Research Article
Understanding the Rappler Business Model: Implications for Sustainable Journalism
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.21-10-2019.2294402, author={Luz Rimban and Nurul Hasfi and Sunarto Sunarto and Amida Yusriana}, title={Understanding the Rappler Business Model: Implications for Sustainable Journalism}, proceedings={Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Indonesian Social and Political Enquiries, ICISPE 2019, 21-22 October 2019, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={ICISPE}, year={2020}, month={4}, keywords={rappler maria ressa pcij sheila coronel independent journalism philippines press freedom journalism startup}, doi={10.4108/eai.21-10-2019.2294402} }- Luz Rimban
Nurul Hasfi
Sunarto Sunarto
Amida Yusriana
Year: 2020
Understanding the Rappler Business Model: Implications for Sustainable Journalism
ICISPE
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eai.21-10-2019.2294402
Abstract
The news organization Rappler and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism have made significant contributions to journalism, not only in the Philippines but in Asia and around the world as well. They also represent innovative ways of truth-telling for which both organizations have experienced reprisals from officials they cover. PCIJ has survived for more than 30 years using a grant-driven business model that allows it to enjoy independence in its reportage. The objective of this paper is to analyze the Rappler business model. Rappler's business model is a combination of three: its daily operations mirror big, mainstream media driven by advertising; it is also an independent journalism organization partially subsisting through grants; and its digital innovation identifies it as a tech startup. Elements of the three models or revenue streams cancel each other out, as a result of which Rappler is still unable to prove its viability as a business entity. However, Rappler does raise the issue of the need for investors to help fund journalism enterprises in the country.
