The Independent Media Map for Europe is an open, collaborative project that highlights the diversity and resilience of independent media actors across Europe. From investigative outlets and local newsrooms to cross-border collaborative networks, the map provides a comprehensive visual overview of the organisations, journalists, and platforms shaping Europe’s independent media landscape. By charting where and how independent voices operate - from Lisbon to Lviv, from Oslo to Athens, the project seeks to: - Increase visibility of independent media initiatives and their impact on democratic discourse. - Facilitate connections between journalists, researchers, funders, and advocates supporting media freedom. - Encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders and sectors. The map is open source and community-driven, allowing contributors to submit new media outlets and update existing entries. It aims to become a living resource - continuously updated to reflect the evolving European media ecosystem and the ongoing efforts to sustain independent, public-interest journalism. You can also access a Google Sheet, with detailed information - namely industry verticals, team size and funding/revenue models. For any new additions or remarks, feel free to reach out to me at agomes@contexte.com or via LinkedIn.
The Guardian is a British media institution founded in 1821 in Manchester, known for combining investigative rigor with wide-ranging cultural and political coverage. Unlike many traditional newspapers, The Guardian has evolved into a global digital-first platform, reaching millions of readers worldwide while maintaining its commitment to independent reporting. Its journalism spans hard-hitting investigations, explanatory features, opinion, and cultural commentary, often focusing on issues like social justice, climate change, human rights, and government accountability. The outlet is recognised for tackling complex topics with depth and context, providing readers with the tools to understand and question the forces shaping society. The Guardian is owned by the Scott Trust, a structure designed to safeguard editorial independence over profit. Revenue comes from a mix of reader contributions, subscriptions, and advertising, but its mission remains focused on public service journalism rather than commercial gain. This model allows the newsroom to pursue ambitious investigative projects and international reporting without undue influence. Over two centuries, The Guardian has earned a reputation as a global standard-bearer for quality journalism, shaping public debate, holding power to account, and providing a platform for diverse voices around the world.
Contexte is a French political and regulatory intelligence media that provides in-depth coverage of how public policies are made and implemented in France and the European Union. Founded in 2013, it operates on a subscription-based model and is fully independent and ad-free. Its team of journalists produces exclusive reporting, policy analysis, and legislative monitoring across key sectors such as energy, digital, environment, transport, and industry. In Brussels, Contexte’s EU edition offers subscribers access to leaked documents, internal drafts, and real-time insights into European decision-making, helping companies, consultancies, and institutions anticipate regulatory developments and navigate the EU policymaking process.
contexte.comEUobserver is an independent, non-profit online newspaper based in Brussels, dedicated to providing accessible, accurate, and impartial reporting on European Union politics. Founded in 2000, it is one of the oldest and most respected English-language outlets covering the EU, with a mission to increase transparency and accountability within Europe’s institutions. Its journalism focuses on EU decision-making, foreign policy, human rights, rule of law, security, migration, and the political dynamics shaping Europe’s future. The newsroom regularly publishes investigations, policy analysis, and on-the-ground reporting from across the continent, often highlighting institutional shortcomings, democratic challenges, and the impact of EU policies on citizens and civil society. Operating through a mixed model of memberships, subscriptions, and philanthropic support, EUobserver remains fully independent and free from corporate or governmental influence. Its open-access approach and clear public-interest mission make it a key resource for diplomats, policymakers, journalists, advocacy groups, and anyone seeking reliable insights into how Europe is governed.
Fumaça is an independent, non-profit Portuguese media outlet specialising in investigative journalism and narrative audio storytelling. Founded in 2016, it is one of Portugal’s most prominent reader-funded journalism initiatives, operating without advertising, commercial sponsorships, or paywalls. Its mission is to produce rigorous, deeply researched reporting that centres on human rights, social justice, and structural inequalities. The newsroom focuses on longform investigations and multi-episode audio series exploring issues such as housing, migration, climate justice, racial discrimination, labour rights, public health, and the functioning of state institutions. Fumaça’s work is characterised by months-long research processes, extensive field reporting, and a commitment to giving a platform to voices and communities often excluded from mainstream media narratives. Supported primarily through grants, donations, and contributions from its community of listeners, Fumaça remains fully independent and transparent in its funding and editorial processes. Its public-interest journalism has contributed to national debates in Portugal and earned recognition for elevating systemic issues that demand political and societal accountability.
CORRECTIV is Germany’s first non-profit investigative newsroom, dedicated to independent, fact-based reporting that promotes transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. Founded in 2014, it operates without commercial advertising and is primarily funded through grants, donations, and membership contributions, ensuring editorial independence. Its investigative team covers topics such as corruption, corporate influence, organized crime, environmental issues, social justice, and government accountability. CORRECTIV is known for long-term, data-driven investigations and collaborates extensively with other media outlets, NGOs, and research institutions to uncover systemic issues and provide in-depth reporting that informs public debate. Through its research, storytelling, and educational initiatives, CORRECTIV empowers citizens, policymakers, and civil society to understand complex issues, engage in evidence-based discussions, and hold powerful actors accountable. Its work has earned numerous national and international awards and continues to shape investigative journalism standards in Germany and beyond.
Mediapart is an independent French investigative digital newspaper, renowned for its in-depth reporting, editorial independence, and commitment to public-interest journalism. Founded in 2008, it operates entirely on a subscription-based model, with no advertising, ensuring its journalists remain free from commercial or political influence. Its newsroom focuses on investigative reporting, politics, business, and societal issues, with a particular emphasis on exposing corruption, financial malpractice, environmental violations, and abuses of power. Mediapart is known for its rigorous fact-checking, data-driven investigations, and impactful longform articles that often trigger public debate and institutional scrutiny in France. Through its subscription-funded model, Mediapart maintains full independence, offering its subscribers exclusive investigations, analysis, and commentary that help citizens, policymakers, and civil society monitor governance, hold decision-makers accountable, and better understand complex societal issues.
Follow the Money is an independent investigative media outlet based in the Netherlands, specialising in in-depth reporting on finance, economics, and public-interest issues. Founded in 2010, it operates primarily through subscriptions and memberships, ensuring full editorial independence from commercial or political influence. Its newsroom focuses on long-term investigative projects that uncover corruption, corporate malpractice, financial misconduct, and the societal impact of economic and political decisions. Follow the Money combines data journalism, cross-border research, and explanatory reporting to reveal how economic and policy structures affect citizens and institutions alike. Through its subscription-based and membership-supported model, Follow the Money provides subscribers with exclusive investigations, analysis, and reporting that help journalists, policymakers, and the public understand complex financial systems, anticipate regulatory developments, and hold powerful actors accountable.
De Correspondent is an independent Dutch digital news platform focused on in-depth, explanatory, and investigative journalism. Founded in 2013, it operates on a membership-based model without advertising, allowing its journalists to remain fully independent and pursue stories that matter without commercial or political pressures. Its newsroom produces longform articles, investigative reports, and analytical features on topics such as politics, science, technology, climate, and society. De Correspondent is known for slow journalism that prioritizes context, research, and insight, helping readers understand the systemic forces shaping national and global developments. Through its membership model, De Correspondent engages a dedicated community of subscribers, providing them with exclusive reporting, well-researched analysis, and deep dives into complex issues - empowering citizens to stay informed, think critically, and participate in public debate.
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) is an independent UK-based nonprofit newsroom dedicated to investigative reporting that holds power to account and informs public debate. Founded in 2010, it operates without commercial advertising and relies on grants, philanthropic funding, and partnerships to maintain full editorial independence. Its journalists focus on in-depth investigations across key areas such as government accountability, public spending, human rights, environmental issues, corporate misconduct, and security policy. TBIJ is known for rigorous data-driven reporting, cross-border collaborations, and long-term investigative projects that uncover systemic failures and abuses of power. Through its nonprofit model, TBIJ provides high-impact investigations, analyses, and multimedia reporting that enable policymakers, civil society, and the public to understand complex issues, scrutinize decision-makers, and promote transparency and accountability.
A Mensagem de Lisboa is an independent Portuguese digital media outlet focused on local and city-level news in Lisbon. Founded in 2021, it operates on a membership- and subscription-based model, ensuring editorial independence and freedom from commercial or political influence. Its newsroom covers municipal politics, social issues, culture, urban development, and community affairs, producing investigative reporting, feature stories, and explanatory journalism that highlight issues affecting Lisbon’s citizens and neighbourhoods. The outlet emphasizes transparency, accountability, and civic engagement, giving a voice to local communities and fostering informed public debate. Through its membership-supported model, A Mensagem de Lisboa provides readers with exclusive insights into city governance, social dynamics, and cultural developments, empowering citizens to better understand and engage with the issues shaping Lisbon’s urban life.
Maldita.es is an independent Spanish digital newsroom dedicated to fact‑checking, media literacy, and public‑interest journalism. Founded in 2017, it operates on a non‑profit model supported by grants, donations, and partnerships, ensuring editorial independence and freedom from commercial or political influence. Its newsroom focuses on verifying information, debunking misinformation and disinformation, promoting transparency in public discourse, and producing investigative reports and explanatory content on politics, society, and current affairs. Maldita.es is known for its rigorous fact‑checking methodology, accessible myth‑busting tools, and clear, evidence‑based reporting that helps readers distinguish fact from falsehood. Funded by grants and reader donations, Maldita.es offers open access to its fact-checking tools, investigative reports, and educational content. Its work helps citizens, educators, and civil society critically assess information, navigate misinformation, and make well-informed decisions in today’s complex media landscape.
Denník N is an independent Slovak digital newspaper focused on investigative reporting, explanatory journalism, and in-depth analysis of politics and society. Founded in 2014 by journalists seeking editorial independence, it operates primarily on a subscription-based model, ensuring freedom from advertising and political influence. Its newsroom covers national politics, public institutions, corruption, social issues, and culture, producing investigative reports, longform stories, and analytical pieces that hold power to account and provide context to complex developments. Denník N is known for rigorous fact-checking, data-driven reporting, and a commitment to transparency and public-interest journalism. Supported by subscriptions, Denník N provides in-depth investigations and insightful analysis that help readers make sense of Slovakia’s political and social landscape. Its reporting equips citizens, civil society, and policymakers with the information needed to follow governance, understand policy changes, and engage thoughtfully in public life.
Domani is an independent Italian daily newspaper dedicated to investigative reporting, political analysis, and public-interest journalism. Founded in 2020 by journalists seeking editorial independence, it operates primarily on a subscription-based model, ensuring freedom from advertising and commercial or political influence. Its newsroom covers national politics, government accountability, social issues, culture, and economic developments, producing investigative reports, longform articles, and analytical pieces that hold public institutions and powerful actors accountable. Domani is known for rigorous reporting, data-driven analysis, and a commitment to transparency and civic engagement. Supported by subscriptions, Domani provides in-depth reporting and investigative analysis on Italian politics and society. Its journalism gives readers the tools to follow government decisions, uncover underreported issues, and engage thoughtfully in civic and public life.
Reporterre is an independent French digital media outlet dedicated to environmental journalism, ecological investigations, and public-interest reporting on climate and sustainability. Founded in 2007, it operates as a non-profit supported by reader donations and grants, ensuring full editorial independence and the absence of advertising or commercial influence. Its newsroom focuses on climate policy, biodiversity, pollution, energy transition, environmental justice, social movements, and the political and economic forces shaping ecological challenges. Reporterre is known for its on-the-ground reporting, investigative work, explanatory journalism, and consistent attention to grassroots actors, activists, and scientific perspectives that are often overlooked by mainstream media. Through its donation-supported model, Reporterre provides free access to all of its journalism, enabling citizens, researchers, civil society organisations, and policymakers to track environmental developments, understand systemic ecological issues, and participate in informed democratic debate around climate and sustainability.
The European Correspondent is an independent digital news outlet focused on European politics, policy, and society. Launched in 2022, it was created to provide accessible, cross-border journalism on EU affairs without reliance on corporate ownership or political affiliation. Its coverage spans EU institutions, European governance, social and economic policy, and civic life across the continent. The newsroom prioritises explanatory reporting and analysis, helping readers navigate complex legislative processes, policy debates, and the real-world implications of European decision-making for citizens in different member states. The outlet is primarily sustained through reader donations, complemented by limited advertising. This reader-supported model allows The European Correspondent to maintain editorial independence while focusing on clarity, public value, and long-term understanding rather than traffic-driven news cycles.
