O financiamento público da imprensa em Portugal

: a opinião dos atores mediáticos

Abstract

Public funding of the press has been the subject of intense debate, both in Portugal and internationally, in a context of profound transformations in the journalism industry. The crisis of traditional business models, exacerbated by the digital transition and audience fragmentation, has led to a decline in media revenues, jeopardizing the economic sustainability of the sector. In this scenario, public funding is often seen as an essential mechanism to ensure the viability of journalism and informational plurality. However, the way in which this support should be structured remains a controversial issue. This dissertation analyzes the opinions of different media actors on public funding of the press in Portugal, seeking to identify points of consensus and divergence. The research reveals a general consensus on the need for state support to the sector, recognizing its fundamental role in promoting independent and sustainable journalism. However, divergences emerge regarding the modalities of such funding, with debates on direct subsidies versus indirect support, transparency in fund distribution, and the creation of mechanisms to ensure editorial independence. Methodologically, this study adopts a qualitative and quantitative approach, combining content analysis of opinion articles, semi-structured interviews with media directors and political representatives, and a survey of unionized journalists. The results provide insights into the factors hindering the establishment of a consensual public funding model, as well as potential solutions to balance state support with editorial autonomy. The findings of this research highlight the urgency of a balanced approach that ensures the economic sustainability of journalism without compromising its critical and watchdog role. The study contributes to the academic and political debate on the future of the press in Portugal, offering a well-founded analysis of the dynamics at play and suggesting directions for future public policies in the sector.

Date of Award	24 Jun 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Isadora Ataíde Fonseca (Supervisor)