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Cracking the media management puzzle through insights, solutions and data. ▪️Website — http://thefix.media ▪️Newsletter— http://bit.ly/2Tsr0M9 Reach out: @thefixmediabot
AI image manipulation now challenges journalism’s core verification methods. In his latest article for The Fix, Alberto Puliafito offers tips for publishers – and a wider call for the industry.
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📰 This week, we look at how European newsrooms are strategising to keep readers informed about Donald Trump's return to the spotlight without overwhelming them, bring back our series on media careers with the editorial director at Romania's PressOne, and dive into Il Foglio’s AI-generated newspaper experiment.
📍 Read our newsletter in full for industry news, story recommendations, and fresh opportunities.
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For our series on media careers, we spoke with PressOne’s Ioana Epure about her job as Editorial Director and insights into transitioning from reporting to management.
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At an annual innovation award ceremony, Meinolf Ellers noticed a disconnect: while newspapers were winning awards for digital innovation, real transformation remained elusive. Print subscriptions continued declining, and digital advertising revenue wasn't sufficient to sustain newsrooms.
◾️ This realisation led to the creation of the Digital Revenue Initiative (DRIVE) in 2020, spearheaded by Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH (dpa), Germany's largest news agency. DRIVE helps regional publishers pool their data to find joint solutions using AI and analytics to gain more subscribers.
◾️ The initiative currently serves 30 publishers across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, charging €4,500 monthly for data analytics – equivalent to one data analyst's salary but offering broader insights and peer learning opportunities.
◾️ DRIVE's success stems from two key factors: publishers' trust in dpa and their recognition that digital transformation through AI and analytics was difficult to achieve alone. The initiative faced minimal resistance because dpa could bring different publishers to common ground, neutralising competition among participants.
◾️ One crucial insight was shifting the focus from quantity to quality media time. "The key problem of digital transformation in newspapers is culture. Many people still have print DNA," notes Ellers. DRIVE's data showed that readers who spent more time with content were more likely to purchase subscriptions.
◾️ This approach has proven successful globally – The Guardian and Le Monde increased subscribers despite reducing content volume by one-third and one-fourth respectively. The New York Times reached its 10-million subscriber goal ahead of schedule by focusing on reader-preferred content.
◾️ DRIVE implemented Dmitry Shishkin's User Needs model, originally developed at the BBC, to help newsrooms deliver more value. The initiative developed algorithms to help editors identify these needs and trained them to analyse data effectively.
◾️ The strategy helps eliminate "ghost articles" – content that consumes resources but generates negligible reader engagement or subscriptions. The Post and Courier demonstrated this approach's effectiveness, gaining 250% more digital subscribers after reducing daily output from 50-65 articles to 30 in-depth pieces.
◾️ For regional media houses, survival depends on modernising the user experience. As Ellers states, "Our only chance to survive is to bring to local journalism a user experience that is as cool and convenient as the user experience of Spotify and TikTok."
📍 Find more insights in the full article by Priyal Shah.
📰 Last week, we looked at how Berlin’s beloved left-wing daily taz seems to have cracked the code on reader revenue without locking away a single article on the website and what’s happening with US-funded broadcasters and their future prospects in Eastern Europe.
In another piece, we reveal how media outlets both inside Russia and in exile struggle to maintain operations.
📍 Read our newsletter in full for industry news, story recommendations, and fresh opportunities.
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Donald Trump's latest executive order has put Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in jeopardy, halting crucial reporting in increasingly authoritarian environments. As European leaders search for solutions, press freedom is at stake, Irina Matchavariani writes in her latest article for The Fix.
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Three years into the war, Russian media faces three key challenges: financial sustainability, self-censorship, and news fatigue, Veronica Snoj writes in her latest article for The Fix.
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📰 Last Friday, Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees critical outlets like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. These broadcasters have long been lifelines for verified information in press-restricted regions, from Soviet times to today.
While it’s unclear if they’ll be shut down or just weakened, this move is a win for propaganda machines like Russia’s and autocrats worldwide.
