Due to technological and social changes, the production and distribution of journalistic content have been altered, presenting challenges for the media sector, whether independent or traditional. The adoption of digital technologies in our daily lives is a key driver of these transformations and is part of a broader context of changes.

This disruption is the starting point for the analysis conducted by the report “Social Inequalities and Media Sustainability in Brazil“, recently published by InternetLab. The study seeks to understand the barriers and inequalities related to the sustainability of journalism and communication produced by black, indigenous, and peripheral/territorial media in the context of the popularization of social media platforms and the use of the Internet as a tool for information dissemination. In other words, how the structural inequalities of Brazilian society manifest in the daily lives of non-traditional media outlets.

To this end, the research has two objectives: (i) to present an initial diagnosis of the sustainability of independent media in Brazil, with special attention to the exercise of the right to communication by historically marginalized populations; and (ii) based on listening to interlocutors and data collection, to provide contributions to a multisectoral agenda that strengthens sustainability.

The analysis is based on some fundamental questions, such as: 

(i) what have been the main transformations in the independent journalism landscape over the past 10 years; 

(ii) what are the main difficulties and barriers that independent media initiatives face today? 

(iii) what are the possible paths to sustainability and increased plurality for these media in the public debate? 

(iv) considering the historical scenario of inequalities in resource distribution and access, what transformations, difficulties, and paths have the state and philanthropy taken?

The preliminary phase of the research involved holding a seminar with professionals from the fields of communication and journalism who work in media focused on racial, indigenous, and peripheral/territorial issues. The purpose of the meeting was to serve as a starting point for understanding the challenges and strategies in building a sustainable and plural path in the production of knowledge and journalism in Brazil. 

Initially, semi-structured interviews were also conducted with black, indigenous, and peripheral/territorial media, representatives of independent outlets that focus on gender debates or have no specific focus, as well as representatives of philanthropic organizations and researchers on the subject. The expansion of the profile of interviewees aimed to understand different perspectives of the actors in the field. Additionally, data were collected to identify existing initiatives, both private and public, for funding independent media and journalism projects.

To aid understanding, the report is introduced by a glossary that defines some categories used to classify and describe the field of organizations present in the discussions and the outlets interviewed or referenced. The creation of this research lexicon aims to provide an overview of the context of the terms and their differences.

Next, in its first chapter, the study presents a situational diagnosis showing how the expansion of internet access, on one hand, posed a challenge for traditional media, and on the other, enabled the creation of independent media and new journalism formats. Added to this scenario is the implementation of policies for access to higher education, such as the Lei de Cotas, which also affected journalism dynamics.

However, although these factors have contributed to a greater plurality of voices in the public debate, especially online, the research indicates that independent media still face obstacles that hinder their sustainability and consolidation. Interlocutors interviewed in the study point out that the state and philanthropy have not yet developed mechanisms to address the challenges imposed, especially regarding the additional layers of complexity in ensuring the sustainability of black, indigenous, and peripheral/territorial media. Specifically regarding the state, the report highlights the insufficiency of policies aimed at sustainable funding for these outlets.

On the other hand, given the deficiency of state action in encouraging journalism, the private philanthropic sector stands out on the national scene as the main funder of independent media. However, according to several media outlets heard in the report, philanthropy has an instrumental view of journalism. This instrumental view of journalism establishes a relationship between philanthropy and journalistic organizations focusing on agendas and themes of institutional interest.

At this point, we mapped 63 funders who have previously funded media and analyzed 89 calls for proposals. The survey data corroborate observations made by the interlocutors. Various requirements from philanthropic organizations constitute obstacles for resources to reach peripheral initiatives, such as lack of transparency in calls for proposals, requirement of a legal entity registration (CNPJ) and formal regulation, use of inaccessible language, and requirement of proficiency in reading and writing in English.

Based on the systematization of our interlocutors’ statements, we listed four points that can contribute to strengthening the sustainability of independent media: (i) creation of a state policy for the sustainability of public interest journalism; (ii) regulatory framework for platforms that includes the creation of a public fund; (iii) creation of a specific philanthropic fund for journalism; (iv) strengthening of black, indigenous, and peripheral/territorial media networks, through a process in which organizations can dialogue and form collectively.

It is important to highlight that the report is part of a broader research agenda by InternetLab, which is developed through studies that advance the understanding of the relationship between the Internet, equity, and access to information. We operate on different fronts, addressing the challenges that emerge with the changes in journalism dynamics, as well as providing the various actors involved in the discussion – public agents, platforms, traditional and digital-native media outlets, civil society, among others – with tools and inputs on the topic.

Acesse the report here, in english.