Le Courrier is a Geneva-based independent newspaper founded in 1868, one of the oldest continuously running titles in Switzerland. Over its long history, it has evolved into a publication with a clear social mission, giving voice to stories and debates that often sit at the margins of mainstream coverage. Rather than focusing on breaking news, Le Courrier places its energy into public-interest reporting, social justice issues, and civic life, highlighting the experiences of communities shaped by inequality, political decisions, or economic change. Its journalism blends local scrutiny with broader reflections on society, aiming to spark dialogue rather than simply document events. The paper is published by a non-profit cooperative, a structure designed to protect its autonomy. It relies on subscriptions, donations, and reader backing, intentionally distancing itself from powerful corporate or political interests. This model ensures that editorial choices are shaped by public responsibility, not commercial pressure. Today, Le Courrier stands as a steadfast independent voice in Swiss media: principled, community-centered, and committed to journalism that challenges, informs, and brings overlooked perspectives to the forefront.
Byline Times is an independent UK-based news outlet dedicated to in-depth investigative journalism, political analysis, and public-interest reporting. Founded in 2019 as an extension of Byline, it operates on a hybrid model of subscriptions, memberships and reader support, ensuring editorial independence and freedom from commercial and political influence. Its newsroom focuses on a wide range of topics including government accountability, corporate influence, democratic transparency, human rights, environmental issues, and social justice. Byline Times is known for its rigorous investigations, longform features, and analytical commentary that challenge mainstream narratives and explore power structures shaping public life. Funded by subscriptions and reader support, Byline Times provides investigative reporting and in-depth analysis that sheds light on political and social power structures. Its journalism helps citizens, researchers, and civil society navigate complex issues, hold decision-makers accountable, and engage critically with public discourse.
taz (die tageszeitung) is an independent German daily newspaper known for its cooperative ownership model, progressive editorial stance, and commitment to investigative and explanatory journalism. Founded in 1978, it operates on a subscription and advertising-supported model while maintaining full editorial independence through its cooperative structure. Its newsroom covers national and international politics, social issues, environmental policy, culture, and human rights, producing investigative reports, analyses, and longform features that hold institutions and public actors accountable. taz is recognized for its rigorous reporting, critical perspective, and dedication to transparency, social justice, and public-interest journalism. Supported by its cooperative ownership, subscriptions, and selective advertising, taz produces independent journalism that helps readers navigate Germany’s political and social landscape. Its reporting provides context, uncovers power dynamics, and equips citizens and civil society to engage meaningfully with current affairs.
Civio is an independent Spanish non‑profit media and transparency organisation dedicated to data‑driven reporting and accountability journalism. Founded in 2007, it operates through a combination of grants, collaborations, and reader support, maintaining editorial independence and avoiding commercial or political influence. Its team focuses on analysing public spending, political transparency, institutional performance, healthcare, and public policy, producing investigative projects, interactive data tools, and explanatory stories that demystify complex systems. Civio is known for transforming public datasets into accessible insights and for projects that increase government accountability and improve civic understanding. By combining rigorous investigative work with open research tools and accessible analysis, Civio helps citizens, journalists, researchers, and civil society track institutional behaviour, uncover inefficiencies and inequalities, and engage more confidently with public affairs in Spain.
El Salto is an independent Spanish digital media cooperative dedicated to in-depth reporting, investigative journalism, and social commentary. Founded in 2017 through the merger of several regional independent outlets, it operates on a membership- and subscription-based model, ensuring editorial independence and freedom from commercial or political pressures. Its newsroom covers national and regional politics, social movements, human rights, environmental issues, and cultural affairs, producing investigative reports, longform features, and analytical articles. El Salto is known for amplifying underreported stories, highlighting civic engagement, and promoting public-interest journalism that scrutinizes power structures and societal challenges. Operating as a cooperative funded by its readers, El Salto delivers independent reporting and in-depth analysis on political and social issues. Its journalism gives citizens and civil society the context and tools to follow developments, uncover underreported stories, and engage meaningfully in public life.
Republik is an independent, member-funded digital magazine based in Switzerland, known for its longform journalism and commitment to editorial independence. Founded in 2018, it operates without advertising and is fully financed by its community of readers. Its newsroom produces in-depth investigations, explanatory reporting, and analytical pieces on Swiss politics, public institutions, justice, society, and culture, with a strong emphasis on transparency and public-interest journalism. Republik’s model prioritises quality over speed, offering subscribers carefully researched stories that contextualise policy decisions, scrutinise power structures, and explore the broader societal implications behind major national debates.
Long Play is an independent Finnish digital media outlet dedicated to longform investigative journalism, narrative reporting, and deep explanatory storytelling. Founded in 2013, it operates primarily on a subscription- and membership-based model, allowing its journalists to pursue complex, time-intensive investigations free from commercial pressure and daily news cycles. Its newsroom focuses on corruption, societal issues, politics, science, culture, and structural injustices, producing meticulously researched longform articles that combine investigative depth with literary-quality narrative. Long Play is known for pioneering “slow journalism” in Finland, investing months in each story and publishing only a select number of high-impact investigations every year. Through its reader-supported model, Long Play delivers exclusive, in-depth reporting that helps citizens, academics, civil society, and policymakers understand major societal challenges, scrutinise power, and engage meaningfully with public debate. Its commitment to quality, transparency, and rigorous fact-checking has made it one of the most respected independent journalism initiatives in the Nordic media landscape.
infoLibre is an independent Spanish digital newspaper focused on investigative reporting, political analysis, and public-interest journalism. Founded in 2013, it operates primarily on a subscription-based and reader-supported model, ensuring editorial independence and freedom from commercial or political influence. Its newsroom covers national politics, government accountability, social issues, corruption, and economic developments, producing investigative reports, longform articles, and analytical pieces. infoLibre is known for its rigorous fact-checking, data-driven journalism, and commitment to providing context and insight into complex political and societal issues in Spain. Through its subscription and membership-funded model, infoLibre delivers exclusive reporting and in-depth analysis to its readers, empowering citizens, civil society, and policymakers to monitor governance, anticipate policy developments, and engage in informed public debate.
BIRN / Balkan Insight is an independent, non-profit media network covering investigative and public-interest journalism across the Western Balkans. Founded in 2004, it operates with support from grants, philanthropic funding, and international partnerships, ensuring full editorial independence and a focus on accountability, human rights, and transparency. Its newsroom produces in-depth reporting on politics, governance, corruption, organized crime, human rights, and social issues in the region. BIRN / Balkan Insight is known for cross-border investigations, collaborative projects, and rigorous data-driven journalism that sheds light on systemic challenges and institutional shortcomings across the Balkans. Funded through grants, BIRN / Balkan Insight produces in-depth investigations, multimedia stories, and regional analysis that illuminate political and social developments across the Balkans. Its reporting helps citizens, civil society, and policymakers track accountability, uncover hidden dynamics, and stay informed about issues shaping the region.
eldiario.es is an independent Spanish digital newspaper dedicated to investigative and explanatory journalism. Founded in 2012, it operates on a hybrid model of memberships, subscriptions, and advertising, allowing its journalists to maintain editorial independence while producing high-quality reporting. Its newsroom covers national and international politics, social issues, economic transparency, human rights, and cultural affairs. eldiario.es is known for in-depth investigations, data-driven reporting, and longform journalism that hold power to account and provide context to complex societal developments. Funded through subscriptions and reader support, infoLibre delivers in-depth investigations and insightful reporting on Spain’s political and social landscape. By uncovering underreported stories and providing clear analysis, it helps readers make sense of current developments and the broader implications for society and governance.
Zetland is an independent Danish digital media outlet focused on slow journalism, deep storytelling, and explanatory reporting. Founded in 2012, it operates on a membership-based model with no traditional advertising, ensuring editorial independence and a strong community-driven approach to journalism. Its newsroom covers national politics, society, culture, climate, technology, and economic developments, producing longform articles, narrative audio pieces, and clear, context-rich explainers. Zetland is known for its distinctive storytelling style, its focus on solutions-oriented journalism, and its commitment to helping readers and listeners understand complex issues through accessible, human-centred narratives. Through its membership-funded model, Zetland provides high-quality reporting and analysis directly to its community, enabling citizens, students, and policymakers to gain deeper insight into national debates, societal trends, and the forces shaping Denmark. Its emphasis on transparency, reader engagement, and narrative depth has made it one of the most trusted and innovative independent media organisations in the Nordic region.
openDemocracy is an independent, non-profit global media platform founded in 2001, dedicated to public-interest journalism, democratic transparency, and human rights. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, it publishes investigative reporting, analysis, and commentary that examine power structures, political systems, and social justice issues around the world. Its newsroom focuses on themes such as democratic governance, inequality, gender rights, corruption, dark money, and the influence of corporate and political actors on public life. Through cross-border investigations and collaborations, openDemocracy has exposed abuses of power, unethical lobbying, and hidden financial networks with significant public impact. Operating on a grants- and donation-funded model without paywalls, openDemocracy provides open access to all its content, ensuring that its reporting can be freely used by citizens, researchers, and civil society organisations working to strengthen democratic accountability globally.
The Kyiv Independent is an independent English-language news outlet based in Ukraine, dedicated to providing accurate, in-depth reporting on Ukrainian politics, society, and international affairs. Founded in 2021 by journalists from the former Kyiv Post newsroom, it operates on a combination of reader donations, subscriptions, and grants, ensuring full editorial independence. Its newsroom covers national and international politics, security and defense, human rights, conflict reporting, and societal issues, producing investigative journalism, longform features, and analytical pieces. The Kyiv Independent is known for rigorous fact-checking, real-time coverage, and comprehensive analysis that provides context to complex events, particularly in times of crisis. Supported by reader contributions and grants, The Kyiv Independent provides in-depth reporting and analysis on Ukraine’s political, social, and security landscape. Its journalism equips citizens, researchers, and civil society with the information needed to follow developments, assess emerging trends, and engage thoughtfully in public discussion.
Investigate Europe is an independent, non-profit network of investigative journalists reporting on cross-border issues across the European Union. Founded in 2016, it operates through grants, membership contributions, and partnerships with other media outlets, maintaining full editorial independence and a focus on public-interest journalism. Its newsroom collaborates on long-term, data-driven investigations covering EU institutions, policy implementation, governance, environmental issues, migration, social justice, and corporate influence. Investigate Europe is known for uncovering systemic problems that transcend national borders and for providing in-depth explanatory reporting that contextualizes complex European affairs. Through its grant and membership-supported model, Investigate Europe publishes exclusive investigative stories, analyses, and collaborative reports that help citizens, journalists, policymakers, and civil society organizations better understand EU policymaking, anticipate regulatory developments, and hold institutions accountable.
IrpiMedia is an independent Italian investigative journalism outlet focused on organised crime, corruption, financial crime, and abuses of power. Created in 2020 as the digital platform of the Investigative Reporting Project Italy (IRPI), it operates as a non-profit supported by grants, donations, and collaborative investigative projects, ensuring complete editorial independence from commercial and political interests. Its newsroom covers cross-border crime networks, mafia activities, illicit financial flows, environmental crime, human rights violations, and institutional misconduct. IrpiMedia is known for its deep investigative reporting, collaborative work with international investigative consortia, data-driven methodology, and its ability to uncover complex stories that intersect crime, politics, and global systems. Through its grant and donation-supported model, IrpiMedia provides high-impact investigations, reporting, and analysis to the public, enabling citizens, academics, law-enforcement observers, and civil society to understand criminal dynamics, track systemic corruption, and follow the consequences of organised crime for governance, economy, and society in Italy and beyond.
