Our Media Minister is proposing a bold and balanced reform to redefine the local media landscape in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Jacqueline Galant wants to concentrate resources, simplify the rules, and guarantee quality local news within a sustainable budgetary framework.
Concretely, the reform plans to go from 12 to 8 local media outlets by 2031. Nothing changes before 2030: the transition is gradual and respectful of the sector. The more populous provinces of Liège and Hainaut will each be able to keep 2 media outlets. Public funding will be capped at €10 million per year from 2026, better distributed, and without automatic indexation. A gradual reduction in employment aid is also planned.
The media will be freed from a series of administrative obligations. Mandatory productions will be cut in half, forced collaborations abolished, and the relationship with RTBF made simpler and voluntary. This will allow teams to focus on their primary mission: informing citizens about what is happening near them.
This is not about closing local outlets, but about fostering synergies, attracting private funding, and making the sector more efficient. After 6 months without a concrete proposal from the field, the Minister is taking her responsibilities. She presents a working basis and remains open to dialogue.
This reform is a common-sense measure. It guarantees accessible, quality local news while ensuring better use of public funds.