Media Ecosystems

Fondation Hirondelle collects and analyses data on media and the media sector, with emphasis on the production and broadcasting of news. Maintaining the ability to produce and broadcast fact-based, impartial, independent and reliable news is a daily challenge for numerous media outlets in many countries, especially those in the most fragile regions. At the same time, in areas affected by multiple crises, we note a significant increase in the number of non-media actors producing and broadcasting content. This news, often distorted or not fact-checked, gives rise to mis- and disinformation.

There are additional factors inherent to the media sector which must be taken into account. One of the major issues is that of media ownership and governance: who owns the media? Can editors preserve their independence in relation to those who fund their operations? This issue is linked to the challenge of funding. The media’s business model is in crisis. How do media finance their operations: with subscriptions and advertising, or through a hybrid model including support and grants? Digitalisation is also a key area. The development of new multi-channel formats and their impact on how information is produced and how audiences consume it have consequences for journalists’ work. Lastly, regarding security, we work in fragile situations where the security of people, goods and journalistic sources is at risk.