This is a decisive step for the future of local media! This Friday, the Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation approved in final reading the reform championed by our Minister for Media, Jacqueline Galant. A structural reform aimed at ensuring the sustainability of local information in the face of profound changes in the media landscape.
In a sector facing structural deficits, heavy reliance on public subsidies and falling advertising revenues, Jacqueline Galant chose reform over the status quo. From 2031, the number of recognised local media outlets will drop from twelve to a maximum of eight, organised around six geographical hubs. The aim: stronger structures, modernised governance, more pooling of resources and guaranteed coverage for every municipality.
An ambitious reform, but also a reform built on dialogue. Since 2025, Jacqueline Galant has met with all local media outlets and stepped up exchanges with the sector. As a result, the text has evolved significantly: from six to a maximum of eight structures, the possibility of keeping several local channels and brands, and financial support of up to €1.2 million per merged structure.
“Without reform, the very future of local media is at risk. This reform aims to strengthen them so they can meet today's and tomorrow's challenges,” stresses Jacqueline Galant.
With this final approval from the Government, Jacqueline Galant takes a major step in modernising the French-speaking media landscape. The text will soon be submitted to Parliament, ahead of its entry into force planned for 2031. A reform that seeks to reconcile budgetary responsibility, efficiency and the preservation of local information.