Problem

Many journalists lack the business skills necessary to turn a great news outlet into a sustainable business. But with support and training, they can develop business plans that provide a platform from which their company can develop and grow. MDLF works closely with all of its clients to analyse their past performance and project for the future, helping them look forward with confidence and give themselves the best possible chance of success.

The Gift

Your gift will provide a leading journalist with one hour of one-on-one consultancy with a specialist analyst to produce a business plan for their company. Working on a business plan not only helped Mail & Guardian in South Africa plan for the future, it also helped it identify newspaper distribution as a problem that had to be addressed. As Financial Director Hoosain Karjieker said: “The business plan process was a complete learning experience and something I will treasure for years to come ... MDLF taught me how to get to the absolute bottom of all numbers. The most fundamental component of any business is the quality of the information utilized to manage the business. MDLF provided us with the tools to manage our business better.�? Your gift will help great journalists build strong businesses around the core values of objective journalism.