Following the MR Council meeting on Monday, 2 June, the Mouvement Réformateur welcomed and supported the reform championed by Minister Jacqueline Galant to modernise the local media ecosystem in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
Faced with a worn-out model marked by excessive fragmentation, cumbersome governance and a chronic dependence on public subsidies, the MR believes it is essential to streamline and modernise the sector to guarantee quality, accessible and sustainable local news.
Governance that needs rethinking for greater efficiency
The MR Council stresses the need for a thorough reform of local media governance. Today, some local television stations have up to 38 board members, leading to slow decision-making and a lack of agility. Too many structures and management levels hamper the sector's efficiency. The MR calls for a significant reduction in the number of board members and a simplification of management bodies, to make media more responsive and better suited to current challenges.
Accelerating the digital transition and social media presence
The Council stresses the urgency for local media to adapt to new ways of consuming information. It is no longer about making television as in 1994: local media must strengthen their production and visibility on social media and digital platforms, to reach a wider and more diverse audience. This evolution is essential to ensure the relevance and impact of local news.
Diversifying funding sources: the Flemish example
The MR recalls the importance of encouraging local media to diversify their funding sources and seek private revenue, following the example of Flanders, where the share of public subsidies is much lower. Local media could, for instance, rent out their premises to businesses for co-working, seminars or other activities, or develop advertising offers and local partnerships. This diversification is essential to ensure the sector's viability and reduce its dependence on public funds.
A structuring and gradual reform
This reform must be implemented quickly to address new patterns of media consumption while ensuring the best possible use of public funds.
The MR Council reaffirms its commitment to supporting this reform, in consultation with sector stakeholders, to guarantee quality, modern local news accessible to all citizens.