Observed Signal · Aug 30, 2026 · Funding · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Reflekt launches crowdfunding to double members
Bern-based investigative newsroom Reflekt has launched a crowdfunding campaign to double its paying membership from 1,000 to 2,000 by the end of September after key grant funding is set to expire. The campaign emphasises the societal value of investigative journalism and relies on Reflekt's social video reach (Instagram videos reportedly reaching 50,000–100,000 viewers). The newsroom features campaign videos with staff presenting past investigations, including work on hate speech enforcement and a Mozambican debt scandal linked to Credit Suisse. The video format development was supported by the Media Forward Fund, which granted Reflekt €300,000 at the end of 2024. Reflekt, founded in 2019, is run by a non-profit association funded by foundations, memberships, and sales of research to other media.
A local nonprofit publisher's membership crowdfunding campaign has limited direct impact on the wider AdTech/MarTech industry.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Reflekt aims to double paying membership from 1,000 to 2,000 members.
- Reflekt launched a crowdfunding campaign running until the end of September to recruit 1,000 new paying members.
- The fundraising drive was prompted by the expiry of important grant funding that threatens medium-term financing.
- Reflekt's Instagram videos regularly reached an estimated 50,000–100,000 people, according to its statement.
- The Media Forward Fund granted Reflekt €300,000 at the end of 2024 to develop the video format.
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