Telex is an independent Hungarian digital daily focused on politics, society, and investigative journalism. Founded in 2020 by journalists committed to editorial independence, it operates on a reader-funded model that ensures freedom from advertising and political influence. Its newsroom produces in-depth reporting, investigative stories, and explanatory articles covering national and international politics, civil rights, public policy, and social issues. Telex emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the protection of press freedom, providing thorough analysis and contextual reporting for its readers. Supported by its members and readers, Telex provides independent reporting and investigative stories that shed light on Hungary’s political landscape. Its journalism helps citizens, civil society, and policymakers follow key developments, hold institutions accountable, and engage with public issues in a well-informed way.
Krautreporter is a German, membership-driven digital publication known for its explanatory journalism, community engagement, and solutions-oriented reporting. Founded in 2014 after one of the country’s most successful media crowdfunding campaigns, it was created to counter information overload by producing slower, more thoughtful journalism grounded in clarity and transparency. Its newsroom focuses on politics, society, environment, digital rights, and global affairs, but with a distinctive angle: instead of chasing daily headlines, Krautreporter prioritises context, research-led explainers, and long-term narratives. Reporters regularly involve members in shaping investigations, asking what topics matter most to them and publishing backgrounders that demystify policy choices, social trends, and structural challenges affecting Germany and Europe. Sustained entirely through member contributions - with no advertising and no pay-per-click incentives - Krautreporter is structured to avoid attention-driven journalism. This model allows the publication to invest time in deeply reported guides, Q&A formats, and knowledge-building series that help readers make sense of political developments, understand the roots of complex societal issues, and participate more confidently in democratic life.
Inside Story is a Greek digital outlet dedicated to longform reporting, investigations, and deep explanatory journalism. Launched in 2015 by a group of seasoned journalists seeking to break away from Greece’s heavily commercial and politically entangled media ecosystem, it was designed from the start as a space for slow, rigorous, subscription-funded journalism. Instead of chasing breaking news, Inside Story works on stories that reveal how systems function, or fail. Its newsroom dives into public procurement, political decision-making, corporate influence, migration, climate, data and technology, and the interconnected crises shaping modern Greece. Its investigations often combine leaked documents, data analysis, and collaborative reporting networks, anchoring the publication within the country’s accountability and transparency ecosystem. Uniquely, Inside Story treats reader participation not as a marketing tool but as part of the journalistic process: members can submit questions, propose lines of inquiry, and contribute expertise that helps shape ongoing coverage. This creates a dynamic, knowledge-driven community that enriches the work of the newsroom. Funded through memberships and reader contributions, and intentionally avoiding advertising and click-based incentives, Inside Story is able to commit to time-intensive, evidence-driven reporting. This financial model gives the publication the freedom to pursue difficult stories, follow complex trails, and produce journalism that helps readers understand the forces affecting public life in Greece with clarity and depth.
Disclose is an independent French investigative newsroom dedicated to in-depth reporting on corporate misconduct, political accountability, and public-interest issues. Founded in 2018 by a collective of investigative journalists, the outlet was created to provide a nonprofit, ad-free alternative to mainstream media, focusing on stories that expose wrongdoing and systemic failures. Disclose specializes in long-term investigations into environmental damage, corporate fraud, human rights violations, and abuses of public authority. Its reporters rely on leaked documents, whistleblower testimony, field research, and data analysis to uncover stories that would otherwise remain hidden. Multimedia storytelling, including detailed reports, podcasts, and interactive content, is a hallmark of the outlet, helping audiences grasp complex investigations. A defining feature of Disclose is its commitment to transparency and collaboration. The newsroom partners with other independent media organisations, NGOs, and civic actors to strengthen investigative impact and ensure that findings reach policymakers, the public, and international audiences. Its approach encourages public scrutiny and informed debate on issues that affect French society and beyond. Funded through grants and philanthropic support, Disclose avoids advertising and commercial pressures, allowing it to pursue rigorous, long-term investigations. This financial independence enables the newsroom to tackle challenging topics, hold powerful actors accountable, and deliver trustworthy, high-impact journalism in the public interest.
Direkt36 is an independent Hungarian investigative newsroom focused on exposing corruption, political malpractice, and corporate wrongdoing. Founded in 2014 by a group of investigative journalists, it quickly established itself as a leading source of in-depth reporting in a media environment often constrained by political influence and commercial pressures. The newsroom specializes in long-term, evidence-based investigations into government contracts, corporate malfeasance, organized crime, and the intersection of business and politics. Its journalists combine meticulous document analysis, data-driven research, and field reporting to produce stories that uncover hidden networks of influence and wrongdoing. Multimedia reporting, including interactive visualizations and video content, helps make complex investigations understandable and accessible to the public. Direkt36 emphasizes transparency and collaboration. The outlet frequently partners with international investigative networks, including OCCRP and other cross-border consortia, to amplify the reach and impact of its investigations. This collaborative approach strengthens accountability and enables Hungarian audiences, civil society, and policymakers to better understand systemic corruption. Funded primarily through grants and donations, Direkt36 operates independently of political or commercial pressures. This model allows the newsroom to pursue high-risk, long-term investigations, deliver rigorous evidence-based reporting, and maintain its reputation as a trusted source of investigative journalism in Hungary and beyond.
Átlátszó is a Hungarian non-profit investigative newsroom committed to exposing corruption, documenting abuses of power, and advancing transparency in one of Europe’s most challenging media environments. Founded in 2011 by journalists and transparency advocates, it emerged in response to an increasingly concentrated media landscape and the growing need for independent watchdog reporting. Rather than functioning as a traditional news site, Átlátszó operates as a hybrid investigative newsroom and civic-tech hub. Its journalists work on long-horizon projects involving public procurement, political networks, environmental scandals, and the misuse of EU funds, supported by open-data tools, FOI litigation, and whistleblowing platforms. Átlátszó is known for taking investigations into the field: deploying drones to document illegal land deals, mapping pollution hotspots, and collaborating with international networks to uncover cross-border corruption. This combination of data expertise and on-the-ground reporting has positioned it as one of Central Europe’s most authoritative voices on systemic corruption. The organisation is funded through reader donations, grants, and philanthropic support, deliberately avoiding government or oligarch-linked money. This independence allows Átlátszó to pursue complex investigations, confront powerful institutions, and provide citizens with the transparency tools and evidence-driven journalism necessary to hold authority to account.
Blankspot is a Swedish independent media outlet dedicated to covering underreported issues, overlooked regions, and communities that rarely make headlines. Founded in 2015 by journalists and digital innovators, it was created to counter shrinking foreign correspondence and the growing gaps in international reporting within Scandinavian media. Blankspot combines investigative fieldwork with immersive storytelling. Its reporters travel to conflict zones, remote regions, and marginalised communities, from the Sahel to Central Asia, from Sweden’s own Roma settlements to digital rights struggles worldwide. The outlet’s mission is not only to document events but to highlight structural inequalities, human rights challenges, and the lived experience behind global headlines. A defining feature of Blankspot is its collaborative ethos. Members are invited into the reporting process: they can follow journalists’ field notes, ask questions, and contribute knowledge that helps refine ongoing investigations. This transparency creates a sense of community ownership and fosters public understanding of how journalism is produced. Blankspot is funded through memberships and reader donations, avoiding advertising and click-driven incentives. This model enables the newsroom to invest in slow, on-the-ground reporting that most commercial outlets consider too costly or risky. By prioritising depth over speed, Blankspot provides Swedish readers, and an international audience, with nuanced stories that expand global awareness and challenge media blind spots.
Hromadske is an independent Ukrainian media organisation combining digital broadcasting, video journalism, and public-interest reporting. Established in 2013 by a group of journalists seeking to create a transparent, non-partisan alternative to oligarch-controlled television, Hromadske quickly became one of the country’s most trusted sources during the Maidan protests and the years that followed. Known for its brisk, fact-first reporting style, Hromadske covers national politics, governance, human rights, the economy, culture, and the ongoing consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Its journalists often report directly from the field, including frontline regions, providing audiences with context-rich stories that blend live coverage, documentary-style video, and explanatory journalism. The outlet places strong emphasis on visual storytelling: livestreams, short documentaries, and multimedia investigations form the core of its editorial identity. This approach allows Hromadske to reach broad domestic and international audiences, particularly younger viewers who consume news primarily online. What sets Hromadske apart is its commitment to transparency and civic engagement. The newsroom regularly publishes behind-the-scenes insights into how its journalism is made, maintains open editorial principles, and partners with other independent outlets to strengthen Ukraine’s media ecosystem. Hromadske is sustained through donations, grants, and international partnerships, avoiding political or commercial dependence. This model enables the organisation to invest in frontline reporting, fact-driven broadcasting, and in-depth coverage of public-interest issues at a time when independent journalism in Ukraine is both essential and under pressure.
Bihus.Info is an independent Ukrainian investigative media outlet dedicated to exposing corruption, tracking public spending, and uncovering abuses of power. Founded in 2014 by investigative journalists led by Dmytro Bihus, the organisation emerged in response to widespread lack of accountability in government and public institutions, aiming to bring transparency and data-driven oversight to Ukrainian society. The newsroom specializes in in-depth investigations into government contracts, misuse of public funds, political influence, and corporate malfeasance. Reporters combine public records, whistleblower testimony, financial analysis, and multimedia storytelling, including video reports and data visualizations, to make complex corruption schemes accessible and understandable to the public. Bihus.Info is also known for its civic-oriented approach. Its investigations are accompanied by interactive databases and open tools that allow citizens, journalists, and NGOs to explore findings, track public resources, and monitor accountability in local and national governance. By linking investigative reporting with practical transparency tools, Bihus.Info empowers society to engage with evidence and challenge corruption more effectively. The outlet operates on a donation- and grant-funded model, deliberately avoiding political or commercial pressures. This independence enables Bihus.Info to pursue high-risk, long-term investigations, hold powerful actors accountable, and provide the Ukrainian public with rigorous, reliable, and actionable reporting in a challenging media environment.
KRIK (Kriminal, Korupcija, I Politika) is an independent Serbian investigative media network focused on exposing corruption, organised crime, and abuses of political power. Founded in 2014 by a team of investigative journalists, KRIK was created to fill a gap in Serbia’s media landscape, where critical reporting is often constrained by political influence and commercial pressures. KRIK’s newsroom conducts long-term investigations into the intersections of politics, business, and organised crime. Its reporting often relies on leaked documents, public records, financial analyses, and collaborative research with international media partners. By combining meticulous data-driven investigations with narrative storytelling, KRIK uncovers complex corruption schemes and holds powerful actors accountable. A core strength of KRIK is its focus on transparency and civic engagement. The network publishes open-source databases, interactive tools, and explanatory reports that allow citizens, researchers, and civil society to follow investigative findings and understand the broader implications of its stories. This participatory approach strengthens public trust and encourages informed dialogue on governance and accountability. Funded through a combination of grants, project-based funding, and philanthropic support, KRIK maintains full editorial independence, free from political or commercial influence. This model allows the network to pursue high-risk investigations that challenge entrenched power structures, shed light on corruption, and provide Serbian society with reliable, evidence-based journalism.
The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) is a global investigative journalism network specializing in cross-border investigations into organized crime, corruption, and illicit financial flows. Founded in 2006, OCCRP connects independent journalists and media outlets across Europe, the Americas, and other regions to uncover complex criminal networks that operate across national borders. OCCRP focuses on long-term, data-driven investigations, often tracking money laundering, tax evasion, political corruption, and corporate malpractice. Its teams combine open-source intelligence, leaked documents, forensic accounting, and collaborative reporting techniques to map global networks of influence and wrongdoing. Through this approach, OCCRP produces high-impact stories that reveal the transnational dimensions of crime and corruption. A defining feature of OCCRP is its collaborative international model. By connecting journalists and media partners across countries, the network enables coordinated investigations that no single outlet could achieve alone. OCCRP also provides training, data tools, and methodological guidance to strengthen investigative journalism capacity worldwide. Funded through grants and philanthropic support, OCCRP maintains full editorial independence, free from political or commercial pressures. This model allows it to pursue complex, high-risk investigations and deliver transparent, evidence-based reporting that empowers citizens, civil society, and policymakers to understand, monitor, and respond to corruption and organized crime on a global scale.
