Fund for the Promotion of Digital Transformation

Fund for the Promotion of Digital Transformation supports private media companies in Vienna in developing and expanding digital offerings. The program aims to preserve the diversity of media providers in the Austrian media landscape and to strengthen their role in a democratic society. Funding is provided to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with at least one year of business activity that make their content digitally available to the domestic audience. The funding line grants non-repayable subsidies and is explicitly aimed at daily, weekly, and monthly newspapers as well as broadcasters with a valid license. Applications can be submitted until October 31, 2027.

Requirements for a successful application include the financial security of the project, timely and complete submission before the project start, as well as proof of proper tax and social security payments. For example, daily newspapers must employ at least six full-time journalists and be published 240 times annually, while weekly and monthly newspapers must meet correspondingly adjusted frequencies and staffing levels. Additionally, companies must not be in difficulty within the meaning of the EU state aid regulations. The funding guarantees timely digital publication, ensuring that media content is available online simultaneously or within two weeks after print. Interested media companies can find comprehensive information in the RTR guidelines and may submit their funding application to the approval authority in compliance with all requirements. This fund contributes to sustainably advancing the digital transformation of the media industry in Vienna.