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The first topic, worth €6 million, will support cross-border collaboration between news media organisations that focus on innovative business models, journalistic projects, or both. The funding targets consortia of media organisations (i.e. non-profit, public and private media outlets, media associations, NGOs, etc.) in fostering media transformation, trustworthy reporting and skills for news media professionals, among others.
The second topic, worth €5 million, seeks to support news media sectors that are particularly relevant to democratic debate and citizens’ participation. It will target the setting up and distribution of funding schemes for local or regional media, community media, investigative journalism, as well as media specialised in public interest news. The call is thus open to organisations (i.e. media associations, NGOs, civil society, research centres, universities, etc.) with experience in media and that can act as intermediaries to support news media sectors most in need.
The deadline for applications is 14 February 2024, with projects expected to start towards the end of 2024. Applicants can choose the topic relevant to their interest or apply to both. Funding is provided while fully respecting the editorial independence of the media. An information session will be held on 6 December and an overview of the EU support to the news media sector is available here.
After the launch of the first call in 2021, followed by those of 2022 and 2023, this is now the 4th call for journalism partnerships. The Commission decided to strengthen its support to the media sector as part of its European Democracy and Media and Audiovisual Action Plans. Increased funding for the sector goes hand in hand with legislative initiatives such as the European Media Freedom Act.