The Dublin Inquirer is an independent digital news outlet dedicated to in-depth reporting on Dublin’s civic life, local governance, and public-interest issues. Founded in 2014 by a team of investigative journalists, it was created to fill a gap in detailed, independent reporting on municipal politics, urban development, and community affairs in Ireland’s capital. The newsroom focuses on local government accountability, housing, planning, social policy, and culture. Its journalists produce investigative reports, explanatory articles, and longform stories that uncover the inner workings of city politics and public institutions, giving readers insight into decisions that shape daily life in Dublin. A distinctive feature of the Dublin Inquirer is its engagement with readers. Members can participate in shaping coverage by suggesting topics, submitting questions, or providing local knowledge. This participatory model enhances the newsroom’s connection with the community and ensures that reporting reflects citizens’ concerns. Funded primarily through subscriptions and memberships, the Dublin Inquirer avoids advertising dependence, enabling its journalists to pursue rigorous, time-intensive investigations. This independence allows the outlet to provide trustworthy, context-rich reporting that informs residents, civil society, and policymakers about local developments and accountability issues.
Južne Vesti is an independent digital news outlet based in southern Serbia, dedicated to covering local governance, civic issues, and underreported regional developments. Founded in 2010, the publication was created to provide citizens in the Niš and broader Southern Serbia region with trustworthy, community-focused journalism in a media landscape often dominated by national outlets. The newsroom focuses on municipal politics, local infrastructure, social issues, human rights, and environmental concerns. Its journalists produce investigative reports, news features, and explanatory articles that shed light on decisions and events that directly affect citizens’ daily lives. By emphasizing transparency and accountability at the regional level, Južne Vesti empowers local communities to better understand and engage with public institutions. A hallmark of Južne Vesti is its close connection to the communities it serves. Readers are encouraged to submit tips, share stories, and provide information that informs ongoing investigations. This participatory approach ensures that reporting reflects real local concerns and strengthens civic engagement. The outlet is sustained through advertising and reader donations, allowing it to maintain editorial independence while serving as a critical source of regional news. This funding model enables Južne Vesti to deliver accurate, timely, and locally relevant journalism that informs citizens and supports civic oversight.
Solomon is an independent Greek digital media outlet dedicated to reporting on migration, refugee issues, and broader social affairs. Founded in 2017 by a group of journalists and civic activists, the outlet was established to provide evidence-based coverage of topics often underrepresented or misunderstood in mainstream Greek media. The newsroom focuses on migration flows, refugee rights, social inclusion, public policy, and human rights. Its reporters produce investigative reports, in-depth features, and multimedia content that highlight the experiences of migrants, the challenges faced by host communities, and the policies shaping social outcomes. By providing rigorous, contextual reporting, Solomon helps illuminate the human and systemic dimensions of migration and societal change in Greece. A defining characteristic of Solomon is its civic engagement model. The outlet encourages collaboration with NGOs, academics, and readers, integrating expert insights and community perspectives into its reporting. This approach fosters a participatory media environment where investigative journalism and social advocacy intersect. Funded through grants and donations, Solomon operates independently of political or commercial pressures. This financial model enables the newsroom to pursue in-depth investigations, document systemic issues, and provide Greek and international audiences with reliable, actionable reporting on migration and social policy.
Valigia Blu is an independent Italian digital media outlet dedicated to media criticism, civic education, and public-interest journalism. Founded in 2014 by a group of journalists and communication experts, it was created to promote media literacy, fact-checking, and critical engagement with news in a rapidly changing information landscape. The newsroom focuses on analyzing media coverage, debunking misinformation, investigating public communication strategies, and providing contextual reporting on politics, social issues, and public institutions. Its content includes investigative articles, explanatory features, and editorial analysis aimed at helping readers navigate complex narratives and understand how information shapes civic life. Valigia Blu places strong emphasis on transparency and public engagement. Readers can access resources, participate in fact-checking initiatives, and follow the journalistic process behind investigations. This participatory approach strengthens public understanding of media dynamics and fosters an informed and active citizenry. Supported through donations and memberships, Valigia Blu avoids commercial advertising and political influence, allowing it to focus on rigorous, independent reporting. This funding model enables the platform to maintain editorial independence, produce high-quality media analysis, and equip citizens, educators, and civil society with tools to critically engage with information.
MO Magazine* is an independent Belgian media platform dedicated to reporting on global development, international politics, and social justice. Founded in 2002 as part of the Flemish NGO Wereldmediahuis, MO* was created to provide nuanced coverage of international issues often overlooked in mainstream media. The newsroom focuses on global development, human rights, migration, climate change, and international governance. Its journalists produce investigative reports, in-depth features, and explanatory articles that explore the complex interplay of politics, economics, and society across borders. MO* aims to connect global stories to local audiences, helping readers understand how international developments impact Belgium and Europe. A defining feature of MO* is its commitment to context and analysis. The outlet supplements reporting with multimedia storytelling, data visualizations, and interactive content to enhance understanding and encourage informed engagement. Its approach fosters public awareness and critical reflection on global challenges. Funded primarily through grants and philanthropic support, MO* operates independently of advertising and commercial pressures. This model enables the magazine to pursue in-depth investigations, sustain long-term coverage of international affairs, and provide Belgian and European audiences with reliable, evidence-based journalism on global issues.
Apache is an independent Belgian digital media platform dedicated to investigative journalism, civic reporting, and in-depth analysis of public affairs. Founded in 2007, it was created to provide a critical, transparent alternative to mainstream media, focusing on uncovering abuses of power, corruption, and societal issues at both the local and national level. The newsroom covers politics, social justice, environmental issues, and corporate accountability. Its journalists produce investigative reports, longform articles, and multimedia content that provide deep insight into public policies, government decisions, and their societal impacts. Apache places strong emphasis on rigorous research and fact-checking to ensure accuracy and reliability. A hallmark of Apache is its dual funding approach, combining membership contributions with subscription revenue, which allows the outlet to maintain editorial independence and avoid influence from advertising or political entities. This financial model enables Apache to pursue long-term investigations, deliver high-quality reporting, and engage readers with analyses that promote transparency, accountability, and civic awareness in Belgium.
Heimildin is an independent Icelandic digital media outlet dedicated to investigative journalism, in-depth reporting, and public-interest analysis. Founded in 2021 through the merger of Stundin and Kjarninn, Heimildin was created to strengthen Iceland’s independent media landscape, combining the editorial expertise and investigative experience of both predecessors. The newsroom focuses on politics, government accountability, financial transparency, corporate oversight, and societal issues. Its journalists produce investigative reports, longform stories, and analytical articles that uncover corruption, highlight systemic challenges, and provide Icelandic citizens with clear, evidence-based information on issues that impact public life. Heimildin emphasizes transparency and civic engagement. It combines traditional reporting with digital storytelling tools, including multimedia investigations and interactive content, enabling readers to explore complex topics and understand how decisions and policies affect society. Funded through subscriptions and reader contributions, Heimildin maintains editorial independence, free from advertising and political pressures. This model allows the outlet to pursue time-intensive investigations, deliver reliable reporting, and foster a well-informed public in Iceland.
Faktograf is an independent Croatian digital media outlet dedicated to fact-checking, debunking misinformation, and promoting media literacy. Founded in 2015, the platform was created to provide citizens with reliable, evidence-based verification of claims circulating in the public sphere, particularly in politics, media, and social discourse. The newsroom focuses on verifying public statements, monitoring disinformation campaigns, analyzing news coverage, and providing context to political, social, and economic developments. Its work includes investigative reports, accessible fact-check articles, and explanatory content designed to clarify complex issues for the public. A defining feature of Faktograf is its commitment to transparency and methodology. The outlet publishes detailed explanations of its verification processes and engages with readers to promote critical thinking and informed discussion. This approach strengthens public trust and encourages civic participation in assessing and understanding information. Funded primarily through grants and partnerships, Faktograf operates independently of political and commercial pressures. This model enables the platform to maintain rigorous standards, produce reliable fact-checking, and provide Croatian citizens, educators, researchers, and civil society with tools to navigate a complex information landscape
Zaborona is an independent Ukrainian digital media outlet focused on cultural reporting, investigative features, and in-depth storytelling. Founded in 2015, the magazine was created to provide alternative perspectives on Ukraine’s society, politics, and cultural life, highlighting stories that are often underreported or overlooked by mainstream media. The newsroom covers social issues, civic movements, arts and culture, historical memory, and contemporary politics. Its journalists produce investigative reports, multimedia features, and longform narratives that combine on-the-ground reporting with data analysis and interviews, offering readers nuanced insights into the forces shaping Ukrainian society. Zaborona emphasizes creative storytelling and reader engagement. Its multimedia approach, including interactive articles, video essays, and photo reports, allows the outlet to reach broad audiences while exploring complex societal topics in accessible ways. Funded through donations and grants, Zaborona operates independently of advertising and political influence. This model ensures editorial freedom, allowing the publication to pursue challenging stories, highlight marginalized voices, and provide Ukrainian audiences with insightful, trustworthy, and culturally rich journalism.
Voxeurop is a pan-European independent digital newsroom dedicated to cross-border reporting, analysis, and civic journalism. Founded in 2009, it operates as a cooperative, multilingual platform that brings together journalists, translators, and readers from across Europe to provide coverage often overlooked by national media. Its editorial focus spans European politics, governance, social issues, human rights, and the environment, producing investigative reports, analytical articles, and feature stories that contextualize policy decisions and societal trends for a diverse audience. Voxeurop’s multilingual approach ensures that stories are accessible across borders, fostering informed debate and civic engagement among European citizens. Supported primarily through membership subscriptions and reader contributions, Voxeurop maintains full editorial independence, avoiding advertising and commercial pressures. Its cooperative model allows the newsroom to prioritize in-depth, cross-border investigations, highlight underreported stories, and provide a platform for European perspectives that might otherwise go unheard.
Bellingcat is an independent investigative journalism network specializing in open-source and digital forensics reporting. Founded in 2014 and based in the Netherlands, it leverages publicly available data, satellite imagery, social media, and crowdsourced intelligence to produce high-impact investigations that hold governments, corporations, and other powerful actors accountable. Its work spans global security, conflict, organized crime, environmental violations, and human rights abuses, often uncovering stories inaccessible through traditional reporting methods. Bellingcat’s methodology emphasizes transparency, reproducibility, and data-driven evidence, allowing the public and other journalists to verify findings and engage critically with complex events. Funded primarily through grants, donations, and reader contributions, Bellingcat operates independently of commercial or political influence. This financial and editorial independence enables the organization to pursue meticulous, long-term investigations that set a benchmark for open-source journalism worldwide.
Founded in 1983, Le Vif/L’Express is one of Belgium’s most established French-language weekly news magazines. Created as the Belgian counterpart to France’s L’Express, it evolved over the decades into a distinctly Belgian publication with its own editorial identity, becoming a central fixture in the country’s political and societal conversation. Published by the Roularta Media Group, Le Vif functions with a high degree of editorial autonomy and is recognised for its combination of investigative reporting, longform analysis, and thematic specials. At a time when Belgium’s complex institutional system and multilingual public sphere often fragment news coverage, Le Vif plays a unique role by offering coherent, context-rich journalism that cuts across federal, regional, and community-level politics. Its editorial scope is deliberately broad: national governance, public institutions, justice and corruption, social policies, science, environment, and culture. Rather than chasing headlines, the magazine often returns to issues that require sustained attention - budget transparency, education reforms, climate adaptation, institutional tensions, or public-service performance. Regular dossiers and cross-border collaborations deepen its analytical approach. Le Vif operates through a subscription- and newsstand-driven model, supplemented by events, digital editions, and partnerships that support long-term editorial independence. While commercially structured, the outlet has maintained a reputation for critical distance from partisan actors and a commitment to explaining, scrutinising, and contextualising Belgium’s political life. Four decades after its creation, Le Vif continues to position itself as a forum for nuance, accountability, and democratic debate, helping readers make sense of the evolutions and contradictions that define modern Belgium.
