The National Association of Regional Press (Anir), considered the most representative of the proximity press, both in printed and digital format, will hold an important meeting on March 15 and 16, 2025, in the city of Braga. The meeting will bring together, at the Youth Center of Braga, representatives of the Social Communication sector, government authorities and experts to discuss the revitalization and sustainability of the proximity press, both printed and digital.
The event program foresees a series of interventions and discussion panels that address crucial issues for the future of the local media. The opening session will be attended by the mayor of Braga, Ricardo Rio, and Eduardo Costa, president of Anir. The meeting aims to promote a space for dialogue and reflection on the role of the regional press in the construction of a democratic Portugal and in the fight against misinformation.
Public policies and challenges of regulation
One of the central moments of the first day of the meeting will be the intervention of the Secretary of State with the protection of social communication, Carlos Abreu Amorim, who will present the government’s view of public policies for the revitalization of the sector. The panel will discuss solutions to mitigate the ‘news desert’ phenomenon, which affects more than 60 municipalities in the country, many of which without any active printed publication.
There will be a debate on the regulation of local and regional media, with the participation of the Chairman of the Regulatory Regulatory Council for Social Communication (ERC), Helena Sousa. The goal is to discuss measures that guarantee the sustainability and editorial independence of the local press in a context of growing digitization.
Combat the misinformation and appreciation of the regional press
Another prominent theme will be the contribution of the local and regional media in the fight against misinformation and the fake news. The analysis will be conducted by Alberto Arons de Carvalho, former Secretary of State for Social Communication, which will warn of the negative impact of the absence of local newspapers on the plurality of information.
Still on the first day, the 25th anniversary commemorative committee of the 25th anniversary will promote a panel entitled “Press, Revolution and Democracy”, highlighting the role of the regional press in the consolidation of democracy in Portugal. During this moment, pubic recognition will be provided to newspapers that play a key role in defending freedom of expression and promoting proximity journalism. A pecuniary prize will also be awarded by the 50th anniversary commemorative committee of 25 April.
The vision of parties and former mayors about the regional press
The second day of the meeting will begin with a round table that will be attended by representatives of parliamentary groups with a seat in the Assembly of the Republic. The panel aims to provide an extended view of what political parties consider to be the future of the regional media and which sector support measures.
In addition, former presidents of city councils, such as Paulo Cunha (former president of CM of Famalicão and current deputy in the European Parliament) and José Luís Carneiro (former president of CM of Baião and deputy in the Assembly of the Republic), will share their vision on the importance of local press in the context of municipal governance.
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Paths for the future of the regional press
The meeting will be closed with a reflection on the course of the regional press, conducted by Luís Marques Mendes, former Secretary of State for Social Communication and author of the Regional Press Statute. The debate will address current industry challenges and strategies to ensure its long -term relevance and sustainability.
Finally, will be presented the initiative #Portugal Medialab, a project focused on the revision of public incentives for the local and regional media, conducted by Sérgio Gomes da Silva. The session will allow participants to contribute ideas and suggestions to a more effective model support for proximity journalism.
A strong and independent press
The event, which will take place at a time when the regional press faces challenges such as competition from digital platforms and the need to adapt to new audiences, reflects Anir’s commitment to promoting dialogue between its members and public entities. Braga’s choice as a host city is not casual: the municipality has been highlighted by cultural and economic dynamism, being an example of how local dynamics can benefit from a strong and independent press.
For the professionals of the Algarve postcard and other regional and local communication bodies, this meeting represents an opportunity to share experiences and reinforce the network that supports proximity journalism in Portugal. Anir, when organizing this program, reaffirms its role as an active voice in the defense of a sector that, despite adversity, remains essential to inform and unite communities from north to south of the country.
With this meeting, Anir seeks to foster a thorough debate on the role of local and regional media in the democratic and digital context, ensuring that the close press continues to play an essential role in Portuguese society.
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