“Since last year, a new support instrument has appeared, which was approved by the Seimas – the Media Fund, through which support will also be provided, and primarily for those publications that find it more difficult to compete, let’s say, with their appeal, they may write less about what , what dress she wore or what Lamborghini she bought there”, said I.Šimonytė during the Government Hour in the Seimas on Thursday.
“We are paying attention to the fact that people can get the press not only in the countryside, but also that people can get the cultural press or other press with perhaps a narrower content and specialization,” added the Prime Minister.
The Media Support Fund was established to reshape the media support model. Starting next year, he will replace the Press, Radio and Television Support Fund and start administering the state budget funds allocated to the projects and activities of public information producers and broadcasters, as well as journalists’ scholarships, through tenders.
The creation of a new model of media sponsorship was undertaken after the cultural press representatives complained and protested about the flawed funding procedure. This year, the budget of the Press, Radio and Television Support Fund amounts to 3.248 million. euros.
“Valstietis” Stasys Tumėnas asked the Prime Minister whether it is planned to compensate for the delivery of subscriptions to remote and sparsely populated areas next year.
“Because it saved more than one editorial office after a few years and thus extended the life of regional periodicals, it gave people in remote regions the opportunity not to be left without a press in the villages,” he said.
Last year, the Seimas allowed the state to support the delivery of subscription publications to 97 areas with less than 50,000 inhabitants. population, and not only in rural areas, as was the case until the beginning of this year.
The maximum rate beyond which compensation is paid to service providers would not change and not exceed five cents in rural areas, and seven cents (excluding VAT) in towns and cities.
This is aimed at mitigating the increase in the cost of delivering periodicals to publishers. In the six largest cities, this service continues to be provided at market conditions.
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#I.Šimonytė #cultural #publications #supported #Media #Support #Fund
**Interview with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė on the New Media Support Fund**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Prime Minister Šimonytė. Let’s dive into the newly established Media Support Fund. Could you elaborate on why this initiative was necessary?
**Šimonytė**: Thank you for having me. The Media Support Fund was created in response to the challenges faced by various media publications, particularly those that cover cultural topics or community issues that might not attract as wide an audience. We realized that many smaller outlets struggle to compete against larger publications that often focus on sensationalist topics. This fund aims to provide them the necessary support to thrive.
**Editor**: You mentioned in your statement that you want to ensure access to diverse forms of media, especially in rural areas. How does this fund facilitate that?
**Šimonytė**: It’s crucial that people, regardless of their location, have access to varied forms of press. This fund is designed to support publications that provide specialized or cultural content, ensuring that rural audiences can also engage with topics that interest them, rather than just mainstream narratives. By catering to specific communities, we help preserve cultural dialogue and representation.
**Editor**: This change seems to be a significant overhaul of the previous funding model. What prompted the shift from the Press, Radio, and Television Support Fund to the Media Support Fund?
**Šimonytė**: The transition was prompted by ongoing complaints from cultural press representatives about the previous funding procedures, which they deemed flawed. We recognized the need for a new model that would be fairer and more effective in selecting projects and providing scholarships for journalists. This overhaul aims to streamline the process and ensure that state budget funds are allocated efficiently.
**Editor**: Can you share any specific goals or expectations with the establishment of this new fund?
**Šimonytė**: One of our key goals is to diversify the media landscape. By supporting both mainstream and niche outlets, we encourage an array of voices and topics in public discourse. We want to ensure a richer media environment that reflects the full spectrum of opinions and cultural narratives present in our society.
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, Prime Minister. It’s clear that this initiative aims to strengthen the media landscape and provide support where it’s most needed.
**Šimonytė**: Thank you for your time. I’m excited about the possibilities this fund will open up for our media organizations.
