In early May, MPs in the Chamber green-lit plans to entrust CLT-UFA and RTL Group with a public service mission, with 54 votes in favour of the agreement.
The government will contribute up to 15 million euros per year to help RTL Group fund content “in the public interest”, starting in 2024 and lasting until 2030. As part of the contract, CLT-UFA has committed to developing children’s programming without advertising, as well as collaborating with the University of Luxembourg to develop media education. The latter target will see the establishment of a new “Media Center” system.
The government funding will be used to cover any remaining deficit left after CLT-UFA’s own financial contributions and the use of their financial reserve, as well as annual income.
“Today we are consolidating the stability of the public service by 2030 – it is a big step that we are taking with confidence. It is about information, transparency and quality,” said Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister and Minister of Communications and Media.
Elmar Heggen, the deputy CEO and COO of RTL Group, added that “RTL stands for independent journalism and entertainment – across television, radio and digital. Based on this spirit and the renewed long-term funding model, our teams will continue to provide an innovative and efficient public service to our Luxembourg audiences.”
The measures above, coupled with making better use of the opportunities offered by the various means of electronic broadcasting and distribution, are designed to provide CLT-UFA with the necessary means to create and distribute a high-level public service offer until 2030.
