CSA publishes Belgian media pluralism report

Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (CSA) — Belgium’s audiovisual regulatory authority responsible for overseeing and ensuring the proper functioning of the audiovisual sector within the French-speaking region, Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles — has published its 2023 media pluralism report. While the results are generally positive, the report highlights medium risks in two key areas: market pluralism and social inclusion.

The evaluation was conducted using the MPM, a tool developed by KU Leuven and coordinated by the Center for Media Pluralism and Freedom (CMPF). This tool, widely used across EU member states, assesses risks in four categories: fundamental protections, market plurality, political independence and social inclusion. Scores are expressed as percentages, ranging from low risk (0–33%) to medium (34–66%) and high risk (67–100%). The CSA report notes low-risk scores for fundamental protections and political independence, indicating a strong performance in these areas. However, market pluralism and social inclusion both registered medium-risk scores.

Market pluralism faces elevated medium risk

The report records a score of 63% for market pluralism, indicating an elevated medium risk. Media concentration in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, driven by the small local market size, remains a significant concern. In television, four major players — RTL Belgium, RTBF, TF1 and AB — command 91% of revenues and 78% of audiences. The radio sector is similarly concentrated, with RTL Belgium, RTBF, IPM and NRJ Group capturing 98% of advertising revenues and 86% of audiences.

According to the report, this concentration limits diversity in media offerings and poses risks to content plurality. While the Belgian Competition Authority (ABC) and the CSA are tasked with monitoring media concentration, the report recommends clarifying actions to address potential abuses of market dominance. The upcoming European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) is expected to strengthen the regulatory framework.

Social inclusion scored 45%, also reflecting a medium risk. The evaluation examined the representation and access of minorities, women, local communities and people with disabilities in the media. While risks for local community access were deemed low, women’s representation remains a challenge. Their presence in decision-making roles and on-screen representation continues to be insufficient.

The CSA also emphasized the importance of media literacy. Although a 62-action plan was implemented in January 2022, further efforts are needed to reach vulnerable groups and younger audiences.

Strong safeguards for political independence

One of the report’s key strengths is political independence, which scored a low-risk 16%. Existing mechanisms ensure editorial autonomy and prevent direct government interference in content. Strict regulations during election periods further guarantee balanced political coverage and limit electoral advertising.

While the CSA report underlines the robust protections for fundamental rights and political independence in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, it also points to challenges in market concentration and social inclusion. Implementing the EMFA could significantly enhance diversity and media pluralism. In the meantime, the CSA calls for vigilance and concrete measures to support local media actors and ensure diverse, high-quality information for all.

This article was previously published in RedTech’s sister publication La Lettre Pro