Starting from (the development of) a shared organizational/editorial vision and mission, we help newsrooms set journalistic standards and ethics suited for their scale and context. So whether you are 2 people on a mission or a large media organization looking to outsource development, come talk to us and let's make online media more trusted, one outlet at a time.

First Draft Media applauds the democratization of media in the current digital age. Despite algorithms and Silicon Valley monopolies (both also hurting the revenue potential of independent publishing platforms), there is great value in a pluriform media landscape. And it is more pluriform now than ever in history. What is more, where drafting of history in the past was the prerogative of those in power ("history is written by the victors"), increasing space is available to those without.

The democratization of media in the digital age comes with a problem, though. When content-production is no longer in the sole purview of strictly organized, large, powerful publishing companies with strict professional and editorial standards, what does that mean for the accurateness of reporting? And in turn, what does that mean for public trust in media production? Does the Code of Bordeaux suffice in this day and age and if so, does it not reinforce the divide between haves and have-nots?

These debates are ongoing. And while First Draft Media is an active participant in them, we cannot answer these questions singlehandedly. What we can, and will, do from our expertise is works with publishers and newsrooms to strengthen their value proposition, both internally and externally. Our stake in this is that in doing so, we strengthen the reliability of and trust in news. from an increasing number of pluriform sources. And thus aiding the further democratization of the (online) media space and limiting the side effects of it.

Starting from (the development of) a shared organizational/editorial vision and mission, we help newsrooms set journalistic standards and ethics suited for their scale and context. We advise on the development of an organizational editorial charter and on how, when (and why!) to make that known to your audience. For larger or more complex organizations, we can help develop editorial statutes as well. Governing different roles and responsibilities between journalists, management, HR, IT, the board, etc. helps streamline the organization, but critically also safeguards editorial freedom within set parameters. So whether you are 2 people on a mission or a large media organization looking to outsource development, come talk to us and let's make online media more trusted, one outlet at a time.