Following the announcement of the merger between the two major private press groups Rossel and IPM, the Media Minister, Jacqueline Galant, today received the Association of Professional Journalists (AJP) at her cabinet. This meeting allowed the Minister to note the constructive attitude of the AJP despite the current uncertainties.
The exchange concluded with the following:
- The Minister first pointed to the essential and decisive role that the Belgian Competition Authority will play in the progress of the case.
- The Minister reiterated that she expects clear guarantees from both groups regarding the safeguarding of pluralism. She will remain particularly attentive and vigilant on this issue in the coming weeks and months.
- The Minister indicated that she will meet with Minister David Clarinval in the coming days, notably to discuss the existing federal tax measures related to the sector.
- Finally, she wishes to launch an open and transparent debate with RTBF on the issue of free access to articles published daily on its website.
“As Media Minister, my role is to remain vigilant in preserving strong pluralism in the French-speaking media landscape. Today I met a delegation of constructive journalists, aware of the challenges facing the print press sector despite the current uncertainties. I told them that I expect precise guarantees from the groups concerned. My door remains open, for journalists and for everyone affected directly or indirectly by this merger,” said Jacqueline Galant.