This follows the halt of US funding for independent media, impacting outlets across Central and Eastern Europe. The Fix has catalogued the impact of USAID funding cease across the CEE region. Most recently, last week Veronika Snoj wrote about what the aid freeze means for Russian independent media in exile.
📍 Read our newsletter in full for industry news, story recommendations, and fresh opportunities.
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Journalism today must go beyond serving audiences – it must build communities, Mark Lee Hunter, an author, scholar, and investigative journalist, writes in his guest column.
◾️ Serving “everyone” isn’t just unrealistic; it’s ineffective. Instead, focusing on shared values and interests creates stronger, more engaged communities that support and sustain independent media. Here are some more thoughts on this:
◾️ A community, at its core, is formed through shared practices or interests. It’s a space – emotional or physical – where people rally around common causes, values, or actions. Successful media organisations can become a central pillar for these communities, protecting their values and amplifying their voices.
◾️ Examples abound: Reddit fosters diverse communities of interest, while Greenpeace has masterfully combined activism with media to engage millions globally. Stakeholder-driven journalism, like the work of OCCRP or collaborative networks, highlights the power of coalitions between journalists and civil society.
◾️ The truth is that traditional media often fails without these collaborations. Studies and real-world examples—from the fall of Apartheid to environmental investigations—show that impactful journalism relies on alliances with communities and other actors who care deeply about the issues at hand.
◾️ We are also in a fierce battle against misinformation. Journalists fight as individuals, while adversaries—backed by oligarchs using bots—operate in organised armies. Platforms that flood the space with noise threaten to drown out truth. To combat this, trust is critical.
◾️ But trust today isn’t built on professional titles alone; it stems from community engagement. Communities trust those who share their risks, speak their language, and actively contribute to their wellbeing. This connection is journalism’s most valuable asset.
◾️ Yes, this approach will invite criticism: “preaching to the choir” or “living in a silo.” But engaging deeply with communities isn’t isolation – it’s integration. It’s about understanding what matters to them and delivering actionable, trustworthy information that empowers.
◾️ Successful media adapt to these expectations. Whether it’s finding your niche or aligning with your audience, the goal remains the same: building trust and delivering value. Communities want transparency – they expect you to show your beliefs, your mission, and how you plan to achieve it.
◾️ Ultimately, stakeholder-driven journalism presents a sustainable model for the future. As trust in traditional media declines, those willing to engage authentically with their communities are poised not only to survive but to thrive.
Read the full article for more thoughts on this.
Uncover the latest in media with The Fix: From Amphora Media's bold investigative journalism in Malta to crucial lessons on reporting sexual violence from the Pelicot trial in France.
📰 Also in this week's newsletter: updates on Politico's AI tool, NYT's European dominance, and Trump's VOA takeover.
📍 Read our newsletter in full for industry news, story recommendations, and fresh opportunities.
📍 Sign up to get the latest media-related news in your mailbox every Monday!
Europe’s most recent investigative outlet is relying on grants and membership to carry the mantle of Malta’s legendary muckraker. We spoke with Julian Bonnici, editor of the newly launched Amphora Media, and Matthew Caruana Galizia, head of the foundation behind the outlet.
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Denník N’s record-breaking subscription campaign surpassed its 10,000 goal in 4 days, hitting over 24,000 subscribers! A mix of flexible pricing (even 0€ 10-week trials) and a bold pitch to “help democracy” drove this success. Their “10 promises to Slovakia” included free archive access, expanding video teams, and free subscriptions for young voters. Have a look at our interview with Denník N’s CDO Tomas Bella for details.
📰 Also in this week's newsletter: Updates on Georgia’s press freedom crisis, Balkan media under pressure, USAID funding shifts, and industry news & opportunities.
📍 Read our newsletter in full for industry news, story recommendations, and fresh opportunities.
📍 Sign up to get the latest media-related news in your mailbox every Monday!
