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As Donald Trump signals his intention to end USAID funding that supports, among other things, journalism in many countries, media professionals are grappling with an uncomfortable truth: the industry's financial foundations are increasingly shaky, and traditional solutions might not be enough to save it.

"It is not surprising that they are defunding media," says Anya Schiffrin, director of technology, media, and communications specialisation at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. "Trump and people in power have no respect for media pluralism and free expression."

Schiffrin points out that this move could backfire on American interests. "What they are missing is that support for journalism around the world really contributed to US soft power."

The timing could not be worse. During times of crisis and financial constraints, public funding worldwide may be diverted towards health and other priorities, and journalism may not seem essential. As for the US, large investors may hesitate to support journalism for fear of administrative scrutiny.

Even private philanthropy seems to be retreating. "Major philanthropic donors are exiting journalism far faster than they are........

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