Within the framework of the Creative Europe program (2021-2027), a competition for proposals for journalistic cooperation has been announced. The call consists of two actions: the first is about enhancing media collaboration by stimulating innovation in business models and editorial processes, and the second is about supporting media pluralism and especially those media that are of particular importance for democracy and citizen participation. Analytically:

Action 1. “Journalistic collaborations-partnerships”. This action aims to help the wider European media sector become more resilient and resilient, thus promoting credible journalism, skills development and employment for media professionals and journalists, in particular by supporting media partnerships. This theme will support cross-cutting actions to address the structural and technological changes facing the media sector and support high-quality media production as well as business models by encouraging collaboration, digital skills, cross-border or collaborative journalism.

This action will support collaborative projects within and between any sector or type of media that aim to enhance collaboration and stimulate systemic change across the entire sector.

In Activity 1, proposals submitted by a consortium of at least 3 independent organizations from 3 different countries among those eligible for the program are eligible for funding.

Consortiums may include non-profit, public and private media (including print-online press, radio-podcasts, television, etc.), as well as other media-oriented organizations (including media associations, NGOs, journalism foundations and educational organizations focused on media workers, etc.).

Action 2. “Journalistic cooperation – pluralism”. This action will help media entities create support schemes for news organizations and independent journalism. These actions, in particular third party support, will target media working in areas of particular importance for democracy and citizen participation, such as local and regional media, community media, independent and investigative journalism, and other organizations that broadcast news of public interest.

For Activity 2, proposals are submitted by organizations active in the media sector (including media associations, NGOs, journalism foundations and media training organizations, etc.). These organizations should be able to create third-party support programs aimed at the media and journalists, and in a way that reinforces a pluralistic media landscape across the Union. Step 2 allows applications to be submitted by a single person or by consortiums.

For both actions, the applicant must meet all of the following requirements (if the proposal is submitted by a consortium, at least one partner must meet the following conditions):

a. Have recent proven experience in media-related activities;

b. Have recent proven experience in providing and managing grants or foundations, especially in the media sector.

The results expected from the prompt actions are as follows:

– Increasing innovation and creativity in business models, journalistic production and distribution processes.

– Increasing interest in journalism among various social, linguistic and age groups.

– Increasing the sustainability of professionally prepared journalistic content.

The total budget of the competition is 10,000,000 euros, and the maximum grant amount for a project can reach:

– EUR 2,000,000 for Action 1 with an aid rate of 80%.

– EUR 3,000,000 for Action 2 with a 90% aid rate.

The maximum duration of projects can be up to 24 months (extensions are possible subject to proper justification and amendment).

Applicants can find the full text of the instructions as well as application forms at: https://culture.ec.europa.eu/calls/call-for-journalism-partnerships.

Applications are submitted online until April 27, 2023.

* Ms. M. Paspalari is the Managing Director of AMBIO SA.