Since the advent of AI, major outlets have integrated it into their newsroom workflow. From Sports Illustrated's AI-generated fitness news to Yle's AI translations of Finnish news into Ukrainian, AI has entered newsrooms, yet many journalists don't fully understand its capabilities.
◾ A study of various professionals in Denmark found journalists were the second highest adopters of AI, with 64% using it in some capacity, despite the “black box problem” where many lack skills to discern how AI tools work.
◾ The Fix has compiled three key findings that offer valuable insights from the latest research, along with practical ways news outlets are putting these strategies into action.
◾ Research from the Fontys Academy of Journalism reveals journalists in regional Dutch newsrooms are uncertain about their ability to deal with AI, hindering their use of available resources. AI illiteracy also hampers journalists' ability to communicate needs to IT professionals.
◾ Researchers from the University of Zurich found that while most audiences resist paying for AI-generated news, younger and less educated individuals view AI more positively and are willing to consume and pay for AI-generated content.
◾ This is evident in The Economist’s Espresso app which is designed for younger readers. Last month, they launched an in-app translation feature powered by AI to reach a wider audience speaking Mandarin, Spanish, French and German.
◾ Interestingly, some studies from FHWien der WKW, Austria found that AI usage in news is sometimes seen as more trustworthy than human-made news, with participants reasoning that while journalists may carry bias, AI remains impartial.
◾ This is evident in practical applications: Argentinian local news outlet Diario Huarpe uses automation to produce multiple sports stories despite having only one weekend reporter, while ESPN employs AI analytics to enhance viewing experiences with real-time analyses.
◾ Research from Germany's University of Mainz shows that acceptance of news recommender systems for diverse viewpoints is higher only amongst those who already consume diverse news, suggesting publishers should focus on content personalisation.
◾ Norway's Adresseavisen successfully used AI to personalise their homepage, finding the best results when suggesting next reads at the bottom of articles. The Times' AI tool JAMES helped reduce subscriber churn by 50% through newsletter personalisation.
◾ A common thread in this research emphasises that complete automation isn't currently possible – human oversight remains essential. A human in the loop should be the norm to eliminate major problems. AI is for people, not a way to get on without them.
📍 Find more insights in the full article.
Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli’s arrest and 38-day hunger strike have become a pivotal moment for protests and press freedom in the country, Irina Matchavariani writes for The Fix. As she fights back amid global calls for her release, one question looms: Can free press survive in Georgia?
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February 24 changed everything for Ukraine and Ukrainian media. Three years later, these are our reflections on three years of war coverage from Ukraine.
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Redkollegia is an independent media award dedicated to recognizing high-quality Russian journalism. But how does it operate in wartime? Veronica Snoj explores in her latest article for The Fix.
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AI didn't replace journalists at Il Foglio – it revealed how some journalism has become so predictable it no longer needs humans. Read Alberto Puliafito's analysis.
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The media industry is navigating storms, but our community is steering toward solutions. Join The Fix and Jnomics Media for a refreshing morning walk through historic Perugia during the International Journalism Festival. Let’s shake off formalities and connect in person!
🗓 April 11th | 8:00-9:00 AM
📍 Meeting point: Fontana Maggiore, Piazza IV Novembre
☑️ Apply to participate 👉 https://forms.gle/1SfGggfzNc6nFb9F6
N.B.– We're inviting media managers, donors and decision makers to enroll, but the slots are limited, so we'll follow up with everyone to notify.
In his latest article for The Fix, Romain Chauvet explores how three European newsrooms are filtering the Trump information deluge while keeping readers informed.
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As AI tools become a growing part in media consumption, publishers face a new challenge: optimising content not just for traditional search engines, but for AI platforms like ChatGPT and SearchGPT, SEO expert Olga Odarchenko writes in her guest column for The Fix.
◾️ While some publishers view AI chatbots as competitors, they can actually serve as quality traffic sources. These tools act as content curators, directing readers to authoritative sources for in-depth information after providing initial answers.
