Nicolas Léonard, director of TV Lux, reacts with cautious serenity. According to him, the challenges of this reform, although complex, are not a surprise, but require in-depth reflection to preserve balance and local specificities. “These announcements do not scare us, because this debate on the number of local media has existed for years”explains Nicolas Léonard. “If their multiplicity is beneficial for democracy, it nevertheless raises questions in terms of costs and effectiveness.”
For TV Lux, which alone covers the entire territory of the province of Luxembourg (Editor’s note: 43 municipalities) and represents 28% of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the situation is however different. “We have always worked rigorously and by promoting synergies, for example with RTBF or other local television stations like Matélé. What the minister is asking for, we have already been doing for a long time.”
An annual loss of 20,000 to 25,000 euros for TV Lux
The reform envisaged by Jacqueline Galant includes additional financial efforts for everyone. Nicolas Léonard estimates that TV Lux could have to deal with a budget reduction of 20,000 to 25,000 euros per year, a sum which, although manageable, risks impacting certain missions. “Our operating budgets are calculated to fulfill our obligations. If resources decrease, certain missions will have to be adjusted, such as capture or actions regarding inclusion. Our management contract may need to be subject to a revision.”
Faced with inflation, particularly in energy costs and salary indexations, Mr. Léonard also underlines the crucial role of municipalities in financing local media. “We will probably have to rely on their support even more in the years to come.”
Towards a model of local media with the “France 3” sauce?
In France, there are 26 local branches (meaning antennas) of France 3. Concretely, the national program of France 3 is relayed from Paris on all local antennas. These then broadcast their own programs produced in the region and visible only to viewers of the station in question. A model that also exists in Germany with the ARD, where each Land has its own local television station controlled by the national antenna.
The idea that the local media of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation could become regional relays for RTBF is firmly rejected by Nicolas Léonard. “If TV Lux became “La Une Lux”, it would no longer make sense. Local media are deeply anchored in their territory, with their own identity and a unique link with the population. The only one who dreams of this kind of thing, it’s Jean-Paul Philippot (Editor’s note: the general administrator of RTBF). But I think his vision since Reyers is not complete…”
It also points to major structural differences between the two types of entities, particularly in terms of salary policy and human resources management. “RTBF journalists and technicians are better paid than those in local media. The joint committees are different and this would involve aligning with the RTBF joint committee. Standardization would be complex and costly.”
Minister’s visit in January 2025
Jacqueline Galant is due to visit TV Lux on January 14. An opportunity, according to Nicolas Léonard, to show him the realities on the ground. “We are not rolling in gold, but we largely fulfill our missions with the means available to us. Compared to other media like RTBF, our production costs, all things considered, are significantly lower. Our audiences , whether linear or digital, are excellent.”
The director of TV Lux is optimistic about the capacity for dialogue with the minister. “I don’t see her as an enemy of local media. We must be part of this new dynamic, while defending our specificity.”
For Nicolas Léonard, the rationalization of local media must not be to the detriment of their primary mission: to reflect and serve the population of the province of Luxembourg. If the financial challenge is real, he remains convinced that a constructive dialogue will make it possible to find solutions respecting the balance between efficiency and diversity. TV Lux, with its experience and synergies, intends to remain a key player in this changing landscape. “I can’t imagine merging with another local media.”he concludes.
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