What we do

At First Draft Media, we believe that journalism should serve the public in a way that makes them want to sustain journalism in return. That’s why we partner with newsrooms, solo journalists, and media organisations to strengthen how journalism is produced, distributed, and funded.

Our services are grounded in one mission: to make journalism sustainable and impactful by putting the audience at the center. Whether you’re building a newsroom from scratch or looking to evolve your existing setup, we’re here to help you grow with clarity, creativity, and integrity.

Audience & Product Strategy

We help you design journalism that resonates with your audience. We don't claim to know it all but we want to work with you to figure it out together. From user research to reader revenue models, we guide your team through a product thinking approach tailored for your newsroom.

• Audience research & persona development
• Product development strategy
• Donation & membership strategy
• News product coaching
• AI in journalism

Tools for Censorship Resistance

We work with censored and exiled newsrooms to make content accessible to their audiences – no matter where they are. Using cutting-edge tools, we simplify and secure your distribution.

• Developing your website into a Trusted Web App
• Circumvention tools setup & training
• Risk assessment of your organisation
• Emergency support

Consulting for Newsrooms

Need a sparring partner or short-term specialist? We offer plug-and-play support for your team or individual journalists.

• Temporary product or audience editor support
• Launch help for new products or platforms
• Strategic planning sessions for small teams

Want to know what this could look like for your newsroom? Get in touch – we’re happy to chat.