First Draft Media

First Draft Media

Journalism is the first rough draft of history

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We are First Draft Media

First Draft Media is an innovation engine for independent journalism, working with newsrooms, publishers, and journalists. We are a socially conscious and consciously commercial publisher and media support organization.First Draft Media was founded by Sudeshna Chanda, Joris van Duijne and Marcel Oomens.

We believe in the power of journalism to bring dignity, dialogue, and direction to the world.

  • We publish independent titles
    First Draft Media publishes consciously commercial and innovative journalistic titles in partnership with journalists and organisations who bring unique, truth‑driven voices to the media landscape. By developing and handling all technical and business operations, we let journalists focus on quality reporting while expanding access to diverse, reliable information worldwide.
  • We build publishing technology and products
    First Draft Media develops cutting‑edge publishing tools that empower journalists and media outlets, from editorial workflows to censorship‑mitigating and revenue‑boosting solutions, while ensuring every technology adds real value. Backed by a strong “tech‑for‑good” ethos, we prioritize open‑source, audience‑centric designs that keep media independent from big‑tech constraints.
  • We provide strategic support for independent media
    Founded by practitioners with real newsroom experience, First Draft Media supports independent media at the intersection of journalism, audiences, and sustainability. We help outlets grow revenue, understand their users, strengthen processes, and stay digitally secure.
What we do Activities, Products, Services continue reading →

Check out our current publications

DoorDesi
For desis living overseas wanting to stay informed about India without the overwhelm.
DoorDesi
Iran Draft
News analysis, ideas, and critical thinking for Iran - in English and Persian.
IranDraft
Peoples Represented
Lives, Cultures, and Strategies of Resilience: the platform that breaks the silence imposed on unrepresented peoples.
Peoples Represented

We are three press‑freedom advocates

We are building First Draft Media to empower newsrooms, to re‑imagine journalism for their audiences, and turn it into a viable, sustainable business.

We believe publishers must refocus on audiences, build community‑centered products, and collaborate with one another.

Everything we do, from publishing, technology, and strategy, is driven by a single belief: journalism should be independent, sustainable, and accountable to its audiences. In an era of growing media suppression, independent voices need resilient platforms more than ever. Together, we’ll build those platforms with you.

Who we are People, Team continue reading →