https://www.mediasupport.org/in-depth/pluralistic-media-for-democracy/
The aim of the PM4D programme is to revive the local media landscape with measures to build resilience, independence and sustainability by improving their capacity in innovation, business strategies and audience engagement, underpinned by financial support. Ultimately, it is helping contribute to building an enabling environment where a pluralistic and independent media landscape in the EU can exist.
Pluralistic Media for Democracy (PM4D) is an innovative project implemented by Journalismfund Europe and IMS, funded by the European Union.
The Pluralistic Media for Democracy (PM4D) project focuses on three key objectives aimed at strengthening local, regional, community and investigative media across Europe:
The lack of capital in this sector is being addressed by offering financial support through a Media Pluralism Fund to media organisations. Through two rounds of open and competitive calls for proposals, €1.4 million was distributed to 46 media outlets across 16 European countries. Having received 246 applications from 31 countries, the needs for this type of financial support are extremely high. The project ensures these organisations can sustain their work by providing funding that enables them to continue delivering diverse and independent news.
The financial support is complemented by enhancing the resilience, pluralism and editorial independence of the supported media. Through capacity-building and mentoring, the project equips these media organisations with the tools and expertise to overcome challenges and sustain their independence. By supporting their long-term sustainability, the programme aims to create a resilient media ecosystem that can resist political or commercial pressures, allowing local media to continue serving the public interest. These initiatives help media outlets contribute effectively to civic participation and democracy.
Finally, by having such a diverse collective of media partners, PM4D aims to create a network of media across Europe that allows local, regional and investigative media outlets to exchange experience. The project ensures that successful strategies and lessons learned are shared across Europe.
Learning materials
Learning to iterate on and maximise new innovations, as well as taking ideas to market – in short, an entrepreneurial way of thinking – is key. The Pluralistic Media for Democracy programme emphasises peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and creating a sense of community between peers to enhance motivation.