Deník Referendum is a Czech independent media outlet founded in 2014, built around the idea of providing thoughtful, analytical journalism for readers seeking more than the daily headlines. It focuses on politics, social issues, culture, and public policy, exploring the underlying trends and dynamics that shape Czech society. The platform is known for its long-form essays, investigative pieces, and commentary, often blending rigorous reporting with opinion and context. Deník Referendum’s approach encourages readers to think critically, engage in public debate, and explore multiple perspectives on complex issues. Operating with full editorial independence, Deník Referendum relies on subscriptions, reader support, and grants, deliberately avoiding advertising and commercial influence. This allows it to prioritise quality, reflective journalism over speed or sensationalism. Over the years, Deník Referendum has become a trusted voice for informed discourse in the Czech media landscape, recognised for fostering critical thinking, transparency, and civic engagement among its audience.
HlídacíPes.org is a Czech independent digital newsroom and investigative journalism platform focused on public-interest reporting and holding power to account. Established in 2014 as a project of the Ústav nezávislé žurnalistiky (Institute of Independent Journalism), it operates out of Prague and prioritizes original, in-depth journalism rather than daily news aggregation. Its editorial focus includes politics, governance, democratic accountability, corruption, misuse of power, public policy, and civil liberties - particularly in the Czech political and societal context. HlídacíPes.org is known for long-form investigations and analytical pieces that explore issues often neglected by mainstream media, with an emphasis on exposing abuses of authority and examining structures that impact democratic life. Unlike traditional commercial news outlets, HlídacíPes.org is not driven by advertising revenue but is supported through reader contributions, grants, and the broader mission of the Institute of Independent Journalism to strengthen journalism in the public interest. Its model aims to safeguard editorial independence and promote rigorous investigative reporting. The platform’s investigative work has positioned it as a respected source of original journalism in the Czech media landscape, often cited by other outlets and recognized for its unique contributions to public debate and transparency.
Danwatch is a pan-European independent investigative media and research centre based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Founded in 2005, it focuses on in-depth reporting on human rights, corporate accountability, governance, the environment, and social issues, often uncovering abuses and systemic failures overlooked by mainstream media. The organisation produces evidence-based, long-form investigations and frequently collaborates with Danish and international media partners to amplify the impact of its work. Its journalism aims to inform public debate, strengthen civic oversight, and hold powerful actors accountable across Europe. Danwatch operates with full editorial independence and is funded through grants, foundation support, and public subsidies. It does not rely on advertising, allowing the newsroom to prioritise investigative projects in the public interest. Recognised for its award-winning investigations, Danwatch has become one of Denmark’s leading investigative journalism centres, consistently producing reporting that influences policy discussions and raises awareness of critical social, environmental, and governance issues.
Dag og Tid is an independent weekly newspaper based in Oslo, Norway. Founded in 1962, it focuses on in-depth reporting on culture, society, politics, and public-interest issues, often highlighting underreported topics and providing thoughtful analysis overlooked by mainstream media. The newspaper produces long-form journalism and features contributions from a network of journalists, columnists, and freelance writers, offering coverage that informs public debate, fosters civic engagement, and encourages critical reflection on Norwegian society. Dag og Tid operates with full editorial independence and is owned by around 900 individual shareholders. It is funded primarily through subscriptions, reader contributions, and Norwegian press subsidies, avoiding advertising and commercial pressure. This funding model allows it to prioritise quality journalism and maintain autonomy in its reporting. Recognised for its thoughtful and balanced coverage, Dag og Tid has established itself as one of Norway’s leading independent weeklies, consistently producing reporting that strengthens civic oversight, promotes cultural and linguistic diversity, and sheds light on important social and political issues.
Uusi Suomi is a Finnish online newspaper and news service founded in 2007 that focuses on current affairs, political news, societal debate, and domestic culture. It emerged after the rights to the historic Uusi Suomi title were acquired and relaunched as a digital‑first outlet, building on the legacy of its print predecessor while operating fully online. The newsroom covers a mix of politics, public policy, social issues, and cultural topics, and is known for hosting one of Finland’s largest open blogging communities (Puheenvuoro), which allows diverse voices and public debate on its platform. Its reporting is oriented toward explaining developments to readers, stimulating discussion, and providing context for national issues. Uusi Suomi is politically independent and publishes under the larger Finnish media group Alma Media, which acquired the outlet in 2016; this places it within a commercial media portfolio rather than as a standalone independent cooperative. Its operational model combines traditional newsroom reporting with reader interaction and commentary features, supported through advertising, partnerships, and the infrastructure of its parent company. Recognised as one of Finland’s prominent online news sites, Uusi Suomi has a significant weekly readership and plays an active role in Finnish media discourse, particularly in political reporting and public debate
The Center for Investigative Journalism of Serbia (CINS) is an independent, non‑profit investigative media organisation based in Belgrade, Serbia. Founded in 2007, it focuses on uncovering corruption, organised crime, abuses of power, governance failures, and other issues with significant societal impact. The newsroom produces long-form, evidence-based investigations across politics, justice, public procurement, education, health, and the environment, frequently collaborating with international investigative networks to increase the reach and impact of its reporting. Its work aims to strengthen civic oversight and promote transparency in Serbia and the region. CINS operates with full editorial independence and is funded primarily through donations, grants, and non-commercial support, avoiding advertising and political influence. This model allows the organisation to prioritise public-interest journalism and pursue resource-intensive investigations without compromise. Recognised for its rigorous reporting and award-winning investigations, CINS has established itself as one of Serbia’s leading investigative journalism centres, producing journalism that informs citizens, promotes accountability, and sheds light on issues often overlooked by mainstream media.
iStories (Important Stories) is an independent Russian investigative media outlet now operating from Latvia in exile. Founded in 2020, it focuses on in-depth reporting on corruption, human rights abuses, governance failures, and social issues in Russia, often covering stories that are censored or blocked within the country. The newsroom produces long-form, evidence-based investigations, frequently collaborating with international media partners to amplify the impact of its reporting. Its work aims to hold powerful actors accountable, inform public debate, and provide Russian-speaking audiences with access to independent journalism. iStories operates with full editorial independence, funded primarily through reader contributions, donations, and grants, avoiding advertising and political influence. This funding model allows the organisation to maintain autonomy and pursue resource-intensive investigative projects. Recognised for its investigative rigor, iStories has become a key independent source for investigative journalism on Russia, consistently producing reporting that exposes abuses, promotes transparency, and strengthens civic oversight.
OKO.press is a Polish independent investigative journalism website founded on 15 June 2016 by the Fundacja Ośrodek Kontroli Obywatelskiej “OKO” to strengthen transparency, democratic values, and accountability in public life. The outlet produces fact‑checking, research, analysis, and investigative reporting on politics, public institutions, human rights, and social issues, regularly scrutinising the actions of government and other powerful actors. Its editorial approach combines traditional investigative work with data analysis and fact‑checking to expose misinformation and provide citizens with reliable, in‑depth information. OKO.press has become one of Poland’s most recognised independent media platforms and has received international recognition for its journalism. OKO.press operates with full editorial independence and is funded primarily through individual donations and grant support, avoiding advertising and commercial influence. This reader‑centred funding model allows the newsroom to focus on public‑interest reporting without compromise. The organisation employs an editorial team supported by contributors and engages with its audience through open publishing and transparent outreach, positioning itself as a watchdog media outlet in an environment where press freedom faces increasing challenges.
Re:Baltica (The Baltic Center for Investigative Journalism) is an independent, non-profit investigative media organisation based in Riga, Latvia. Founded in 2011, it focuses on in-depth reporting on corruption, crime, finance, health, human rights, disinformation, social inequality, and governance failures across the Baltic region. The newsroom produces long-form investigations, fact-checking, and documentary content that aim to promote transparency, strengthen civic oversight, and encourage reform. It collaborates with media and public broadcasters across Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania to maximise the reach and impact of its reporting. Re:Baltica operates with full editorial independence and is funded through a combination of grants, donations, and revenue from partnerships and training activities, avoiding advertising. This funding model allows it to prioritise public-interest investigative journalism without commercial or political pressure. Recognised for its rigorous reporting, Re:Baltica has become one of the Baltic States’ leading investigative journalism centres, producing work that advances accountability, media pluralism, and public awareness of complex societal and political issues.
Pod črto is an independent investigative media outlet based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, founded in 2014. It specialises in uncovering complex stories in politics, public policy, governance, and social issues, often bringing to light topics overlooked or ignored by mainstream news. The platform focuses on in-depth investigations, data-driven reporting, and explanatory journalism, helping readers understand the context and implications of key societal developments. Pod črto often works with other media outlets and expert contributors to extend the reach and impact of its reporting. The organisation maintains full editorial independence and is supported through reader contributions, grants, and subscriptions, deliberately avoiding advertising and commercial influence. This funding approach allows the team to pursue thorough, public-interest journalism without compromise. Over the years, Pod črto has built a reputation for high-quality investigative reporting in Slovenia, producing stories that promote transparency, hold power accountable, and empower citizens with the information needed to engage critically in public life.
PressOne is an independent investigative media outlet based in Bucharest, Romania, founded in 2017. It focuses on politics, governance, corruption, social issues, and public policy, delivering in-depth reporting that often sheds light on topics neglected by mainstream Romanian media. The newsroom produces long-form investigative articles, analytical pieces, and explanatory journalism, aiming to provide readers with a clear understanding of complex societal and political issues. PressOne often collaborates with other media partners and expert contributors to enhance the reach and depth of its reporting. Operating with full editorial independence, PressOne is funded primarily through reader contributions, grants, and non-commercial support, deliberately avoiding advertising and commercial influence. This model enables the team to pursue public-interest journalism without compromise. PressOne has gained recognition for its rigorous investigative work, producing journalism that strengthens transparency, exposes abuses of power, and empowers Romanian citizens to engage critically in public life.
Agora.md is an independent news platform based in Chișinău, Moldova, established in 2009. It covers a wide range of topics, including politics, social affairs, human rights, and governance, with a focus on stories that often go unnoticed in mainstream media. The platform is known for investigative reporting and in-depth features, presenting complex issues in a way that is accessible and engaging for readers. By collaborating with local and regional partners, Agora.md amplifies its reach and ensures that critical stories resonate beyond Moldova’s borders. Maintaining full editorial independence, Agora.md relies on reader support, grants, and non-commercial funding, deliberately avoiding advertising and commercial pressures. This allows the newsroom to pursue resource-intensive investigations and focus on topics of public interest without compromise. Over the years, Agora.md has built a reputation for trustworthy and insightful journalism, contributing to civic awareness, promoting accountability, and providing Moldovan citizens with the tools to engage thoughtfully in public life.
TV8 is an independent television channel based in Chișinău, Moldova, launched in 2014. It focuses on news, current affairs, politics, and investigative reporting, striving to provide viewers with reliable information in a media landscape often dominated by commercial and political interests. The channel is known for combining live reporting, talk shows, and in-depth investigations, offering context and analysis to help citizens make sense of political developments, social issues, and regional events. TV8 has earned a reputation for tackling sensitive topics and giving a voice to underrepresented perspectives. TV8 maintains editorial independence and operates on a funding model that blends viewer support, grants, and partnerships, avoiding dependence on large corporate advertisers or political backers. This allows the newsroom to pursue investigative stories and maintain credibility with its audience. Over the years, TV8 has become a key source of independent journalism in Moldova, shaping public debate and fostering accountability by holding power to account and promoting transparency across politics and society.
CTXT is a Spanish independent digital media outlet founded in 2015 and based in Madrid. It specialises in political analysis, social commentary, culture, and investigative reporting, aiming to provide context and critical insight beyond the headlines. The platform is known for its long-form journalism and opinion pieces, blending investigative work with thoughtful commentary to give readers a deeper understanding of Spain and Europe’s social and political dynamics. CTXT often collaborates with writers, academics, and experts to enrich its content and perspective. CTXT operates with full editorial independence, funded primarily through subscriptions, reader contributions, and grants, deliberately avoiding advertising or corporate influence. This model allows it to prioritise in-depth reporting and maintain a critical voice in Spain’s media landscape. Through its reporting, CTXT has become a respected platform for nuanced, independent journalism, informing public debate and providing readers with tools to critically engage with contemporary political and social issues.
