White Paper on Freelance Journalism in Europe
This White Paper, the result of European-level research on the journalistic profession conducted by Taktak in collaboration with Display Europe and supported by the European Union, seeks to shed light on the working conditions, challenges, and aspirations of those engaged in journalism. It also proposes new monetization mechanisms through payment or donation-based platforms. This White Paper also includes recommendations directed toward three key actors essential to transforming the journalistic landscape in Europe: freelance journalists, media organizations, and public administrations.
The Audience That Sustains Journalism
The main purpose of this White Paper on Donations is to analyze and understand the factors that drive donations to independent journalism, a financing mechanism that is explained by social and symbolic logic rather than purely economic considerations. The report presents seven successful case studies from different countries that illustrate how active audience engagement not only ensures survival, but also strengthens editorial independence and protects freelancers and independent media from external pressures. This study also provides concrete recommendations for freelancers and media outlets to harness the potential of the donor audience.