Independent media across Central America are operating under intensifying financial pressure, yet there is a clear appetite for models that can sustain both independence and public-interest journalism.
At this year’s Central American Journalism Forum (Foro CAP), Thomson Media and internationally acclaimed digital news outlet El Faro convened a discussion that examined realistic ways for newsrooms to secure their futures without compromising their mission. The session, held under the AGILE* framework, gathered more than sixty editors, reporters and managers seeking practical approaches that move beyond the constant chase for algorithms and metrics.
The panel, How to Finance Our Independence in Times of Economic Asphyxia, was moderated by Carlos Salamanca, former General Manager of El Faro, and featured Tania Montalvo, former Deputy Director of Mexican online news website Animal Político, and José Luis Pardo, co-founder of journalistic production company Dromómanos.
Speakers underlined the risks of relying on unstable social media platforms and emphasised the importance of centring audiences rather than external trends. As the session made clear, many outlets face similar obstacles: shifting algorithms, limited resources and the struggle to retain loyal readers in a highly competitive landscape.
José Luis outlined Dromómanos’ model, explaining that the organisation “invests 30% of resources in revenue-generating activities to dedicate 70% to high-impact investigative journalism”, offering a framework that others could adapt.
Tania highlighted the frequent mistakes made when newsrooms react to platform changes at the expense of strong reporting and stressed the need to strengthen direct communication with audiences.
“In our work across Central America and the Caribbean, we see that sustainable independent media isn't about chasing trends or competing for clicks, it's about understanding your true community and building direct relationships with audiences who value your work,” she said. “The organisations that survive aren't necessarily the loudest or the biggest, they're the ones that know their numbers, diversify strategically and protect their teams from burnout while maintaining editorial excellence.”
The experience emerging across the region shows that resilience requires sound financial planning, strong audience trust and a working environment that protects quality reporting, supported by a sharp market insight. To address that, the AGILE programme provides personalised mentoring and innovation grants that allow teams to test and validate new revenue ideas.
As Project Manager Olena Sadovnik explained, “During our mentorships in Guatemala, Brazil and Colombia, participating outlets apply a go-to-market strategy to design and launch alternative revenue streams, so newsrooms can sustain their independence while delivering top-class journalism that keeps the public informed about what really matters.”
*About AGILE
The AGILE - Advancing Global Innovation and Learning Effectively to Build Resilience in Independent Media - project is funded by the European Union and delivered by a consortium led by Internews Europe, with partners ARTICLE 19, Fojo Media Institute, CFI Media Development, and Thomson Media.
For enquiries, please contact the project manager at olenas[at]thomsonfoundation.org.
With thanks to Francis Sarahi Zeledón (AGILE Business Mentor, Thomson Media), for contributing insights from Antigua, Guatemala.
Images: Fotografías de ForoCAP/El Faro
