Platformization, digital journalism and the funding crisis: the editorial reorientation of Núcleo

The article investigates how the process of platformization reconfigures Brazilian independent journalism, using the case study of Núcleo Jornalismo. The tension between the loss of editorial autonomy in the face of algorithms and the search for economic sustainability via grants is analyzed. After a 50% drop in audience due to changes in Big Techs (AI Mode and zero-click), the outlet decided to shift its agenda to topics with more funding appetite. The study uses qualitative methodology (in-depth interview and document analysis) and quantitative data from the Ajor 2025-2026 survey to contextualize the national scenario. It is possible to identify that grants are the main sources of funding and that the Center is an example of structural change to seek sustainability.