Earlier this summer, the government presented its proposal for how the new media support should be designed. The changes are about promoting access to local and regional news coverage throughout the country. The support will also go from being rights-based to a fixed amount being distributed.
Massive criticism
The new support model has been criticized for unclear wording, but above all for risking worsening the diversity of the media offering in Sweden by pitting national magazines against local journalism.
The opposition has wanted to adjust parts of the government’s proposal and presented several amendments regarding media diversity and the democratic condition.
After the constitutional committee meeting, however, it is clear that there will be no changes to the model. However, an annual follow-up and evaluation.
– We think it is unfortunate that the government chooses to deprioritize media diversity, which we believe is very important for democracy, says Ida Karkiainen (S), chair of the Riksdag’s constitution committee.
– I think it is good that we got a decision in place which means that we will get new media support from the turn of the year. And that there is broad parliamentary support for it, says Erik Ottosson (M), vice chairman of the Riksdag’s constitutional committee.
Effective from the turn of the year
By the end of the year, the new support model should be in place. Before that, a vote in the Riksdag is expected, then the process of drawing up a new media support regulation, new regulations and an approval by the EU Commission.
For nationwide daily and weekly newspapers such as Dagen, the future is now viewed with concern.
– We believe that we will receive halved support and that will mean that we will have to make major adjustments, says Felicia Ferreira, CEO and editor-in-chief of the politically independent newspaper Dagen.