News - Journalism Partnerships - Pluralism

Scope:

The news media sectors play a crucial role in the diversity, independence and trustworthiness of the information space. Despite being essential to our democracies, these sectors are facing multiple challenges. The economic sustainability of professional journalism has come under pressure, partially as a result of the digital transformation, with readers shifting to online sources and traditional news outlets losing advertising revenues. Many media at the local level as well as those focusing on public interest mission news struggle to survive, which may weaken media pluralism as well as engagement and trust in democracy.

In line with the European Democracy Shield, this call addresses media challenges and opportunities of a transnational nature by supporting projects specialising in:

Topic 2. “Journalism Partnerships – Pluralism” covers media sectors that are particularly relevant for democracy. Certain sectors having an important role for democratic debate lack the means to adapt to the digital environment, and phenomena such as shrinking newsrooms or media deserts can lead to a deterioration of pluralism. Support is thus needed for them to improve their position, adapt their methods, continue providing a first-hand source of original reporting to citizens, help keep decision-makers accountable and ultimately contribute to a more diverse and independent sector.

Priorities

Trimmed here, the full scope, expected outcomes and award criteria are on the official topic page ↗.