News item | 07-06-2022 | 11:41
Both local journalism and investigative journalism can count on additional investments in the coming years. The aim is to strengthen journalism, improve its quality and make it more independent. For 2022, State Secretary Uslu (Culture and Media) is making more than 11 million euros available to support local public broadcasters in their professionalization and independence. Investigative journalism will also receive an extra 2.4 million to be able to make in-depth journalistic productions and train investigative journalists.
In addition to local and investigative journalism, in 2022 the cabinet will also focus on press safety, the future of public broadcasting and strengthening the Dutch media sector.
Uslu: “Independent, strong media are indispensable in a well-functioning democracy. I want journalists to be able to do their important work locally, regionally and nationally – independently, at full capacity and without restrictions.”
Strong and independent local public broadcasters
Currently, local public broadcasters are dependent on funding from their municipality. Journalists should not feel inhibited because the financing of their broadcasting goes through the municipality they write about. That is why Uslu is in talks with the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) and the Dutch Local Public Broadcasting Foundation (NLPO) about a new financing system for local broadcasters. This should lead to strengthening the quality and independence of local broadcasters.
In the meantime, Uslu is investing in strengthening the local broadcasters. In 2022, 6.5 million euros will be made available for local broadcasters to hire people and for employee training. There is also 3 million available for the broadcasters to offer their services digitally. Finally, the cabinet makes funds available for innovative journalistic projects by local media.
investigative journalism
Investigative journalism pre-eminently fulfills the controlling function of the media in our democracy. With an additional investment of 2.4 million euros on top of the current 5 million, the Stimulation Fund for Journalism and the Fund for Special Journalistic Projects are expanding their activities. Journalists are given more opportunities to make productions and investments are made in knowledge development, new talent and (additional) training. More journalists can benefit from this, at all stages of their career.
Press safety
Journalists are increasingly confronted with threats and violence. That is why Uslu, together with the Minister of Justice and Security (J&V) will come up with a plan of action before the summer to strengthen press safety and freedom of the press. The two ministers will also continue their contribution to the PersVeilig initiative until 2024.
Order broadcasters in the public
The way in which it is currently determined which broadcasters can join the public system is being examined. State Secretary Uslu will set up an independent advisory board that will advise on how public broadcasting can grow with the times, subject to conditions about when broadcasters will flow in and out.