NEOS Proposes Media Reform for a More Independent and Diverse Media Landscape
NEOS is pushing for changes to media policy amidst coalition talks, seeing the opportunity to clarify their vision for a more independent and diverse media landscape.
Focus on Independence and Media Literacy
“Our goal is to ensure the independence of media, journalists, and consumers,” explains Henrike Brandstötter, NEOS media spokeswoman and negotiator. “This requires strengthening existing media structures and empowering citizens with the tools to critically evaluate information.”
Beyond depoliticizing ORF council appointments and refining the public broadcaster’s mandate, NEOS is prioritizing educational initiatives to enhance digital literacy, particularly in navigating new and social media platforms. “A healthy democracy relies on informed citizens capable of discerning reliable information,” Brandstötter emphasizes. “The proliferation of fake news surrounding critical events like elections and social issues underscores the urgency of this issue.”
Reforming Media Finance: Transparency and Support
NEOS is advocating for a fundamental transformation in how media is funded. Their plan centers on significantly increasing funding levels and making the entire process more transparent. “Rather than allowing political favoritism to dictate the fate of media outlets through public sector advertising, we propose a substantial expansion of dedicated media funding,” states Brandstötter.
She points out the stark disparity between public sector advertising expenditures and independently awarded funding. In the first half of 2024 alone, over €196.5 million in public advertising flowed to media outlets, more than double the amount awarded through independent grants throughout an entire year.
“The current system needs an overhaul. It’s time to prioritize solid, independent journalism over potentially corrupt advertising practices,” she asserts.
Redirecting Resources for a Stronger Media Landscape
NEOS believes the additional funding should come from two main sources: reducing public sector advertising budgets and curtailing lavish party financing.
“Allocating these resources to support independent media and a thriving democracy would be more effective than funneling them into opaque party coffers,” Brandstötter argues. “This shift would send a clear message: it’s time for a ‘no business as usual’ approach. It’s a vital investment in creating a robust, financially sound media environment.”
How does NEOS propose to depoliticize the appointment process for the ORF council?
## Interview with Henrike Brandstötter on NEOS’ Media Reform Proposals
**(Host):** Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Brandstötter. Austria is in the midst of coalition talks, and NEOS has made media reform a central plank of their negotiations. Can you elaborate on your vision for a more independent and diverse media landscape?
**(Henrike Brandstötter):** Absolutely. Our primary goal is to ensure a media ecosystem where journalists, media outlets, and citizens themselves are free from undue influence. This means depoliticizing the appointment process for the ORF council [[1](https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2021/austria)], thereby guaranteeing its independence and shielding it from political pressures.
Furthermore, we want to refine the public broadcaster’s mandate to ensure it truly reflects the diversity of Austrian society and provides balanced, unbiased reporting.
**(Host):** Your proposal also emphasizes media literacy. Why is this such a priority for NEOS?
**(Henrike Brandstötter):** In today’s digital age, citizens are bombarded with information from countless sources, making it increasingly difficult to discern fact from fiction.
We need to empower Austrians with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate this complex media environment, especially when it comes to new and social media platforms.
This means investing in educational initiatives that teach people how to evaluate information sources, identify bias, and recognize misinformation.
**(Host):** These are ambitious goals. Do you believe there’s political will to enact these reforms?
**(Henrike Brandstötter):** I’m optimistic. There’s a growing recognition across the political spectrum that a healthy democracy depends on a robust and independent media. We’ve seen recent events like the terrorist attack in Vienna in 2020 [[1](https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2021/austria)]highlight the crucial role of reliable news sources.
While negotiations are ongoing, I believe there’s a shared understanding that media reform is necessary, and I’m hopeful we can achieve meaningful progress.
**(Host):**Thank you, Ms. Brandstötter, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how these important discussions unfold.
