Public funding for private media outlets in Bulgaria is currently under discussion by the “Progressive Bulgaria” ruling majority, according to statements made to the 24 Chasa newspaper by Anton Kutev, chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Media. Kutev stated that the state holds a responsibility to financially support private media alongside public institutions like BNT, BNR, and BTA when those private outlets perform public functions such as broadcasting cultural and children’s programs.
Legislative Initiatives and the Role of Kutev
According to Kutev, the primary objective is to establish a mechanism that protects the public function of both public and private media channels. Kutev announced that he has been developing various legislative initiatives to address these funding structures. However, he noted that public willingness to accept these mechanisms for guaranteeing media freedom and supporting the public functions of private entities remains uncertain.
The proposed framework suggests tying public media independence to a guaranteed percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP) annually, creating a sustainable growth mechanism for funding. For all media types, Kutev proposed a competitive co-financing model aimed at children’s or cultural broadcasts. Under this system, the state would cover financial losses to ensure such programming remains economically viable for broadcasters.
Transformation of the Radio and Television Fund
Kutev suggested that the Radio and Television Fund could be converted into a broader media fund. This revamped fund would guarantee sustainable financing for public broadcasters while introducing project-based funding opportunities for private media performing public functions. The fund has existed in legislation since 2001 but has seen its implementation delayed annually through state budgets. Originally, the fund was designed to draw revenue from monthly radio and television fees collected from citizens.
State budget changes reflect the ongoing overhaul of media financing. The State Budget Law for 2026 mandates that by September 30 of this year, the Minister of Culture must submit proposed amendments to the Radio and Television Act to the Council of Ministers. These amendments must align the Radio and Television Fund provisions with the Public Finance Act and adjust the financing of BNR and BNT to comply with state aid regulations.
Subjectivity Concerns and Regional Funding Alternatives
A primary risk associated with project-based public funding for private media is inherent subjectivity when officials decide which content receives financial backing. While funding children’s and cultural programs presents fewer political hurdles, investigative journalism often scrutinized by those in power faces greater vulnerability to political influence.
To mitigate political interference in environments where philanthropy and paid media consumption remain developing, several Central and Eastern European countries utilize tax redirection models. In Romania, for instance, employed taxpayers can direct 3.5% of their income tax once a year to a registered non-profit initiative, including journalism projects. This mechanism, also utilized in countries like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova, allows citizens rather than government officials or elite committees to distribute public resources.
Did you know? In Romania, the tax redirection mechanism allows citizens who do not trust any specific media outlet or organization to choose not to transfer their tax percentage, leaving the funds within the state budget. Similar citizen-led funding in Romania enabled the non-governmental organization “Dabi Zhivot” (Give Life) to build and equip a new children’s hospital building in Bucharest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes are being considered for Bulgarian media funding?
The ruling majority is examining mechanisms to extend public financing to private media outlets for fulfilling public functions like cultural and children’s broadcasts, alongside planned reforms for public broadcasters BNT, BNR, and BTA.
What is the Radio and Television Fund?
Established in the law in 2001 but delayed annually through the budget, the fund is slated for restructuring to provide sustainable financing for public media and potential project-based grants for private media under 2026 legal adjustments.
How do other European countries fund public-interest journalism without direct state grants?
Countries such as Romania, Poland, and Hungary allow taxpayers to redirect a small percentage of their annual income tax directly to registered civil society initiatives and journalism projects.
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