Strengthening informational integrity, media freedom, and rule of law is essential for preserving democratic processes and addressing the growing influence of disinformation in Europe. Disinformation campaigns, often orchestrated by foreign actors, aim to erode trust in institutions, polarize public opinion, and influence political outcomes. A significant factor enabling such campaigns is the declining resilience of the media sector, particularly in Eastern Europe, where independent news outlets face increasing financial challenges and external pressures.
The digital transition over the past two decades has dramatically transformed the business models of news media, with many outlets unable to adapt, resulting in their closure and the rise of "news deserts." As a result, the European Commission must take innovative legislative measures to ensure the survival of independent news media, especially in countries like Bulgaria, where local news is vital for safeguarding democracy.
These and other pressing issues were discussed at a policy workshop organized by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) on September 24, 2024, in Sofia.
Ambassador Kenneth Merten stressed the importance of free, independent, and economically sustainable information sources. Without such media, he argued, the war against disinformation cannot be won. He also highlighted the need for new media financing models, as consumers are increasingly reluctant to pay for content, which in turn forces media outlets to reduce investments in investigative journalism.
Assoc. Prof. Georgi Lozanov from the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at Sofia University, pointed out the dangers posed by social media. He warned that these platforms are often perceived as credible news sources despite lacking editorial oversight and accountability. Prof. Lozanov emphasized that, to be considered legitimate, a media outlet must adhere to responsible editorial standards, something that is often missing on social media platforms.
Mirolyuba Benatova and Genka Shikerova, editors and hosts of the online program "Daily Agenda," discussed the urgent need for diverse funding models to support independent journalism. They argued that without appropriate financing, journalists cannot establish a reputation or produce high-quality investigative reports. As Benatova succinctly put it, "In the end, we are a business, and businesses need proper funding to operate."
A study presented by CSD highlighted Bulgaria's low ranking in terms of media freedom within the European Union, making it one of the most vulnerable countries to disinformation. The workshop participants reached a consensus on the necessity of developing new models for financing independent media to ensure objective reporting both domestically and globally.
