Press Funding

The nationwide press subsidy supports, as a direct grant measure pursuant to the Press Subsidy Act 2004, the preservation of regional diversity and the enhancement of quality in daily and weekly newspapers. Eligible companies can apply for grants continuously without a fixed application deadline, provided they meet certain minimum requirements regarding publication frequency, circulation, and editorial staffing. Daily newspapers must have at least 240 issues per year, achieve a sold circulation of 10,000 copies nationwide (or 6,000 in one federal state), and employ at least six full-time journalists. Weekly newspapers qualify with 41 issues annually, a minimum circulation of 5,000 copies per federal state, and at least two full-time journalists. A regular publication over at least six months prior to application and a non-exclusively local focus are further prerequisites. The funds are specifically aimed at strengthening the diversity of opinion and securing the significant role of regional press in Austria.

Under the umbrella of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport, the measure supports both established publishers and innovative projects that contribute to political, economic, and cultural information beyond the trade press. Through long-term financing, journalistic competencies are to be strengthened, jobs secured, and independent reporting ensured. Interested publishers benefit from a transparent, continuous application process and the clear legal basis provided by the Press Subsidy Act 2004. The subsidy makes a significant contribution to the media landscape by sustainably ensuring the transparency and diversity of the regional press.