Traditional news media face a sustainability crisis due to increased competition in digital advertising and consumer reluctance to pay for online news. This shift undermines a century-old model supported by advertising revenues. New digital platforms contribute to a significant drop in advertising income for newspapers and audiovisual services, leaving the media vulnerable to economic downturns, market fluctuations, and systemic shocks like a pandemic and wars. Navigating these challenges requires robust news media with sustainable and alternative business models to fulfil their democratic mission of scrutinising power and providing essential information to the public.

Urska Umek | Council of Europe 

Herman Grech | The Times of Malta 

Ides Debruyne | Journalismfund Europe

Gianni Barlassina | Il Post

Wout van Wijk | News Media Europe

Moderated by Roberta Carlini | Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (EUI)