◾️ SearchGPT, launched in July 2024, represents a new generation of search engines that combines AI capabilities with traditional search functions. Unlike ChatGPT, which generates content, SearchGPT focuses on searching and summarising existing content while providing direct answers and source links.
◾️ The opportunity lies in ChatGPT's March 2024 update, which began including source citations in responses, potentially driving traffic to credible news websites. However, publishers must first allow AI crawlers to access their content rather than blocking them.
◾️ A comprehensive AI SEO strategy should focus on original, expert-driven content that adds unique value beyond what AI can generate. This includes expert commentary, thorough research, and diverse content formats including video, which can increase organic traffic by 70%.
◾️ Technical optimisation remains crucial, with Schema markup helping AI tools understand content context and relevance. Publishers should also conduct detailed keyword research and optimise for clear, concise queries.
◾️ The threat isn't just about losing traffic to AI platforms – it's about the proliferation of AI-generated content flooding the internet. With current search engines unable to reliably detect AI-written articles, quality journalism becomes even more critical.
◾️ Publishers need to maintain high editorial standards while monitoring traffic patterns and adapting to AI platform updates. The focus should be on creating trustworthy, authoritative content that both human readers and AI systems recognise as valuable.
📍 Learn more in the full article.
📢 New support for Ukrainian media!
The Fix Foundation and European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) have launched a new wave of the "Voices of Ukraine" program to equip small regional media outlets operating in Ukraine amid the war.
Who can apply?
✅ Small regional media in Ukraine
✅ Frontline/hyperlocal outlets needing gear for reporting (e.g., mobile journalism tools, video equipment)
💸 Support: Up to €1,600 per journalist or €10,000 per outlet
⏰ Deadline: March 30
📍 Apply now ➡️ https://forms.gle/MXrQ71PinGovqbox7
✍ Contact us at VoU@thefix.foundation if you have any questions
📖 Read more about the initiative here.
The program is part of the Hannah-Arendt Initiative and is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Berlin's taz newspaper arguably combines the best of both worlds: solid print subscription revenue while keeping digital content free through voluntary reader contributions. For The Fix, Clara Nack looked at their model.
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From the streets of London to the inboxes of thousands, The London Centric is uncovering the city’s hidden stories. Jim Waterson's venture blends personal engagement and in-depth reporting, offering a fresh approach to local journalism, Irina Matchavariani writes.
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The U.S. aid freeze signals a bleak future for Russian independent media. To survive, they may need to rethink their audiences, Veronica Snoj writes in her latest article for The Fix.
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As many in the media have learned the hard way, good journalists are not necessarily good managers. But some can be, especially with the right training. Many of the traits that make one a good reporter, like curiosity and interpersonal skills, are no less relevant for managerial roles.
1️⃣ To make the leap, show initiative and think past the traditional church/state model
To get promoted, you need to be proactive and show initiative. Brad Wolverton, Editorial Director of HubSpot Media Network, suggests taking on smaller management opportunities before making the leap. “Take opportunities to mentor people and take opportunities to raise your hand when the team is going through strategic planning processes and participate.”
Raju Narisetti, who leads publishing at McKinsey, advises thinking beyond the traditional church and state model of journalism and embracing the intersections of editorial, business and product/tech. “I would encourage people to think about how church and state can work together. 'What are the skills I need? What do I bring? What do I not have?'”
2️⃣ As a manager, be generous with your time – and willing to help others
Kait Bolongaro, who leads a 30-people team covering Europe at MLex Market Insight, believes that a good manager should also have “the heart of a teacher”. Mentoring more junior team members is a big part of the job. “You have to go in willing to invest in people and be generous with your experience, try to find ways that you can help them.”
3️⃣ Learn to “take your ego out of the equation”
Star reporters are used to the limelight. Editors and managers, on the other hand, do their best work in nurturing talent, improving other people's work, and creating an environment where others can shine.
One potential solution is blocking some time for doing creative work as an individual contributor, whether as part of your main job or by launching a side project. Gerbert van Loenen leads a team of trainers at DPG Media but still makes sure to spend around one-third of his working time developing his own programmes.
