New proposal aims to create additional media funding mechanism

Seimas liberal lawmakers have proposed amendments to the Public Information Act to introduce a new funding mechanism for media outlets affected by financial losses due to artificial intelligence and digital platforms.

The draft amendments were registered by three members of the Seimas Liberal Movement faction: Simonas Kairys, Simonas Gentvilas and Viktorija Čmilytė–Nielsen. The proposal seeks to establish a dedicated programme within the Media Support Fund to help media adapt to changing market conditions driven by large digital corporations.

According to the lawmakers, platforms operated by companies such as Meta, YouTube and Google divert advertising revenue away from traditional media, while AI-driven services use journalistic content without providing financial compensation. This has contributed to declining revenues and, in some cases, the closure of media outlets.

“Our proposal addresses new financial challenges facing not only Lithuanian but also European media,” said Simonas Kairys, Deputy Leader of the Seimas Liberal Movement faction. “Two key issues stand out: advertising revenue increasingly flows to major tech corporations, and AI platforms use media content without returning any financial benefit.”

The proposed amendments would create a new programme within the Media Support Fund called “Adaptation and Transformation to the Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Platforms.” The funding would be allocated through an application-based process, with decisions made by the fund’s board. The lawmakers estimate that an additional €1 million per year would be required to implement the changes.

The Media Support Fund is a state institution that provides financial assistance to media organisations in Lithuania.