Meduza is an independent Russian-language digital media outlet founded in 2014 and currently headquartered in Riga, Latvia, after moving its operations abroad due to censorship in Russia. It focuses on news, investigative reporting, politics, and social issues, delivering content that is largely inaccessible within Russia because of government restrictions. The platform combines breaking news, in-depth investigations, and analytical features, often tackling stories that expose corruption, human rights violations, and abuses of power. Meduza is known for its fast-paced reporting and ability to explain complex political and social developments in clear, accessible language for a wide Russian-speaking audience. Meduza operates with full editorial independence, funded primarily through subscriptions, reader support, and grants, avoiding reliance on advertising or political influence. This model allows it to pursue investigative work without compromise and maintain credibility with its readers. Over the years, Meduza has grown into one of the most influential Russian-language independent news outlets, providing millions of readers with reliable information, accountability journalism, and coverage of stories that would otherwise remain hidden in Russia.
Eurozine is a pan-European network and online magazine founded in 1998, headquartered in Vienna, Austria. It connects and publishes content from independent cultural journals across Europe, focusing on culture, politics, philosophy, and social issues, and providing a platform for critical debate beyond national borders. The network curates essays, analyses, and translations from partner publications, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and making intellectual and investigative content accessible to a wider European audience. Eurozine acts as a hub for sharing ideas, highlighting trends, and promoting discussion on pressing societal and political topics. Eurozine maintains full editorial independence and is funded through a combination of membership contributions from partner journals, grants, and project-based funding, avoiding commercial advertising. This approach allows the organisation to prioritise intellectual and public-interest work over profit. Recognised for its role in European intellectual life, Eurozine has become a key platform for cross-border exchange and critical reflection, giving voice to diverse perspectives and supporting the growth of independent media and cultural journals across Europe.
La Marea is an independent Spanish media cooperative based in Madrid and created in 2012 by former journalists of Público who sought to build a newsroom free from political and corporate pressure. From the beginning, the project positioned itself as a reader-owned alternative focused on transparency, social justice, gender equality, and environmental reporting. Rather than chasing breaking news, La Marea prioritises slow, rigorous journalism, producing investigations, long-form features, and thematic issues of its print magazine. The outlet is particularly known for its work on climate change, labour rights, corruption, feminist perspectives, and the defence of public services - topics often underrepresented in mainstream Spanish media. Its funding model is built around subscriptions, cooperative membership, and reader contributions, avoiding large advertisers and ensuring editorial decisions remain in the hands of its journalists and supporters. This structure gives La Marea a strong community orientation and a distinctly participatory spirit. Over the years, La Marea has become a reference point for independent, values-driven journalism in Spain, offering a voice for readers seeking depth, honesty, and accountability in public discourse.
Oštro is a cross-border investigative journalism center working between Slovenia and Croatia, created to strengthen watchdog reporting in a region where independent scrutiny is often fragmented. Founded in 2018, it operates from Ljubljana and Zagreb, bringing together reporters, data specialists, and editors who focus on stories with long-term public impact. The organisation is known for its data-led investigations, deep reporting projects, and collaborative journalism, often looking at corruption, abuse of public funds, environmental harm, and systemic governance failures. Oštro also invests heavily in fact-checking and media literacy, seeing these as essential tools for building a more resilient and informed public. Structured as a non-profit, Oštro relies on grants, donations, and reader support, avoiding commercial advertising and political financing. This model enables the newsroom to stay focused on the slow, meticulous work that investigative journalism demands. In a relatively small media market, Oštro has carved out a reputation as a persistent and methodical watchdog, connecting Slovenian and Croatian audiences through shared issues and cross-border accountability work.
The Ferret is a Scottish, member-owned investigative journalism cooperative launched in 2015 with the goal of creating a newsroom driven by public interest rather than commercial or political agendas. Built from the ground up by journalists and readers, it set out to prove that rigorous investigative reporting can thrive through community support. Unlike traditional outlets, The Ferret blends investigations, fact-checking, and data-led reporting with a strong emphasis on transparency: members help choose topics, review methodologies, and shape editorial priorities. Its work frequently explores issues such as environmental harm, political accountability, public spending, corporate power, and human rights in Scotland and beyond. The cooperative structure means that The Ferret is funded through subscriptions, memberships, grants, and training activities, with no reliance on advertising. This model allows the team to focus on stories that require time, persistence, and independence - often the ones least likely to be tackled by larger commercial newsrooms. Over the years, The Ferret has developed a reputation for serious, community-rooted journalism, proving that a small but determined newsroom can have a significant impact by holding power to account and equipping the public with carefully verified information.
Investigace.cz is an independent Czech investigative media initiative focused on digging into stories that demand time, depth, and persistence. Launched by a network of investigative journalists and editors, it aims to push beyond surface-level reporting and bring clarity to issues that have significant implications for Czech society. Rather than chasing breaking news, Investigace.cz specialises in cross-cutting investigations, data analysis, and explanatory journalism that expose corruption, misuse of public funds, systemic failures, and other topics often undercovered by larger commercial outlets. Its work is shaped by careful research and a commitment to factual rigour. The platform operates without corporate or political influence, sustaining its work through a mix of reader support, grants, partnerships, and project-based funding. This financing approach lets journalists invest the time needed for thorough investigations, free from advertising pressures or short-term trends. Through its reporting, Investigace.cz has carved out a space in the Czech media ecosystem as a go-to source for accountability journalism, equipping readers with clear, well-documented insights into issues that affect public life and governance.
Ziarul de Gardă is Moldova’s leading independent investigative media outlet, founded in 2004. It specialises in uncovering corruption, exposing abuses of power, and promoting transparency in governance. Its journalists focus on in-depth, data-driven reporting and cross-border investigations, often addressing issues overlooked by mainstream outlets. The newsroom is known for meticulous, fact-based journalism that emphasises clarity, accountability, and public interest. Its investigations frequently cover political corruption, misuse of public funds, oligarchic influence, and systemic governance failures, providing Moldovan citizens and civil society with the information needed to monitor and engage with institutions effectively. Ziarul de Gardă operates with full editorial independence, funded primarily through reader contributions, grants, and non-commercial support, deliberately avoiding advertising or political influence. This funding model allows the outlet to pursue resource-intensive, long-term investigations without compromise. Over nearly two decades, Ziarul de Gardă has become a cornerstone of Moldova’s independent press, recognised for producing high-quality journalism that strengthens civic oversight, informs policy debates, and empowers citizens with trustworthy, actionable information.
Are We Europe is a pan-European independent media organisation founded in 2016 and headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is a cooperative of journalists from across the continent, united by a mission to produce in-depth, narrative-driven reporting on social, cultural, and political issues that transcend national borders. The outlet specialises in long-form journalism, multimedia storytelling, and cross-border collaborations, giving voice to communities and perspectives often overlooked in mainstream European media. Its reporting seeks to connect local realities with broader European themes, encouraging readers to see Europe as a shared space of challenges and ideas. Are We Europe operates with full editorial independence, funded primarily through membership contributions, reader support, grants, and project-based funding, avoiding advertising and commercial pressures. This model allows the team to focus on ambitious, high-quality journalism without compromising its values. Over the years, Are We Europe has earned recognition as a trusted platform for thoughtful, collaborative storytelling, bridging national divides and fostering a European public sphere built on insight, context, and human-centred reporting.
Tygodnik Powszechny is a Polish weekly magazine founded in 1945 in Kraków, with a long-standing tradition of independent journalism and intellectual debate. It covers politics, culture, religion, and social issues, offering thoughtful analysis and commentary for readers seeking nuanced perspectives beyond mainstream narratives. The magazine is known for its in-depth essays, interviews, and investigative reporting, combining rigorous analysis with a reflective approach rooted in ethical and humanistic values. Its editorial voice emphasises dialogue, tolerance, and critical thinking, making it a trusted forum for public debate in Poland. Tygodnik Powszechny operates with full editorial independence, relying on subscriptions, reader support, and non-commercial funding. This structure allows the magazine to maintain its integrity, pursue investigative stories, and foster intellectual discussion without commercial or political pressures. Over its decades-long history, Tygodnik Powszechny has become a cornerstone of Polish independent media, respected for its thoughtful, principled journalism and its commitment to fostering an informed, engaged, and reflective readership.
Rise Project is an independent investigative media organisation based in Bucharest, Romania, founded in 2012. It specialises in exposing corruption, organized crime, abuse of power, and systemic failings in Romanian society, often uncovering stories that are too sensitive or risky for mainstream outlets. The newsroom focuses on data-driven investigations, multimedia reporting, and cross-border collaborations, producing journalism that combines rigorous evidence with storytelling designed to resonate with the public and drive accountability. Rise Project frequently partners with international investigative networks to amplify the impact of its work. Funding for Rise Project comes primarily from grants, reader contributions, and non-commercial support, allowing it to operate independently from corporate or political influence. This enables the team to tackle complex, long-term investigations without compromise. Over the past decade, Rise Project has become a reference point for watchdog journalism in Romania, recognised for producing work that exposes wrongdoing, informs public debate, and strengthens civic oversight in a challenging media environment.
Bivol is an independent investigative media outlet based in Sofia, Bulgaria, founded in 2008. It specialises in exposing corruption, organized crime, and abuses of power, often tackling stories that are sensitive, complex, or underreported in the Bulgarian media landscape. The newsroom focuses on data-driven investigations, in-depth reporting, and cross-border collaborations, producing journalism that holds public officials and institutions accountable while providing citizens with clear, evidence-based insights. Bivol’s work often uncovers hidden networks of influence and sheds light on systemic failings in governance and business. Bivol operates with full editorial independence, funded primarily through reader contributions, grants, and non-commercial support, avoiding advertising and political influence. This model allows the team to pursue high-risk, resource-intensive investigations without compromise. Over more than a decade, Bivol has earned recognition as a trusted source of investigative journalism in Bulgaria, consistently producing work that strengthens transparency, exposes wrongdoing, and empowers the public to engage critically with societal issues.
Salto is an independent digital media platform founded in 2017 in Italy, focusing on regional reporting, culture, politics, and civic issues. It aims to bridge local perspectives with broader national and European debates, giving readers insights often overlooked by mainstream media. The platform is known for investigative features, multimedia storytelling, and in-depth analysis, combining rigorous reporting with accessible narratives that highlight social, political, and cultural dynamics. Salto also places a strong emphasis on community engagement, encouraging readers to participate and contribute to public debate. Salto operates with full editorial independence, funded through subscriptions, reader support, and grants, avoiding commercial advertising and external political influence. This structure enables the newsroom to pursue ambitious, in-depth stories without compromise. Over the years, Salto has built a reputation as a reliable independent voice in Italy, producing journalism that informs, empowers, and connects communities while fostering transparency and civic participation.
CRÍTIC is an independent media project based in Barcelona, Spain, launched in 2016. Born out of a desire to provide Catalan readers with journalism that goes beyond headlines, it focuses on investigative stories, social justice, cultural debates, and political accountability. Rather than following daily news cycles, CRÍTIC emphasises in-depth investigations, narrative reporting, and multimedia projects that explore the causes and implications of pressing issues. Its work often shines a light on underreported topics, giving a platform to communities and voices that might otherwise go unheard. The outlet is reader-supported and grant-funded, deliberately avoiding advertising and corporate sponsorship to maintain full editorial autonomy. This approach allows the team to focus on journalism that is thorough, independent, and socially conscious. With a growing presence in Catalunya, CRÍTIC has become known for thoughtful, impactful reporting that informs citizens, sparks debate, and strengthens transparency in public life. Its journalism prioritises depth over speed, analysis over noise, and insight over sensationalism.
