The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) participated to the public consultation launched by the European Commission on the evaluation of the 2009 Broadcasting Communication (BComm), which provides guidance on how public service broadcasting may receive state funding.
The EFJ and its affiliates strongly believe that public service media (PSM) play an increasingly important role in today’s fragile information ecosystem, which is dominated by a handful of private digital platforms. It is therefore essential that PSM are able to operate under conditions of financial viability, full transparency and political independence.
According to the EFJ, the BComm has been and remains a very useful tool, perfectly suited to its purpose. The BComm provides the necessary conditions for financial transparency and proportionality, as well as respect for the broad discretion enjoyed by Member States in defining and financing their public service remit. It recognises the distinct role of PSMs in promoting content of public interest, cultural diversity and social inclusion.
“In a world where algorithms increasingly decide which information reaches the public, and where disinformation spreads faster than verified facts, public service media must remain a place where journalism has the time, space, and freedom to do its job. The 2009 Broadcasting Communication has been and is still a very useful tool guiding assessment regarding compliance of public service media funding with EU state aid rules. Independent, stable and transparent funding are more important than ever – without strong journalism in public media, citizens are left without reliable information, and democracy without its defence,” said EFJ President Maja Sever.
Stakeholders can still provide feedback until 14 January 2026 (midnight):
- via the expert consultation by completing an online questionnaire
- via the general questionnaire
- via the call for evidence (general statement)