4️⃣ Cultivate diverse interests
The higher up the chain you are, the more diverse skill set is required. Raju Narisetti says he tries to be “a couple of inches deep but a mile wide.” “Often you have colleagues, people in the team who are very specialised that you can turn to. What you sometimes don't have is a bunch of people who are broadly aware of a lot of things.”
5️⃣ Lean on your storytelling skills
Gerbert van Loenen points out that reporters are natural storytellers – a skill that is no less relevant for leaders. “I know we do need KPIs and clear objectives, but it's not the centre of being a leader. The centre of being a leader is telling a story. Where are we going? Why are we going there? How are we going there?”
📍 Find more tips in the full article.
The Gisèle Pelicot trial in France has shaped how news media report on sexual violence. Romain Chauvet looks at the lessons news leaders can take away in the latest article for The Fix.
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✌️ Good evening! Here is the recap of the stories we published this month:
▪️ Meta’s fact-checking shutdown sparks fears of disinfo crisis in Balkans
▪️ “It’s a shock” – end of US aid threatens future of independent media outlets in Balkans and Eastern Europe
▪️ How a Roma news agency relies on YouTube to hope to survive in Hungary
▪️ Trump’s chaos – early winners & losers in media
▪️ Can solutions journalism in local media be the solution to news fatigue in Spain?
▪️ 30 top European news publishers on TikTok in 2025
▪️ How Internazionale defies the decline of Italian print media
▪️ How AI avatars help inform Venezuelans and resist censorship
▪️ Three years of war: five reflections from our coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
▪️ “Fight before it is too late”: arrest of Georgian journalist signals media crackdown
▪️ 24,000 new subscribers in two weeks – Denník N's wildly successful anniversary campaign
Slovak newspaper Denník N smashed its 6-week subscription goal in just 4 days. We spoke with Chief Digital Officer Tomáš Bella about how they turned mission-driven journalism into 24,000+ new subscribers.
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US funding freeze leaves Balkan independent media vulnerable to smear campaigns and political pressure. Serbia's journalists face the brunt of attacks. Read our deep dive into the region's press freedom crisis.
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The future of journalism is undeniably visual. As social media shapes how audiences consume news, visual journalism becomes increasingly vital in cutting through the clutter and engaging audiences effectively.
◼ According to BBC World Wide News investigative and data journalist Lazar Čovs, social media platforms have redefined storytelling. "Younger generations don't want to click through to a website anymore," he notes, pushing newsrooms to produce platform-specific content.
◼ "If you think of the digital space, social media is the boulevard and our website is like a back alley. We're trying to lure people into the alley with candies, saying, 'Come with me!'—but they're not going to do it. They'll stay on the boulevard, surrounded by bright lights and ads."
◼ The Instagram carousel format has emerged as one of the most effective tools. "If you want to create a timeline or tell a linear story, the carousel can be a perfect format. It's natural for people to scroll left to right," Čovs explains.
◼ Similarly, TikTok’s rise as a dominant platform requires news outlets to create short, visually engaging videos that can convey key information in seconds.
◼ Scrollytelling has become particularly relevant for younger audiences who consume content by scrolling on their phones. "For them, scrollytelling feels completely natural," Čovs observes. "They scroll, and something keeps happening—that's how the story unfolds."
◼ A skilled storyteller or online producer, according to Čovs, must understand this dynamic and tailor the experience accordingly. “Knowing the semiotics of interfaces—where people are likely to look, click, or tap—is crucial,” he advises.
◼ Today's tools make scrollytelling more accessible than ever. With just a one-day workshop, he argues, journalists can learn to create simple but effective charts or graphs to accompany their stories.
◼ When it comes to ensuring that visuals are readable and effective, Čovs has a straightforward method: showing to one of two people in your newsroom with the least digital literacy. If they understand the visual, where to click, and how to interpret the information, it’s likely clear enough for the broader audience.
📍 Learn more about social media’s impact on storytelling in the full article.