'From start to success' — New handbook to support startups striving for media viability

The last few months have been particularly tough for journalism — many media organizations have lost traditional revenue streams, newsrooms have made major cuts to staff, and in some cases media have had to close down entirely.

Even though we did not envision the global COVID-19 crisis at the time of production, this handbook might come just at the right time for media organizations all over the world that are fighting for survival and long-term success. It is available in English, Arabic and Spanish (free to download below).

21 startups, 18 countries, 3 geographic regions

'From start to success' is a practical guide for digital media entrepreneurs who have founded a media outlet and are seeking sustainability whilst staying true to quality journalism. This media viability handbook is unique in that it has been written by media startups themselves and presents the learnings of 21 digital pioneers including the Philippines' Rappler, Egypt's Mada Masr and Animal Politico in Mexico. The pages are filled with tips and information these media startups from 18 different countries wished they had had when they first started out. It includes lessons learned, advice for successful growth and perhaps most importantly, how to sustain a startup's success.

A three-step approach

The handbook presents a three-step approach: the start phase, growth phase and media viability phase. It highlights an approach that focuses not only on revenue streams — an area that many startups put too much emphasis on — but aspects of the business such as human resources and audience engagement which are crucial for achieving media viability.

Each chapter of the handbook explores one of the three steps in depth. In the first chapter, we hear from six startups in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). They share their experiences of turning an idea into a reality and share the knowledge they learned during the start phase focusing on revenue streams, audience engagement, collaboration and donors' motives.

In chapter two, seven startups from the Asia region dive into structure and growth. There is a particular focus on diversifying revenue streams, staffing and internal organization, identifying a core mission and capitalizing on your strengths.

Chapter three features eight startups from Latin American countries who impart their knowledge on sustaining the success they have achieved. It rounds up the important lessons that digital media entrepreneurs should carry with them at all times. Community building, producing a quality product and involving the whole team in decision making processes are key.