Techdirt Launches Fundraising Drive After Sponsors Pull Support Due to Political Climate
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – December 22, 2023 – Techdirt, a long-standing publication known for its uncompromising stance on digital rights and free speech, is appealing to its readership for direct financial support after multiple organizations withdrew planned sponsorships due to concerns over the current political environment. the site reports that these organizations explicitly cited the managementS focus on “punishing dissent” as the reason for backing out, fearing being targeted for supporting Techdirt.
For 25 years, Techdirt has operated wiht a commitment to covering critical issues, often functioning as a “loss leader” supported by revenue from events, research – including the recent “The Sky is Rising” report – and gaming initiatives. However, the recent loss of sponsorship revenue presents a significant challenge to the site’s continued operation.
“We made a choice to cover what matters over what’s safe. That choice has real costs,” the publication stated in a post detailing the situation.
To address this, Techdirt is launching a fundraising campaign offering various support tiers. Donations of any amount through the “Friend of Techdirt” page receive an Insider badge for profile and comment sections. Contributions exceeding $100 before January 5th will receive a commemorative challenge coin as a thank-you gift in the new year. Additional subscription options, including “Crystal ball” for early article access and “behind the Curtain” for premium perks, are available through the Insider Shop.
Techdirt emphasizes the need to reduce reliance on sponsors susceptible to political pressure and aims to build a enduring model based on direct reader support, citing the success of other independent journalism sites. The publication urges readers who value its coverage to contribute, stating that even small donations can definitely help ensure its continued ability to report “without compromise.”
