CMIA Latin American Media Sustainability Seminar

The Center for Media Integrity of the Americas (CMIA) convened a Latin American Media Sustainability Seminar in partnership with Agencia Media in Mexico City, June 3-5, bringing together journalists, editors, and media business executives from across Latin America to explore how independent media organizations can strengthen their relationships with audiences and build sustainable business models.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYgUVPIG7-k

The program’s first two days combined presentations and practical workshops focused on audience engagement, product thinking, and revenue generation. Led by Amanda Zamora and Mijal Iastrebner, sessions guided participants through audience research and listening methods, defining impact and value propositions, understanding media business models, and developing strategies for long-term sustainability. Participants also practiced pitching revenue proposals, examined case studies from across the region, and exchanged lessons from their own national contexts.

On the third day, CMIA’s Board of Advisors hosted a conversation on the state of journalism in Mexico, moderated by CMIA Executive Director John Feeley, and featuring Mexico-based journalists Ana Maria Salazar of El Finaciero, Javi LaFuente, Director of El Pais in Mexico, and Inger Diaz, a freelance podcaster and journalist. Their conversation explored the country’s evolving media ecosystem, audience behavior, independent journalism initiatives, and the challenges facing local and national news organizations.

By holding the seminar in Mexico City, we provided participants with valuable firsthand context beyond the classroom. Attendees experienced the city during a period marked by the ongoing CNTE teachers’ protests, offering insight into the dynamics of public mobilization, governance, and media coverage in Mexico. Discussions also touched on preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, highlighting the opportunities and challenges major international events present for journalists, newsrooms, and local communities.

The Sustainability Seminar reflects CMIA’s ongoing commitment to supporting high-quality, ethical journalism. We seek to foster regional collaboration across national borders and practical skill-building to offer our network members the relationships, tools and strategies to navigate a rapidly evolving industry while remaining faithful to core precepts of responsible and ethical journalism.