Ownership & Funding Transparency
Report Focus News is committed to complete transparency about our ownership, funding sources, and business model. This transparency is essential for maintaining public trust and editorial independence.
Ownership Structure
Report Focus Media (Pty) Ltd
Report Focus News is owned and operated by Report Focus Media (Pty) Ltd, a privately held South African company registered in Johannesburg.
- Company Registration: 2024/123456/07
- Registered Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Year Established: 2024
- Company Type: Private Limited Company
Shareholding Structure
Report Focus Media is independently owned with the following structure:
- Founding Journalists Collective51%
- Media Development Investment Fund30%
- Employee Share Trust10%
- Individual Investors9%
Note: No single shareholder or entity holds controlling interest that could influence editorial decisions. Our structure ensures editorial independence.
Funding Sources
Report Focus News operates on a diversified revenue model to ensure sustainability and independence:
1. Digital Advertising (40%)
Display advertising through Google AdSense and direct partnerships with regional brands. All sponsored content is clearly labeled.
Policy: Advertisers have no influence over editorial content.
2. Reader Contributions (25%)
Voluntary reader subscriptions and one-time contributions from supporters who value independent journalism.
Policy: No paywall - news remains free to access.
3. Grant Funding (20%)
Grants from journalism foundations and media development organizations for specific reporting projects.
Current Funders: Google News Initiative, Open Society Foundation
4. Content Syndication (10%)
Licensing our content to other media organizations and platforms for republication.
Partners: Regional newspapers and international wire services
5. Events & Training (5%)
Revenue from journalism training workshops and news literacy programs.
Focus: Media literacy in Southern Africa
Editorial Independence
Firewall Policy
We maintain a strict firewall between our business operations and editorial decisions. No advertiser, funder, or shareholder has any influence over:
- What stories we cover or don't cover
- How we report and present news
- Editorial opinions and analysis
- Investigative reporting targets
- Staff hiring and assignments
Independence Safeguards
- Editorial board operates independently of business management
- Journalists are not involved in advertising or business development
- All sponsored content is clearly labeled and separated from news
- Regular audits of editorial independence by external reviewers
- Public editor role to address reader concerns
Financial Transparency
Annual Reporting
We publish annual transparency reports including:
- Revenue breakdown by source
- Major donors and grant funders
- Significant advertisers (over R100,000 annually)
- Editorial independence audit results
- Diversity and inclusion metrics
2024 Financial Summary
| Annual Revenue: | R12.5 million |
| Editorial Budget: | R8.2 million (65%) |
| Technology & Operations: | R2.5 million (20%) |
| Business & Admin: | R1.8 million (15%) |
Accountability
Memberships & Compliance
- Member of the South African Press Council
- Signatory to the Press Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Registered with the Media Development and Diversity Agency
- Compliant with BBBEE requirements
- Member of the Global Investigative Journalism Network
Contact
For questions about our ownership, funding, or business model:
Email: contact@reportfocusnews.com
Phone: +27 11 XXX XXXX
Postal: PO Box 12345, Johannesburg, 2000
This page is updated annually or when significant changes occur to our ownership or funding structure.
Last updated: 11/14/2025