The Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation today approved the outlines of the reform of the local media landscape presented by the Minister for Media, Jacqueline Galant. Guided by objectives of guaranteeing pluralism, budgetary rationalisation and public service efficiency, the reform work began as early as 2024 with a tour of all local media outlets. This was followed by 8 working groups, either in plenary or in small technical groups. In May 2025, a framework note was submitted to the sector and then enriched thanks to contributions from several local media outlets. « After several months of consultation with all stakeholders in the sector, I wanted to present my reform project to the Government so that it could take a position. This has now been done, and I am delighted. The project evolved throughout the discussions to take account of realities and proposals from the field. This Government decision is a first step towards an ambitious reform designed to consolidate the sector and ensure its long-term sustainability », says Jacqueline Galant, Minister for Media.
A necessary, measured reform, far from the caricatures
The Government acknowledges the important role that local media play in providing quality local news. By disseminating accessible information rooted in local realities, they enable citizens to better understand the issues that directly affect them.
Over the years, however, the local media landscape has become fragmented, leading to a dispersal of resources, a lack of coordination and clarity, and a weakening of certain players. In a media environment that is constantly evolving and against a backdrop of tight budgets, the status quo was no longer sustainable. This reform is essential to end imbalances that have become structural and to enable an important but currently struggling sector to reorganise on a sounder, more efficient and better-coordinated basis, without affecting local news coverage.
The main pillars of the reform approved by the Government
- Creation of unified “Media Hubs”
The Government has approved the creation of six geographical Media Hubs (Namur, Hainaut, Liège, Luxembourg, Walloon Brabant and Brussels). In each Hub, only one local media outlet may be recognised, except in the Walloon Hubs whose population exceeds one million inhabitants, where two media outlets may coexist. This distinction is based on population figures as of 1 January 2025, which show that the Province of Liège (1,122,028 inhabitants) and the Province of Hainaut (1,363,972 inhabitants) have more than double the population of the other provinces, excluding Brussels.
This reorganisation will take effect no later than 1 January 2031, when current agreements expire. The Wallonia-Brussels Federation will not be able to intervene in the practical implementation of integrations or legal mergers between local media outlets, since these remain private-law associations.
The Media Hubs are intended to welcome all local public or private players operating in the media and audiovisual sector who wish to collaborate closely or loosely (press groups, businesses, non-profit organisations, universities, etc.).
- Financial support for voluntary mergers and integrations
To support local media outlets that undertake a legal integration or merger, while possibly retaining local branches within a single structure, financial support will be provided between 2026 and 2029. Each new legal structure combining several local media outlets may receive a one-off grant of €1.2 million.
In addition, the Government will support synergies between RTBF and local media outlets within the Media Hubs. These collaborations should aim to pool and streamline entire departments, such as production, direction or technical services.
This €1.2 million envelope will be financed from an existing budget line, with no additional impact on the budget.
- Facilitating cooperation with RTBF
Discussions on the amendment to RTBF's management contract have made it possible to relaunch collaboration between RTBF and local media outlets while giving the latter some breathing space:
- Free access to RTBF Academy training courses for members of local media outlets;
- The removal of the “Vivre ici” portal, pending more attractive editorial collaborations for all;
- The removal of fees related to being present on the Auvio platform for local media outlets.
This work will continue to be supported by the Minister and the Government, but without forcing exchanges. The Government's aim is to ultimately achieve 6 consolidated Media Hubs comprising local media outlets, decentralised RTBF branches or other relevant players.
- Optimised and tightened governance
The reform also aims to strengthen the governance of local media outlets. Local media outlets will need to rely on Boards of Directors now composed equally of public office-holders and representatives of the private sector, with a maximum of 12 board members.
- Administrative simplification
The administrative burdens weighing on local media outlets will be significantly reduced, so that they can fully devote themselves to their core business. At the request of local media outlets, certain requirements relating to certain tasks will therefore be simplified or even abolished. A long list of requirements has already been identified, but technical discussions will take place within a Working Group involving local media outlets, the administration, the Higher Audiovisual Council and the Cabinet of the Minister for Media.
- Objectification of funding
In 2023, public aid to local media outlets amounted to more than €36 million, out of total revenues of nearly €50 million.
Currently, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation's operating grant amounts to €10.449 million. The Government plans to cap it at €10 million per year from 2026 onwards, until 31 December 2030, in order to provide the sector with stable financial visibility during the transitional period.
In addition, the Government notes that APE amounts allocated to local media outlets will be objectified and, where necessary, rebalanced.
- Maintenance of the Local Media Network
The Government will continue to recognise the local media network to carry out limited coordination tasks. However, its funding will be halved (from €136,000 to €70,000 per year).
« I would like to highlight the spirit of consultation that Minister Galant has embraced from the outset. Today, with the approval of this orientation note, we have set the course for a reform that will take shape by 2031 at the latest. A measured reform that will still be the subject of consultation in the autumn when the legal texts are drafted », says Minister-President Elisabeth Degryse.
« We have heard everything about this reform project over the past few months. But the fact is that it makes it possible to secure the future of the local news landscape. I would like to thank the sector's stakeholders who have committed themselves and helped shape the reform project. I will not move forward without them », concludes Jacqueline Galant.