Austria Constitutional Committee approves media subsidy package

The Austrian National Council's Constitutional Committee has approved a new media subsidy package designed to support newspaper distribution and digital transformation. The plan includes €22.5 million annually for the delivery of subscribed daily and weekly newspapers, as well as €4 million for regional media and unaddressed print publications of district-wide interest.

Additional provisions include increasing funds for digital transformation to €24 million in 2027 and 2028, and allocating €100,000 per year to establish a contact point for the protection and security of journalists. The package received support from the ÖVP, SPÖ, NEOS, and the Greens.

The FPÖ opposed the measure, arguing that it favors media outlets on the political left over free digital media and suggesting instead that private media be supported through advertising bans for the ORF. Proponents of the bill stated the subsidies are necessary to combat rising delivery costs and ensure journalistic access in rural areas.