Kosovo 2.0 is an independent media platform founded in 2012 and based in Pristina, Kosovo. It combines journalism, culture, and commentary to offer in-depth reporting and analysis on politics, society, and youth issues, creating a space for perspectives often overlooked in the region. The outlet blends storytelling, multimedia reporting, and investigative work, highlighting social change, civic engagement, and cultural developments. It has become a platform where young voices, activists, and independent thinkers can contribute, fostering dialogue and critical reflection across Kosovo and the Balkans. Kosovo 2.0 operates with full editorial independence, funded mainly through grants, reader contributions, and partnerships, deliberately avoiding advertising or political backing. This enables the newsroom to pursue ambitious stories and long-term projects without compromise. Over the years, Kosovo 2.0 has grown into a respected platform for independent media and cultural discourse, informing and inspiring citizens while offering nuanced insights into the social and political life of Kosovo and the wider region.
Le Monde Diplomatique is a French monthly publication founded in 1954 in Paris, dedicated to deep analysis of international affairs, geopolitics, and global economics. Unlike daily newspapers, it prioritises context over immediacy, offering readers nuanced perspectives on the forces shaping the world. The publication is known for its long-form essays, investigative reporting, and in-depth commentary, covering topics ranging from international diplomacy and social movements to environmental crises and economic inequality. Its content is crafted to challenge assumptions, encourage reflection, and provide a critical lens on global events. Le Monde Diplomatique maintains editorial independence, funded primarily through subscriptions, partnerships, and reader support, deliberately avoiding influence from advertisers or political interests. This model allows it to explore complex stories and maintain a consistent, analytical voice across decades. Recognised internationally for its thoughtful reporting, Le Monde Diplomatique has become a trusted reference for intellectual and public discourse, helping readers understand global affairs beyond surface-level headlines and fostering informed debate on international issues.
OBC Transeuropa is a transnational journalism and research platform founded in 2003, operating across Europe with a strong focus on democracy, human rights, and media freedom. Rather than acting as a traditional newsroom, it works at the intersection of journalism, advocacy, and policy analysis, producing reporting that connects local realities to wider European debates. Its work often centres on press freedom, rule of law, migration, minority rights, and civic space, particularly in regions where democratic standards are under strain. OBC Transeuropa brings together journalists, researchers, and civil society actors to document violations, analyse trends, and give visibility to voices that are frequently marginalised in mainstream European coverage. The organisation functions through networks and collaborations, publishing investigations, thematic dossiers, and analytical pieces while also coordinating cross-border projects and monitoring initiatives. This model allows it to respond flexibly to emerging issues and maintain a strong presence in multiple countries without being tied to a single national media ecosystem. OBC Transeuropa operates as a non-profit organisation, funded through grants, institutional support, and project-based funding, with no commercial advertising. Its independence enables it to prioritise public-interest work and long-term research over traffic-driven journalism, positioning it as a reference point for journalists, policymakers, and civil society across Europe.
balcanicaucaso.orgThe Shift News is a Maltese investigative journalism platform launched in 2018, created in response to growing concerns about political capture, lack of transparency, and shrinking media independence in Malta. It positions itself not as a general news outlet, but as a newsroom dedicated to sustained scrutiny of those in power. Its reporting concentrates on governance, corruption, public procurement, financial crime, and regulatory failures, often following stories over long periods rather than treating them as isolated events. The Shift is particularly known for methodical reporting that builds cases piece by piece, relying on documents, data, and persistent questioning. The organisation operates as a non-profit newsroom, supported primarily through memberships, donations, and grants. It does not carry advertising or sponsored content, allowing editorial decisions to remain insulated from commercial and political influence. This funding structure is central to its credibility in Malta’s tightly interconnected political and business environment. Despite its small size, The Shift News has established itself as a key accountability actor in Maltese public life, frequently cited by civil society groups, researchers, and international observers concerned with rule of law and democratic standards on the island.
theshiftnews.comFaktum is a Swedish street magazine founded in 2001 in Gothenburg, dedicated to giving voice to marginalized communities while delivering quality journalism. It combines social engagement with investigative and cultural reporting, focusing on issues such as homelessness, poverty, inequality, and urban life. The magazine is known for its ground-level reporting, personal stories, and investigative pieces, blending empathy with fact-based journalism. Its content highlights systemic social challenges while amplifying perspectives that are often overlooked in mainstream media. Faktum operates through a social enterprise model, sold primarily by vendors who are experiencing homelessness or social marginalization. This structure both empowers its contributors and sustains editorial independence, as the magazine does not rely on traditional advertising or corporate ownership. Over the years, Faktum has become a trusted platform for socially conscious journalism in Sweden, respected for combining investigative depth with social impact, and for giving a platform to voices that might otherwise remain unheard.
faktum.seRecorder is an independent Romanian media outlet launched in 2017, built around a clear mission: to produce rigorous, evidence-based journalism in a media environment long affected by political pressure and commercial influence. From the outset, Recorder positioned itself as a digital-first newsroom, with a strong emphasis on transparency, depth, and public accountability. The outlet is best known for its investigative reporting, particularly on corruption, abuse of power, public spending, and institutional failures. Recorder’s journalism often combines longform articles with high-impact video investigations, using clear narratives, documentation, and on-the-ground reporting to make complex issues accessible to a broad audience. Its work regularly sparks public debate and, in some cases, official inquiries. Recorder operates primarily through reader support, relying on donations and memberships rather than advertising or corporate backing. This funding model allows the newsroom to remain editorially independent and to focus on time-intensive investigations without chasing clicks or commercial incentives. In a relatively short time, Recorder has become one of Romania’s most trusted watchdog outlets, demonstrating how audience-backed journalism can play a central role in strengthening democratic oversight and public trust.
recorder.roPaper Trail Media is an independent investigative journalism organisation based in Germany, founded in 2022 by a group of internationally recognised investigative reporters. Created as a journalist-led newsroom, it focuses on producing long-term, high-impact investigations that uncover abuses of power across borders and sectors. The outlet specialises in complex, document-driven reporting on corruption, financial crime, surveillance, corporate misconduct, and political accountability. Much of its work is carried out through international collaborations, contributing to major cross-border investigations and partnering with other independent newsrooms across Europe and beyond. Paper Trail Media operates with a strong commitment to editorial independence, deliberately avoiding ownership structures that could compromise its reporting. Its financial sustainability relies on a mix of reader support, investigative partnerships, and project-based funding, allowing journalists the time and autonomy needed to pursue evidence-heavy, public-interest stories.
papertrailmedia.deLost in Europe is a cross-border investigative journalism network launched in 2019, created to follow stories that disappear between borders - most notably the experiences of vulnerable people moving through Europe. Rather than centring on institutions or national politics, the project places human lives at the core of its reporting, tracking what happens when responsibility is fragmented across states. The network is best known for its extensive investigations into missing migrant children, asylum systems, border practices, and the human consequences of European migration policy. Journalists from multiple countries collaborate over long periods, sharing data, sources, and findings to reconstruct stories that no single newsroom could uncover alone. Lost in Europe does not operate as a standalone publisher in the traditional sense. Instead, it functions as a collaborative reporting project, with investigations published simultaneously across partner media outlets in different countries. This approach maximises reach while preserving local relevance and editorial independence. The project is non-profit and grant-funded, relying on foundation support and journalistic partnerships rather than advertising or subscriptions. This model allows the team to focus on slow, meticulous investigations driven by public interest rather than audience metrics, making Lost in Europe a powerful example of what cross-border journalism can achieve when centred on accountability and human impact.
lostineurope.euTransitions TOL is a Prague-based international media organisation founded in 1999, created at a time when Central and Eastern Europe was undergoing profound political and social transformation. Its mission has always been outward-looking: to support independent journalism and explain the region’s developments to global audiences. Rather than operating as a conventional newsroom, Transitions TOL functions as a hybrid platform: part publisher, part training and support organisation. It produces original reporting and analysis on politics, democracy, media freedom, and social change, while also working closely with journalists across Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East to strengthen independent media ecosystems. A significant part of its work lies in cross-border collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge exchange. Through partnerships, fellowships, and editorial support, Transitions TOL helps local journalists bring regional stories to international readers, often in contexts where press freedom is under pressure. The organisation is non-profit and donor-funded, relying on grants from foundations and public institutions rather than advertising or commercial revenue. This structure allows it to focus on long-term impact - both through its journalism and its support for independent media worldwide.
tol.orgInternazionale is an Italian weekly magazine founded in 1993 and based in Rome, dedicated to bringing the best journalism from around the world to Italian readers. Rather than producing its own daily news, it curates and translates articles from international newspapers, magazines, and digital outlets, offering a panoramic view of global affairs. The magazine is known for analytical reporting, long-form features, and thematic collections, covering politics, culture, society, and global trends. Its editorial approach emphasizes perspective and context, helping readers understand events beyond national narratives and fostering cross-border awareness. Internazionale operates as an independent publication, funded primarily through subscriptions, newsstand sales, and membership support, deliberately maintaining distance from advertising and commercial pressures. This allows it to focus on thoughtful curation and in-depth reporting without compromise. Over the years, Internazionale has become a trusted bridge between Italy and the wider world, offering Italian readers insight into global developments, diverse viewpoints, and critical analysis they might not otherwise access.
internazionale.itVagant is a Norwegian literary and cultural magazine founded in 1988, based in Oslo, that has carved out a unique space for essays, criticism, and intellectual debate. Unlike mainstream outlets, Vagant is not focused on daily news; it serves as a platform for literary reflection, cultural commentary, and critical thought across the Nordic region. The magazine publishes essays, long-form criticism, and in-depth discussions on literature, politics, philosophy, and society, encouraging readers to engage with ideas in a nuanced and contemplative way. Its editorial approach blends intellectual rigor with a distinctly Nordic sensibility, bridging scholarly insight and public discourse. Vagant maintains editorial independence, funded through a combination of subscriptions, cultural grants, and reader support, allowing it to remain free from commercial or political pressures. This model ensures that its content remains thoughtful, critical, and uncompromised by market demands. Over decades, Vagant has established itself as a vital forum for literary and cultural debate in Norway and the wider Nordic region, attracting contributors and readers interested in deep analysis and critical engagement with contemporary society.
vagant.noThe New Humanitarian is an independent, nonprofit media organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on reporting from the frontlines of humanitarian crises around the world. Originally founded in 1995 as IRIN News, it became fully independent in 2019, separating from the United Nations to operate as a standalone newsroom with a strong public-interest mission. The outlet specialises in in-depth reporting on conflict, displacement, climate-related emergencies, and humanitarian response. Its journalism prioritises voices from affected communities and delivers field-based stories, investigations, and explanatory reporting that examine both the human impact of crises and the systems shaping humanitarian action. The New Humanitarian operates without commercial pressure, allowing it to pursue complex and often underreported stories across fragile and conflict-affected regions. From its base in Geneva, a global hub for international aid, the newsroom engages policymakers, practitioners, and the wider public with journalism designed to inform, challenge, and improve humanitarian outcomes.
thenewhumanitarian.orgThe Insider is a Russian independent investigative media outlet founded in 2013, now operating in exile after sustained pressure, censorship, and legal threats made independent journalism inside Russia increasingly impossible. From outside the country, it continues to report primarily for Russian-speaking audiences, focusing on stories the state seeks to suppress. The outlet has become internationally known for its forensic investigations into corruption, intelligence operations, disinformation, and foreign interference, often combining open-source intelligence, leaked documents, and meticulous fact-checking. Its reporting frequently traces hidden financial flows, covert operations, and the mechanics of propaganda, offering readers a rare, evidence-based view behind official narratives. The Insider works through a distributed newsroom model, collaborating closely with international investigative organisations and major global media. This cross-border approach allows it to pursue complex stories that cross jurisdictions while protecting journalists and sources in high-risk environments. Financially, The Insider relies on reader donations, subscriptions, and grant funding, rejecting advertising and political backing. This model supports its editorial independence and enables it to continue producing high-impact investigations despite exile. Today, it stands as one of the most influential voices challenging state-controlled narratives about Russia from the outside.
