Website demands your engagement for continued operation
Estonian Independent Media Outlet Faces Financial Crisis, Seeks Donations
Our reader-supported and donor-funded media outlet, established in 2012 by three private individuals, has gained a global audience of approximately ten million readers. Having operated on hard work and determination rather than funding, we now find ourselves in a critical need of financial support to continue our operations.
Founded by young Estonian expats working in London, our goal was to showcase how Estonians do things and what we stand for. We have made our content free to the public, but this decision comes at a cost. Staff and technical expenses necessitate financial support from our audience.
To preserve our professional media outlet, we need your help. Our website provides close to 4,000 published articles, written by over 400 authors, and is read in more than 200 countries and territories by over a million people each year. This audience is primarily based overseas, with a significant number in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium.
In addition to informing expats about Estonia, we highlight both old and new talent from the nation and aim to build a bridge between Estonian descendants and the country. Our unique offerings include sections on culture, defense, education, and independent opinions. Many globally influential figureheads, journalists, politicians, and artists follow us, and we have been quoted by prominent international media outlets such as BBC, The New York Times, Politico, and Business Insider.
Across the world, independent media outlets are grappling with financial instability, a component of the broader economic fragility threatening press freedom[1][4]. In Europe and Central Asia, including Estonia, the economic crisis affecting independent media has been exacerbated by the suspension of USAID funding and political-economic dynamics favoring propaganda sources over independent reporting[5]. To continue our crucial work, we invite you to contribute via PayPal, become a patron, donate directly to our Estonian bank account (EE477700771002519475 at LHV, Estonia), or read more about our work and our supporter Craig Nash here[6].
[1] Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index (2025)[2] Estonian Government Supplementary State Budget (2025)[3] Estonian Economic Growth Forecast (2025)[4] RSF, Economic Pressure: A Leading Threat to Press Freedom (2025)[5] threats to independent media in Estonia (interview with media experts, 2023)[6] Craig Nash: Why I Support Our Website (2023)
- Amidst a global financial crisis affecting independent media outlets, including ones in Estonia, our Estonian-focused platform, established in 2012, is seeking donations to continue its operations.
- As a crucial resource for expats worldwide, our outlet showcases Estonian culture, life, and opinions, acting as a bridge between Estonian descendants and the nation itself.
- In addition to featuring articles on culture, defense, education, and independent opinions, our outlet has gained international recognition and has been quoted by prestigious media outlets like BBC, The New York Times, Politico, and Business Insider.
- Donations to our reader-supported and donor-funded media outlet can be made via PayPal, becoming a patron, or directly to our Estonian bank account (EE477700771002519475 at LHV, Estonia).
- Contributions to our outlet not only help maintain a professional source of Estonian news but also uphold the importance of press freedom in the Estonian world and beyond.
