Media Study - Medija centar Beograd

3.1.3 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRINT LOCAL MEDIA
Background
According to Local Press only two local daily newspapers exist. Rest of the local print media are weeklies, biweeklies,
monthlies etc.
While the economy and circulation of the latter is limited they do serve a trustworthy function in the local
communities. However, the business model of relying mainly on subscriptions for that type of print outlets is
unusual in the selected Member States and probably also in a larger European context. In most countries such
publications would be distributed to all citizens in the local community and be based on advertisements.
Rather than establishing a state support scheme it could be more viable with help to transformation of the business
model.
Recommendations
It is recommended to provide a helping hand to local print media.
The Ministry of Culture should give access to applications for grants supporting development of new business
models for local print media.
It should further be considered to establish rule based subsidies for local daily newspapers, possibly in
connection with subsidies to national print dailies. The goal is to encourage diversity of opinions in print media
with smaller circulations.
SWOT Recommendation 3
Strength Local dailies will be helped to survive and other local print media will be forced to
develop viable business models if they shall survive
Weakness In spite of these efforts it may be expected that very small local media will close in the
future
Opportunity If successful the new business models might result in a very vivid market for local
weeklies as in most of EU
Threats The local print media would not collaborate on development
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