The Digital News Transformation Fund (DNTF) is set to launch its first funding cycle on 25 August 2025, providing a much-needed opportunity for small, medium, and community-based independent news publishers to access funding for projects that drive digital innovation and ensure long-term sustainability in an ever-evolving media landscape.
Independent publishers play a crucial role in South Africa’s democratic structure by delivering local, community, and public-interest journalism that may not be covered by larger news outlets. However, many of these publishers are facing challenges in adapting to the changing media environment, including declining print revenue, shifting audience preferences, and the necessity to compete in a digital-first news industry.
The R114-million Fund, established through a partnership between Google and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), aims to assist South African publishers in enhancing their digital capabilities, diversifying revenue streams, and future-proofing their operations.
Leanne Kunz, the Head of Fund at the Digital News Transformation Fund, emphasized the focus on public interest news publishers, aiming to bridge the gap between different sectors of the industry in their digital journey. The Fund aims to provide resources for local, community, and independent newsrooms to invest in tools, skills, and business models that will enable them to thrive in the digital realm.
The application window for the first funding cycle will open on 25 August 2025 and close on 21 September 2025. During the subsequent months, applications will be rigorously reviewed through an adjudication and due diligence process, with selected grantees being finalized between 27 October and 9 November.
The eligibility criteria for applicants include being members in good standing of the Press Council, operating a news publication serving a South African audience, demonstrating a commitment to editorial independence and public-interest journalism, and having a clearly defined digital transformation project with measurable outcomes.
The Fund has appointed an independent Adjudication Committee to ensure fair and transparent funding decisions. The committee members, with diverse expertise across journalism, digital innovation, media strategy, research, and public-interest communication, will assess applications based on various criteria, including innovation and technology, feasibility, audience engagement, sustainability, and revenue potential.
Interested publishers can submit their applications through the Fund’s website, with guidelines and the application portal set to go live on 25 August. For more information, visit: https://dntfund.org.za/
This initiative signifies a significant step towards empowering independent publishers in South Africa to embrace digital transformation and secure a sustainable future in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
