue to decline.
The issue was highlighted at the 14th Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC25) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where journalists and media experts discussed ways to build stronger relationships between newsrooms and the communities they serve.
According to a report published by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN), media organisations are increasingly exploring audience participation, recurring donations and philanthropic support to sustain investigative reporting.
Florence Wild, chief development officer at German newsroom CORRECTIV, said news organisations should focus on demonstrating their commitment to audiences rather than simply trying to persuade people to care about journalism.CORRECTIV operates without a paywall, membership system or email-registration barrier, relying instead on a combination of individual contributions and philanthropic funding.
Wild explained that the organisation uses daily newsletters, reader surveys and collaborative investigations to encourage people to contribute information, expertise and ideas.
According to the report, approximately 60–65 per cent of CORRECTIV’s revenue comes from recurring and one-off donations, while the remaining 35 per cent comes from philanthropic contributions.The organisation also shares investigative methods, provides online journalism training and operates a collaborative platform known as Crowdnewsroom to encourage public participation.
One of CORRECTIV’s high-profile investigations examined discussions among German far-right political figures concerning the forced deportation of millions of people living in Germany. The investigation triggered widespread public debate and demonstrations in defence of democracy.
The reporting was subsequently adapted for a theatrical presentation, translated into multiple languages and distributed through additional media platforms, expanding its reach among different audiences.
The conference also highlighted the experience of Disclose, a French investigative journalism organisation that places the impact of its investigations at the centre of its reporting strategy.Pierre Leibovici, environment editor at Disclose, said audiences should understand how investigative reporting can contribute to meaningful social change.
The organisation works to measure and communicate the consequences of its investigations, helping supporters understand the public value of its journalism.The discussions at GIJC25 underscored the growing importance of public trust, transparency and community engagement in sustaining independent investigative reporting.
For newsrooms facing financial pressures, the experiences shared at the conference suggest that involving audiences in the reporting process can strengthen relationships with readers and encourage long-term financial support.
The approaches discussed also demonstrate that investigative journalism organisations can explore alternatives to conventional advertising and subscription-based revenue models while maintaining public access to important reporting.
As independent journalism faces financial and operational challenges, building engaged communities may become an increasingly important part of ensuring that investigations into matters of public interest can continue.
Reported By: Mirza Maqbool Baig I Senior Reporter
