Journalism is a prerequisite for democratic societies. Public-interest media projects make an important contribution to pluralistic reporting, investigative scrutiny, and local public discourse.

The study »Gemeinwohlorientierter Journalismus in Österreich« (Public-Interest Journalism in Austria), conducted by Presseclub Concordia together with ERSTE Foundation and scientifically supported by Medienhaus Wien, provides the first empirical insight into the state of this sector and the support needs of public-interest media in Austria. Around 70 founders and representatives of journalistic media projects took part in personal interviews, a focus group, and an online survey.

The findings confirm that innovative journalistic projects are emerging in Austria in large numbers and with a strong commitment to serving the public interest. At the same time, many lack the structural conditions needed to fully realise this potential over the long term. The study shows that financial support alone is not sufficient. Regular exchange, shared infrastructure, and targeted advisory services are also needed. The strongest demand is for legal support (95%), followed by audience development and marketing (74% each), and business management topics (71%). The study also found a strong willingness to cooperate within the sector. More than three quarters of respondents emphasised the need for networking opportunities and nationwide exchange of experience.

The Study »Public-Interest Journalism in Austria« makes clear that strengthening public-interest journalism in the long term requires additional support structures and a broader circle of public and private funders. The study provides an empirical basis for future funding strategies and policy decisions.

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