Publisher-first technology
At First Draft Media, we build technology that starts with the needs of journalists. We co-create tools with publishers, focusing on real-world impact and long-term support. From censorship circumvention to ethical AI workflows, our tech is made to stick—not just to launch.
At FDM, we build tech that serves the mission—not the other way around.
What Makes Us Different
Most developers build tools in isolation. We’ve been on the publishing side—especially in exile. We know the pressure of reaching people through firewalls, of making the most of limited tools.
That’s why we:
- Co-create technology with the publishers at the table
- Focus on public-centric tools that work in the real world
- Stay with you through implementation and feedback
Our Tech Work Includes:
- Censorship Circumvention: mirror sites, proxies, distribution hacks—all tailored and secure.
- Smart AI Integration: we bring ethical, helpful, no-buzzword AI into real workflows: transcription, editing, newsletters.
- Hands-On Support: setup, training, follow-up—because no tool is complete without people behind it.
We focus especially on small and exiled media outlets, because that’s where the stakes are highest—and the solutions need to be practical.
We don’t build tools and walk away. We build tools that stick.