theins.ruVSquare is a Warsaw-based investigative journalism organisation founded in 2018, created to follow power across borders rather than within a single country. Its reporting tracks corruption, state capture, disinformation, and security threats across Central and Eastern Europe, with a particular focus on the Visegrád region. Instead of publishing a high volume of stories, VSquare works selectively on complex investigations that connect political influence, business interests, and foreign interference. Its journalists rely heavily on document analysis, open-source intelligence, and regional expertise, often revealing links that only become visible when viewed transnationally. The organisation functions as a journalistic hub, collaborating closely with national media outlets, investigative centres, and international networks to publish findings in multiple countries simultaneously. This model allows VSquare to amplify impact while remaining lean and specialised. VSquare operates as a non-profit entity, funded through grants, project-based support, and institutional funding, without advertising or commercial revenue. This structure supports its focus on high-risk, high-impact investigations and preserves editorial independence in politically sensitive environments.
vsquare.orgMOMENT.at is an Austrian digital magazine launched in 2018, created to challenge conventional economic and political narratives with journalism rooted in social justice and evidence-based reporting. Rather than positioning itself as a neutral observer, MOMENT sees journalism as a tool to explain how policies and systems affect everyday life. The publication blends data journalism, explanatory pieces, opinion, and visual storytelling, often using clear graphics and accessible language to unpack complex topics such as inequality, labour rights, public services, gender issues, and climate policy. Its editorial style is direct, reader-centred, and intentionally transparent about the values that guide its work. MOMENT operates under a non-profit structure, funded by donations, memberships, and foundation support, and does not rely on commercial advertising. This model safeguards its focus on public-interest journalism and allows the team to invest in stories that prioritise impact over clicks. Over a short span, MOMENT has grown into a trusted voice for progressive analysis and critical reporting in Austria, carving out a space for journalism that is both informative and unapologetically people-focused.
moment.atŽurnal.info is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most influential independent investigative media outlets, best known for its uncompromising approach to uncovering corruption, political malpractice, and organized crime. Launched in 2009 by the Centre for Media Development and Analysis (CDMA), it quickly distinguished itself by rejecting neutrality when facts demand clarity - its reporting is direct, evidence-driven, and often confrontational toward powerful actors. Rather than positioning itself as a general-interest news site, Žurnal functions as a public watchdog, focusing on long-form investigations, cross-border collaborations, and multimedia storytelling. Its team frequently exposes misuse of public funds, high-level political networks, illicit business schemes, and abuses of power within public institutions. Many of its investigations have prompted official inquiries or reshaped public debate, despite the outlet operating in an environment marked by political pressure and threats to journalists’ safety. The platform also invests heavily in documentary production and narrative journalism, using visual and literary formats to explain complex corruption schemes in accessible terms. This dual focus, rigorous investigation paired with storytelling craft, has made Žurnal a reference point for quality journalism in the Western Balkans. Though it operates with limited resources, Žurnal maintains a reputation for editorial independence, transparency in funding, and a clear commitment to serving the public interest.
zurnal.infoProject Syndicate is an international opinion and analysis platform founded in 1995, with its headquarters in Prague. It operates as a global publishing network, providing commentary and analysis on economics, politics, climate, technology, and global affairs from a wide range of prominent voices, including academics, policymakers, and public intellectuals. Rather than functioning as a traditional newsroom, Project Syndicate distributes its content through partnerships with hundreds of newspapers, magazines, and digital outlets worldwide. This syndication model allows its articles to reach audiences across regions and languages, shaping public debate well beyond its own website. The organisation is structured as an independent, non-profit media project, funded through a mix of member outlet fees, philanthropic support, and institutional funding. It does not rely on advertising and does not produce breaking news, focusing instead on analysis, argument, and long-term global issues. Over the years, Project Syndicate has become a key reference point for international commentary, widely read by policymakers, journalists, and business leaders seeking informed perspectives on global challenges.
project-syndicate.orgReporters United is a Greece-based investigative journalism network established in 2019, created by a collective of reporters determined to counter the growing pressures on press freedom and the scarcity of resources for serious investigations. Rather than functioning as a traditional newsroom, it operates as a collaborative hub, bringing together independent journalists to work on stories that require expertise, patience, and independence. The organisation’s work centres on cross-border investigations, data journalism, and long-form reporting that unpacks corruption, abuses of power, surveillance, labour violations, and systemic failures across Greek institutions. Reporters United often partners with major international consortia, such as OCCRP or the European Investigative Collaborations network, to amplify the reach and impact of its findings. Financially, the project is sustained through grants, non-profit partnerships, and reader contributions, intentionally avoiding corporate ownership or political backing. This allows the team to pursue complex investigations with no obligations to advertisers or powerful stakeholders. In a media landscape where independence is increasingly difficult, Reporters United has built a reputation as a principled, methodical, and fearless investigative force, committed to transparency and public accountability through collaborative journalism.
reportersunited.grArticolo 21 is an Italian media and civic platform founded in 2002, taking its name from Article 21 of the Italian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. From the outset, it has positioned itself less as a conventional news outlet and more as a collective space for journalism, rights, and democratic debate. The platform publishes reporting, commentary, and documentation focused on press freedom, media pluralism, rule of law, and civil liberties, often amplifying cases of censorship, judicial pressure on journalists, and threats to democratic norms. Its content reflects a strong commitment to constitutional values and the protection of independent journalism in Italy. Articolo 21 operates as a non-profit association, supported through memberships, contributions, and institutional or project-based funding, without commercial advertising. This structure reinforces its role as a watchdog and advocacy-oriented media initiative rather than a profit-driven publication. Over time, Articolo 21 has become a reference point for journalists, academics, and civil society actors concerned with freedom of expression in Italy, serving both as a media platform and a network that connects journalism with broader democratic engagement.
articolo21.orgNovaya Gazeta Europe emerged in 2022 as a continuation of the journalistic spirit of Russia’s Novaya Gazeta, re-established outside the country by exiled reporters after censorship laws made independent reporting impossible. Rather than presenting itself as a replica of its parent newsroom, the European edition operates with a new mandate: to chronicle Russia from the outside, documenting the political, social, and human consequences of Kremlin policies with the freedom that exile affords. What sets the outlet apart is its diaspora vantage point. Reporting is shaped by physical distance but emotional proximity - correspondents track the war in Ukraine, the repression inside Russia, and the experiences of Russians abroad who refuse to align with state propaganda. Coverage is often urgent, analytical, and steeped in firsthand testimonies collected across borders. The newsroom combines investigative pieces, explanatory journalism, and commentary from a network of contributors spread across Europe. Its editorial tone leans toward clarity over caution, reflecting both its independence and the high-risk environment its journalists left behind. Despite this displacement, Novaya Gazeta Europe maintains the core principles of the original paper: fact-based reporting, accountability, and a refusal to sanitize reality. Working from several European capitals, the team collaborates with international media and rights organisations, ensuring that stories about censorship, war crimes, corruption, and disinformation remain visible in the global conversation. For many Russian-speaking readers, it has become a trusted anchor in a landscape dominated by state-controlled narratives.
novayagazeta.euAmphora Media is an independent investigative journalism platform based in Malta, launched in 2025 by The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation to continue and expand the legacy of fact‑based reporting in a challenging media landscape. The newsroom focuses on rigorous investigations into corruption, organised crime, governance failures, and social issues - often working in collaboration with other independent outlets and global investigative networks. Amphora Media publishes field‑driven investigations, longform reporting, and analytical pieces that aim to expose systemic wrongdoing and amplify stories that might otherwise go unheard. The platform embraces meticulous fact‑checking, source protection, and ethical standards as core principles of its editorial work. The outlet operates with a commitment to editorial independence, sustained primarily through reader support, philanthropic grants, and foundation backing rather than corporate or political interests. This model enables the newsroom to pursue in‑depth investigations without commercial pressure or influence over its reporting priorities.
amphora.mediader Freitag is a German weekly newspaper relaunched in its current form in 2009, though its roots stretch back further. Published in Berlin, it positions itself as a home for slow journalism, offering space for reflection, long-form analysis, and cultural conversation at a time when the news cycle grows ever faster. Rather than chasing daily headlines, der Freitag focuses on social debates, international affairs, and cultural critique, often weaving together reporting, commentary, and essay-style writing. Its pages highlight emerging voices alongside established thinkers, creating a mix that feels both intellectual and accessible. Independence is central to its identity: the paper is owned by Jakob Augstein, which allows it to operate outside large media conglomerates. Financially, it relies on subscriptions, sales, and limited partnerships, maintaining a clear distance from political and commercial influence. Over the years, der Freitag has become known for its thoughtful, critical tone - a publication that invites readers not just to stay informed, but to engage, question, and rethink. It sits comfortably at the intersection of politics and culture, speaking to an audience that values depth over noise.
freitag.deInvestigative Reporting Denmark (IR-Denmark) is a Danish non-profit journalism centre founded in 2013, created to strengthen investigative reporting in a media environment under increasing economic pressure. Rather than competing in the daily news cycle, it was set up as a resource hub where journalists can take the time needed to pursue complex, high-impact investigations. The organisation works across data journalism, long-form investigations, and cross-border reporting, often supporting projects that individual newsrooms lack the capacity to handle alone. IR-Denmark regularly collaborates with national and international media partners, helping transform raw data, leaked documents, and long-term research into publishable public-interest stories. A defining feature of IR-Denmark is its dual role: it produces journalism while also training reporters, sharing tools, and building investigative skills across the profession. This makes it as much an infrastructure for investigative journalism as a publisher in its own right. IR-Denmark operates as a non-profit organisation, funded through grants, foundation support, and project-based funding, without advertising or commercial ownership. This structure allows it to prioritise methodological rigour, editorial independence, and long-term impact over speed or volume.
ir-d.dkContext.ro is an independent Romanian investigative journalism outlet launched in 2021, founded by a group of experienced reporters with backgrounds in long-form and data-driven investigations. It was created to respond to gaps left by shrinking newsroom resources and to pursue stories that require time, technical expertise, and sustained scrutiny. The newsroom concentrates on corruption, public spending, governance failures, environmental abuse, and the misuse of power, combining classic investigative techniques with data analysis and visual storytelling. Its reporting frequently draws on public records, leaked documents, and cross-border datasets, allowing it to reveal patterns rather than isolated incidents. Context.ro works both independently and in collaboration with Romanian and international media, ensuring that investigations reach broad audiences while preserving editorial autonomy. Its journalists often publish multipart investigations designed to unfold complex findings in an accessible way. The organisation operates as a non-profit entity, funded primarily through grants, donations, and project-based support, with no reliance on advertising. This model enables Context.ro to maintain editorial independence and focus on public-interest reporting rather than traffic-driven output.
context.roBNO News, created in 2007 and headquartered in the Netherlands, operates as a real-time global news service built around speed, accuracy, and verification. Unlike traditional newsrooms with broad editorial layers, BNO runs a compact, highly focused operation dedicated to tracking breaking events as they unfold. Its team monitors a vast network of official sources, emergency channels, and international agencies, providing fast, factual updates on crises, natural disasters, public safety incidents, and major world developments. BNO News has become a go-to resource for journalists, institutions, and the public seeking immediate, reliable information without commentary or spin. The organisation sustains its independence through a combination of licensing, subscriptions, and reader support, rather than large-scale advertising or corporate ownership. This lean model allows it to remain nimble, responsive, and consistent in its core mission: delivering trustworthy information in moments where clarity matters most. Known for its sharp focus and minimalist approach to news, BNO has carved out a unique space in the global media ecosystem—an outlet where the priority is not storytelling or analysis, but timely, verified facts in a world that moves quickly.
bnonews.comThe European Review of Books is a quarterly magazine founded in 2021, created to provide a continental space for long-form criticism, essays, and intellectual exchange. Conceived as a genuinely European forum rather than a national publication, it brings together writers, scholars, and critics from across the continent to reflect on literature, politics, history, and ideas. The magazine prioritises essays and reviews that take time to develop arguments, often engaging with books as entry points into broader cultural and political conversations. Its editorial style is reflective and analytical, favouring depth, curiosity, and disagreement over immediacy or consensus. Published in English and distributed across Europe, the European Review of Books operates independently, sustained by subscriptions, sales, and reader support, without reliance on advertising or institutional ownership. This model supports its ambition to remain intellectually autonomous and editorially adventurous. Though still young, the magazine has quickly positioned itself as a meeting place for European thought, appealing to readers who value rigorous argument, literary quality, and a transnational perspective on contemporary issues.
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