Ludwig calls US giants on the digital tax for Austria's media!

Ludwig calls US giants on the digital tax for Austria's media!

Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) has revealed huge plans for the promotion of media landscape in Austria in a recent discussion with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce. Ludwig demands an appropriate financial contribution to the support of domestic media from US digital giants such as Facebook, Apple and Google. "A diverse media landscape is indispensable for democracy," he emphasized during the event "Salon Stubenring", such as OE24 . According to his ideas, a higher digital tax for these companies is to be introduced in order to implement the urgently needed media funding.

Ludwig is aware of the potential challenges that his demands bring-in particular the resistance of US President Donald Trump, who used to receive great support from these groups. Nevertheless, the mayor wants Europe to perform closed and create attractive framework conditions for the domestic media landscape. "The next federal government has to deal with this topic," he added.

On the demand of journalists on the current challenges in the media sector, Ludwig emphasized that his administration should not be put under pressure by individual media. Instead, satisfaction within the media landscape should be promoted to guarantee objective reporting. "It is important to present messages from trustworthy sources," he said, pointing out the need to strengthen classic media. The guidelines in cooperation with media are to be developed by the beginning of 2019.