Neos are calling for profound reforms for independent media in Austria

Neos are calling for profound reforms for independent media in Austria

As part of the coalition talks, the NEOS formulated clear positions on media policy. Neos media spokeswoman Henrike Brandstötter emphasized the need to strengthen the independence of the media, journalist: inside and consumer: to strengthen inside. According to Brandstötter, current fake news and social challenges show how urgently there is a need for action. The party pursues the goal of depoliticizing the ORF bodies and a comprehensive reform of media funding in order to improve transparency and reduce economic dependencies on political advertisements. As an example, she cited the advertising expenditure of the public sector, which in the first half of 2024 was already more than 196.5 million euros, which is more than twice the funding that is normally awarded.

step towards independence

In order to strengthen the role of the media, Neos suggests increasing media funding significantly and making it independent of political favor. Brandstötter sees a potential risk of advertising corruption in the existing structures and demands a fundamental change. The proposal also provides to generate the financial resources from the reduction of the advertising budgets of the public bodies and from a reduction in party funding. Your vision is to use these financial resources for the spatial and economic expansion of a solid media landscape, which should also be a strong signal against the previous procedure. This could help to promote the desired independence of the media in Austria and at the same time to strengthen democracy.

Henrike Brandstötter, who also appears as an author, also campaigns for a new picture of Africa and a more diverse society. Their political commitment is reflected in the conviction that decency and an open handling of different perspectives are decisive in order to find good solutions for complex questions. This was also evident in its statements regarding the media policy of the NEOs, which would like to drive the vision of a democratic and transparent media landscape in order to enable all citizens: inside an informed opinion formation, as Neuevisions.at reported.