#Media4Democracy: ‘VP Democracy’ for Sound Platforms & Independent Media
25-06-2019
Strategy for media ecosystem 2019-2024, with 'Democracy Commissioner' and 'MEP media intergroup‘.
Following the EU Elections, it will be clear if online platforms were used to influence the outcome. Newly elected MEPs will have the opportunity to review the future strategy for the media sector, ensuring its sustainability and support to democracy. They may wish to create a media intergroup.
The current EU priority of a ‘’Digital Single Market’’ has not prevented disinformation and populism, nor the demise of many media. More can be done. Now is a chance to propose a new “top 10 priority" that MEPs and the incoming Commission can support. This could be endorsed by the next President and stressed at the Commissioners’ hearings. A draft formulation of this priority could be: Democracy in a digital world: sound platforms and independent media.
The EU can help improve the ecosystem of platforms, the media sector and advertising. This would help level the playing field and safeguard press freedom.
Keynotes and two panels will discuss the following questions:
- What are the lessons learned from the 2014-2019 mandate?
- Did the EU Elections campaign provide new insights?
- How can policymakers best regulate the platforms? Is a 'carrot' or 'stick' approach more desirable?
- Does a healthy EU media sector require subsidies or a balanced ecosystem?
- Which policy mix is required for 2019-2024? Could it help deliver a 'European Public Space'?
CONTACTS
Nathalie Bargues
nathalie.bargues@euractiv.com
+32 (0)2 788 36 68
Teresa Dominguez
teresa.dominguez@euractiv.com
+32 (0)2 788 36 93
Associated partners:
EMMA, CIVICO, News Media Europe, European Federation of Journalists, Re-imagine Europa
Supported by:
Location
European Parliament
Rue Wiertz 60, 1047 Brussels
Google Maps >>
Panellists
WELCOME REMARKS
Nadja Hirsch MEP & Christophe Leclercq, Fondation EURACTIV
KEYNOTE SPEECHES
Ann Mettler, Head of the European Political Strategy Centre
Roman Imielski, International Editor, Gazeta Wyborcza
PANEL 1 – Media ecosystem: balancing media / ads / platforms
Giuseppe Abbamonte, Media Policy Director, DG CNECT, European Commission
Patrick Leusch, Head European Affairs, Deutsche Welle
Ricardo Gutiérrez, European Federation of Journalists
Erika Widegren, Re-imagine Europa
Discussants: attending MEPs
PANEL 2 – Media funding: innovation / skills / transparency
Siegfried Muresan MEP, European Parliament
Max von Abendroth, Director, DAFNE – Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe
Ides Debruyne, Managing Director, Journalismfund.eu
Discussants: attending MEPs
Moderator
Sam Stolton, Editor, Digital Hub, EURACTIV
Schedule
17:00 – 17:30 Registrations
17:30 – 17:35 Welcome Remarks
17:35 – 17:45 Keynote Speeches
17:45 – 18:15 Panel 1
18:15 – 18:45 Panel 2
18:45 – 19:00 Conclusion remarks by Christophe Leclercq
19:00 – 20:00 Networking reception
[THIS EVENT IS BY INVITATION ONLY.]
Related article
EU media sector needs a Marshall Plan, experts say
The European Union should establish a type of “Marshall plan” to support the sustainability of the bloc’s media sector, experts and MEPs said during an event organized by Fondation EURACTIV on Tuesday (25 June).