Activity Quote by Robert G. Picard
“Even non-commercial media rely on transferring cost to users through licence fees, donations from listeners, viewers, or readers, or grants from companies and foundations that have wrestled their funds from the public in some form of earlier commercial activity.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Media Economics: Understanding Markets, Industries and Audiences, 2004
Media that are not profit‑driven still need money, so they charge users or seek donations and grants that ultimately come from commercial sources.
In simple terms: Non‑profit media still depend on commercial money.
Key Takeaway
Find sustainable funding without compromising mission.
Themes
media economics
funding models
public good
Mood
concerned
analytical
Type
explanatory
informative
When to use this quote
- non‑profit newsrooms
- public radio
- online platforms
- community magazines
Key Concepts
cost shifting
grant dependence
licence fees
Questions to Reflect On
- How can non‑commercial media protect editorial independence?
- What alternative funding could reduce reliance on commercial grants?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on commercial funds may bias content or limit independence.
