Category: Investigative Journalism / Media Integrity / Public Interest
Launched in July 2017 by four veteran Romanian journalists — Răzvan Ionescu, Mihai Voinea, Cristian Delcea and Andrei Crăciun — Recorder is entirely journalist-owned. It was created to serve the public interest with no political colour and no hidden agenda.
Recorder’s editorial model is grounded in honesty, transparency and independence — its funding comes principally from reader donations and advertising.
Mission
To deliver high-quality, well-documented video investigations and explanatory journalism that expose corruption, defend democracy, and hold power to account — thereby building the journalism Romania needs.
Key Programs & Impact
Hundreds of high-impact videos covering national issues: illegal logging, corruption at the highest levels, failures in the healthcare system and 30+ years of Romania’s democracy.
Strong presence on YouTube and in digital media: Recorder has one of Romania’s most-subscribed journalism channels (approximately 350k followers as of recent data).
Financial transparency and sustainability: In 2023, Recorder reported revenues of over €1.3 million, with 90% of income coming from donations.
Why It Matters
Independent journalism is a cornerstone of democracy. In a media landscape often influenced by political or corporate interests, Recorder stands out as a fully independent voice. Their investigations have catalysed public debates, policy scrutiny and institutional accountability — contributing to a healthier public sphere in Romania.
How Donations Help
Your donation supports:
Production of investigative video content with high production value (video equipment, archival footage, travel, specialized research)
Hiring and training of journalist-teams dedicated to long-form investigations
Digital platform infrastructure and distribution (ensuring reach via YouTube, podcasts, mobile apps)
Efforts to maintain independence and editorial freedom, free from political or corporate influence.
Together, we build the journalism that Romania needs.
