Revista 5W

Revista 5W owes its name to the five W's, the traditional questions that help journalists explain a story: where, what, when, why and how. That is the magazine's mission: to help understand international affairs and how they affect people through slow journalism and the stories of its protagonists.

The project was founded in 2015 by nine Spanish journalists who had served together as special envoys and correspondents abroad and believed there was a gap for independent media paying attention to stories that had no place in the traditional media agenda.

A crowdfunding campaign was decisive in the launch of the project. The goal was to achieve 20,000 euros in 40 days, and this was achieved in just 40 hours. They finally obtained 50,000 euros, which they added to their personal investments to launch a company where the nine partners keep an equal share.

Today Revista 5W has 4,600 members and has been sustainable so far thanks to them. Up to 90% of revenue comes from memberships and sales of a print magazine. Since its foundation, it has added other products such as books, newsletters and podcasts.

But the media outlet's last annual report in September 2022 calls for support. Under the headline "We need help to survive", the team explains that its revenues dropped 10% last year, and the expenses exceeded income. "Our survival depends on our members, those of you who read and support us, now more than ever."

Led by director Agus Morales, four founders work full-time, and the rest collaborate. Although the team has an office in Barcelona, ​​its members maintain a nomadic spirit. "In seven years, we have never physically met all together," managing editor Maribe Izcue recalls.

The magazine has received several national and international recognitions, such as the Ortega y Gasset and the Gabo Award.

Last updated: January 2023

Last updated date: April 2023