We could start with the basics.  The Open Society Institute and its many networks spend around $50 million a year on media programs (even if that does include some discretionary grants).  That's a lot. 

Stewart Chisholm, from the Open Society Foundation in London, walked us through some of the programs and philosophies.  http://www.soros.org/initiatives/media

 The Open SocietyMedia Fund makes grants in countries with repressive regimes.  Other programs sponsor journalism training and professional development.  OSI is a stalwart supporter of press freedom activity and enabling environments.  It also advances policy initiatives to address broader changes.

One innovative program brought exiled journalists from Zimbabwe, Burma, Gambia and Uzbekistan together in Budapest last year, to explore peer-to-peer mechanisms and joint production.

Another major initiative involves a legal defense fund and support for media lawyers in countries with criminal defamation laws. 

Chisholm also mentioned looming concerns, including the future of public service broadcasting in the wake of the digital switchover, and stated that they are always looking for possible collaborators.  OSI may have a large budget for media -- but they also have an impressive list of goals.