What is the CDR Program?

The CDR Program was established by Caroline Muscat, The Shift's co-founder and managing director, as a step towards a more diversified revenue model for a newsroom whose primary sources of income include grants, reader donations, and programmatic advertising. Investigative newsrooms, especially in politically volatile environments, often avoid direct advertising due to potential conflicts of interest, resulting in fewer revenue opportunities. 

The CDR Program addresses this gap by forming alliances with smaller companies and entrepreneurs who share the newsroom’s values and mission. These silent partners, called "sponsors," provide recurring monthly donations, typically in the range of hundreds to thousands of euros, without seeking public recognition for their contributions. This discreet yet impactful support allows newsrooms to maintain their independence and continue their critical work.

Although the sponsors are offered the option to advertise on TSN's website, most of them choose not to use it and prefer to support The Shift quietly to be protected from potential political repercussions. This anonymity is important in encouraging more businesses to become sponsors, knowing they can contribute without public recognition and potential backlash.

How to implement the CDR Program

A good strategy for starting with the CDR Program is to identify potential sponsors from your existing member base. By reviewing your list of members who send donations, particularly those who have donated larger amounts or have been recurring donors, you can approach them with the idea of becoming a sponsor. These sponsors are often small to medium-sized family businesses affected by corruption, who believe in the importance of an independent investigative outlet. This model ensures that their contributions are about sustaining.