The results achieved were presented at the closing event, “How Far Have We Come with Digitalisation?”, of the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility programme for media modernisation and digitalisation, organised by the Ministry of Culture. The programme was implemented through an investment of EUR 11.1 million in 27 projects, resulting in the creation or improvement of 91 platforms and new IT solutions. A total of 30 print media outlets, 9 television channels, 5 radio stations and 4 multimedia platforms were modernised and digitalised, strengthening their ability to operate more efficiently using modern technologies and reach their target audiences.*
The media play an essential role in informing society and providing diverse content. They help the public keep up with current events, understand developments and engage with a range of perspectives. At a time when resilience to disinformation is particularly important, it is vital that media organisations continue to develop, improve their operations and provide the public with a high-quality, reliable information environment. They must find ways not only to create quality content but also to deliver it effectively to their audiences.
Media audience habits are changing, and the digital environment is becoming increasingly important. The programme’s support has made it possible to implement practical improvements, including digitalising work processes, introducing new software and planning solutions, conducting audience research, making use of artificial intelligence and developing data storage services.
At the event, project implementers and media representatives shared their experiences of project results, discussed future directions for the development of the media industry and expanded their knowledge of cybersecurity. SIA “Rīgas Viļņi”, SIA “4.vara”, SIA “All Media Latvia”, members of the Regional Media Association and the Latvian Press Publishers Association, as well as regional newspapers, SIA “TV Kurzeme” and SIA “Gemius Latvia”, presented their completed projects. Two panel discussions were also held: “Are Regional Media Ready?” and “How Can We Make Use of the Digital Boost?”
The first discussion brought together ReTV presenter Elīna Leimane; Ivonna Plaude, Chair of the Board of the Latvian Regional Media Association and Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper Neatkarīgās Tukuma Ziņas; Daiga Biteniece, Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper Kurzemnieks, serving Kuldīga, Skrunda and Alsunga; and Jeļena Avsjukeviča, journalist at the Krāslava regional newspaper Ezerzeme. The second discussion featured contributions from Gunta Sloga, Executive Director of the Baltic Centre for Media Excellence; Jānis Grīviņš, Chairman of the Management Board of Delfi; Marta Selecka, director, presenter, producer and entrepreneur; and Guntars Kļavinskis, Chair of the Board of the Latvian Press Publishers Association and Chairman of the Management Board of AS “Latvijas Mediji”.
\* The European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan, Reform and Investment Direction 2.2, “Digital Transformation and Innovation of Enterprises”, Investment 2.2.1.5.i, “Promoting the Digital Transformation of Media Companies”, programme “Modernisation of Business Processes in the Media Sector”.
About the Recovery and Resilience Facility:
The EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is a budget programme managed centrally by the European Commission and established in addition to the EU’s multiannual budget for the 2021–2027 programming period. Its aim is to support reforms and investments related to the transition to a green and digital economy, as well as to mitigate the social and economic impact of crises. By the end of 2026, EUR 1.97 billion is expected to be invested in Latvia’s economy through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, implementing reforms and investments across all six of its areas of activity: Climate and Energy (including REPowerEU), Digital Transformation, Reducing Inequality, Economic Transformation, Health and Rule of Law.
Reforms and investments under the Recovery and Resilience Facility in Latvia are financed from the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility budget, with national budget co-financing.
Information prepared by:
Alma Rudzīte
Officer of Public Relations Division, Ministry of Culture
Tel.: +371 25784795
Email: Alma.Rudzite@km.gov.lv
(Translated with the help of DeepL Translate)
