On 28 October, LIACOM held its #1 Research Seminar in Communication and Media, dedicated to the topic “Innovating to Achieve Financial Sustainability in Journalism: Preliminary Findings on Independent Digital News Media”, presented by Patrícia Caneira, a PhD candidate in Communication Sciences at NOVA FCSH and an invited lecturer at the Lisbon School of Social Communication (ESCS-UPL).

The research, conducted as part of her doctoral project, funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), seeks to identify the innovation strategies adopted by independent digital-native news outlets in Portugal and understand how these contribute to the financial sustainability of these editorial projects. The study also examines the relationship between business models and editorial strategies, in a context marked by the economic and structural challenges facing the media sector.

Using a mixed-methods approach that combines documentary analysis, questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews, the research includes the mapping and characterisation of independent digital-native news outlets registered with the Portuguese Regulatory Authority for the Media (ERC) since 2014.

The seminar presented preliminary findings from 13 independent media organisations operating across different geographical areas and covering a range of subject areas. One of the key findings was that seven of the projects analysed consider themselves financially sustainable. Of these, two report generating a profit, four are at break-even point, and one, despite considering itself sustainable, currently acknowledges operating at a loss.

These findings contribute to a deeper discussion of the challenges surrounding the sustainability of independent media, highlighting the diversity of financial realities and the importance of understanding funding and innovation strategies in light of the specific characteristics of each editorial project.

The presentation was followed by a discussion and commentary session, which highlighted the timeliness and relevance of the topic for the future of journalism. Daniel Cruzeiro, invited associate professor at ESCS-UPL and Executive Director of SIC, emphasized the relationship between financial sustainability and the contribution of journalism to pluralism and the strengthening of democracy.

Through this initiative, LIACOM aims to promote the sharing and discussion of ongoing research in the field of Communication and Media, creating a space for exchange and reflection on topics, methodologies and findings that contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.