The Loop is a Journalism Value project podcast, brought to you by Reference. We are interviewing the members of this network about key challenges for them, ranging from funding and business models, to community engagement and organizational structures, as we explore what success and sustainability looks like for European independent media today.
On today’s episode we will be talking to Tamás Bodoky, the editor-in-chief of Átlátszó, the first Hungarian investigative journalism nonprofit and watchdog NGO to promote transparency, accountability, and freedom of information in Hungary.
One of the things that make Átlátszó unique is that it focuses on local stories. It is also a hub for local activists, and they have a lot of experience in working with local journalists, going back to the local communities with their stories, and reaching out to people who are not typical readers of independent media.
Átlátszó was the first media outlet in Hungary to start a campaign for reader donations, and they are quite successful at it. At this point about half of your yearly income comes from micro donations – this is quite high compared to other, similar outlets in the region.
Listen to this episode to find out more about managing a newsroom that focuses on local stories, has a vibrant community, and successfully converts its popularity into reader donations.
