Krautreporter

Krautreporter is a cooperative with members - who have voting rights - and subscribers. Members gain access to all articles in written and audio format, as well as to newsletters written by experts. Members’ perspectives are integrated into the editorial process: from identifying topics to sharing their questions and providing expertise and contacts. Consequently, the media organisation has built an active and engaged community, and an extensive expert database.

According to Krautreporter, the organisation has built a more constructive debating culture in the comments of its online forum – with reporters remaining engaged in the discussion even weeks after publishing.

Its long-form articles provide the backdrop to daily news and a more comprehensive understanding of the context and consequences that give audiences complete and factual information.

Initially, the newsroom was a conglomerate of various authors, which made it unclear what the editorial profile of the organisation was. Since 2016, the organisation has had a small core team of writers and editors that provide fewer but varied, in-depth pieces to over 14,000 subscribers, supported by more than 560 cooperative members.

Krautreporter was initially financed through crowdfunding, with 15,000 members contributing over 900,000 euros. Nowadays, the media outlet is funded by cooperative members and subscribers. Members also receive an annual print magazine which includes the best articles. All articles are also available in audio form, and there is even a limited option to share favourite articles with non-members.

Krautreporter has 16 newsletters on different themes, 14 of which are free to access.