Paulo Estêvão welcomes approval of additional support for private media in the Azores - Communication

Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades

The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, welcomed on Friday the approval of additional support for the regional private media by the Regional Legislative Assembly at a time when "journalism is now more necessary than ever."

"The private media in the Azores carry out a mission of unquestionable public interest, whose importance assumes particular relevance as mediators for information and the formation of a qualified public opinion. This makes them indispensable as a guarantee of democracy, with the added mission of uniting all Azoreans and keeping alive the specificities of each local community," he emphasised.

Paulo Estêvão spoke at the presentation of the Decree submitted by the Regional Government.

The regional private media companies are encountering significant challenges that have worsened in the post-pandemic environment. These issues are further compounded by conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, which have led to increased costs for raw materials, rising interest rates, and higher rents.

He continued: "While it is true that these situations have had an impact on all sectors, it is also true that in a sector that survives on advertising revenue and subscribers, this impact is felt even more strongly."

The support approved, emphasised Paulo Estêvão, intends to safeguard jobs in all private media companies. It also aims to secure mechanisms to prevent the reduction of professional coverage of political, social, economic and cultural news, whether regional or local.