Source: The Bulwark
by Jonathan V Last
“In an autocratic age, journalism takes on heightened importance. But journalistic institutions cannot rely on billionaire benefactors, because, as Snyder says, those benefactors view themselves as vulnerable. Which means that the only way to protect journalistic institutions is for them to be profitable. The catch is that it also matters how they achieve profitability. If revenues are dependent on advertising, then publications are driven not by ideas but an existential need for popularity. No, the only way to build a media institution robust enough to stand against authoritarianism is for it to be a profitable business supported primarily by its readers. That’s it. That’s the ball game.” [editor’s note: Apropos of which, have I mentioned lately that RRND/FND is running its annual fundraiser? https://news.rationalreview.com/support-rrnd – TLK](10/28/24)
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/journalism-in-an-autocratic-age