Pluralis
Mediahuis believes in independent journalism and strong, relevant media that make a positive contribution to our society. That is the core of what we do and what makes us a sustainable media company. This mission is also what drove Mediahuis to become one of the co-founders of the impact investment fund Pluralis. Pluralis was established in 2021 to help safeguard independent journalism and media pluralism in European countries where these are not always guaranteed. Pluralis brings together a group of European media companies, foundations and impact investors. It is a joint initiative of the New York-based Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), the King Beadouin Foundation in Belgium, Tinius Trust in Norway and Mediahuis.
In various European countries, independent news media are under increasing pressure. Pluriformity is under fire and disinformation is on the rise. Pluralis’ objective is to support plurality of news across Europe. It will invest mission-aligned capital and media expertise in independent media companies to support and strengthen investee businesses, and to help preserve the editorial independence of their news operations. Pluralis eschews any involvement with a company’s editorial decision-making.
Pluralism as an essential element of European democracy
In several European countries, independent news media are under increasing pressure. Media pluralism is under threat and disinformation is on the rise. The same applies to Central and Eastern Europe, a region that over the past decade has been marked by a wave of ownership takeovers and where governments are seeking to tighten their grip on the media. Pluralis made its first investment by acquiring a 34% stake in Petit Press, Slovakia’s second-largest publishing house. The company owns a broad portfolio of print and digital news brands, including the national newspaper SME. A second investment followed in November 2021, when Pluralis acquired a 38.62% stake in Poland’s leading media company Gremi Media, publisher of Rzeczpospolita, one of the country’s most prominent and influential newspapers. Pluralis’ third investment was in Telegram Media Grupa, where it now holds a 45% stake.