[1] As one of the United States–based groups involved in direct media development, it specializes in impact investing and provides affordable debt, equity and quasi-equity financing to help journalists build sustainable businesses around professional, responsible, quality journalism.
[4][5] According to its website[6] “MDIF invests in independent media around the world providing the news, information and debate that people need to build free, thriving societies”.
[17] In 1998 MDIF also founded CAMP (Centre for Advanced Media-Prague), which provided technology support to independent media in developing countries.
The restructured ownership saw M&G’s Chief Executive Officer, Hoosain Karjieker, acquire a minority stake in the business as part of a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) transaction.
[20] MDIF report “Media Capture in Europe"[21] and an op-ed by CEO Harlan Mandel written for the EUObserver[22] that drew attention to problem of media capture in Europe, a situation when governments and business interests collude to control and manipulate the flow of news and information, prompted a reply by Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Relations Zoltán Kovács.