To the shock of the press, the minister, in the midst of the tender, decided to...

Minister for Culture Ignacija Fridl Jarc has decided mid-process to halt two public calls for funding aimed at supporting journalists' salaries and securing annual digital subscriptions. The decision was made during a meeting with media representatives, according to official records. The minister cited changing financial circumstances as the reason for the suspension, stating that decisions had not yet been finalized. The first call sought contributions to cover the costs of paying journalists' wages at national and regional general-interest printed and digital media outlets for the years 2026 and 2027. Thirteen applications were submitted in response, but no final decisions had been issued. Under the law on implementing public interest in culture, the minister explained, she could suspend the process until such time as decisions were made. A second call targeted the signing of annual digital subscriptions by the same media outlets for the same periods. Six applications were received, and again, no formal decisions had been released. According to legal provisions, this too could be suspended pending the issuance of final rulings. Earlier, on July 9, the minister had announced in a public statement that both calls would be postponed. She noted that this was possible because the necessary decisions and agreements had not yet been finalized. This move has introduced uncertainty into the media sector, which had anticipated receiving support through these initiatives. Media organizations have expressed concern over the sudden change in direction. Some have voiced hope that the ministry will find a more favorable solution. It is well known that many media houses are struggling financially, creating a ripple effect on journalistic employment. Salaries for journalists in Slovenia remain lower than in other European countries, exacerbating the challenges faced by the industry. The Slovenian Journalists’ Association (STA) has stated that they await further clarification from the ministry regarding the situation. The association has previously highlighted the precarious state of media finances and the impact on quality journalism. With fewer resources, media outlets face difficulties in maintaining operational standards and producing reliable content. The suspension of these funding calls raises questions about the government’s commitment to supporting the media sector. While the minister cites financial constraints, critics argue that the decision undermines efforts to stabilize the industry. Without clear communication and a structured plan, media organizations may struggle to secure alternative funding sources. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely for any developments. The outcome of this decision could influence future policy directions and the sustainability of media operations in Slovenia. For now, the focus remains on the ministry's next steps and how it intends to address the concerns raised by the media community.