Soon less publicity on RTBF. A dream for some, a nightmare for others. The project is in any case included in the legislative program of the government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, and the 1st decisions could take place during the Council of Ministers this morning.
It is on La Première that the quickest measures are planned: as of September 1, 50% less advertising in the morning segment, and the total disappearance of advertising next summer.
The shortfall is estimated at 2.8 million euros. And this before other restrictions announced by the PS-MR-Ecolo government. In particular, on television, radio and on digital platforms, the future ban on ads for games and bets, and for certain alcohol and drugs.
In total, RTBF eventually fears a hole of nearly 11 million in its budget. The coronavirus has already been there. According to current estimates, this year’s advertising revenue will also contract by around fifteen million (or more than 20% of forecasts) due to the health crisis.
So, a threat to jobs, to programs, or to ongoing reforms? RTBF management refuses to comment at this stage. But she no longer hides her concern.
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A proposal “likely to increase the deficit“
New document in the file: we have obtained a copy (below) of a letter from the Inspectorate of Finance, transmitted, in particular, to the Minister-President of the Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Pierre-Yves Jeholet (MR) , and the Minister for the Budget, Frédéric Daerden (PS).
“RTBF advertising revenue is already declining following the Covid-19 “pandemic, confirms the mail in our possession, which specifies that “lthe extent of this decrease is not known at this stage“. The author of this opinion also questions the advisability of awaiting the results of the audit relating to advertising in the French-speaking media”before making decisions to limit it to RTBF“
The other risk – again according to the Finance Inspectorate – is that, in the absence of compensatory measures, this decision will ultimately impact the overall budget of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
We will see if these various elements are likely to modify the government’s roadmap.
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Extract from our midday journal for Thursday July 2:
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