Skopje, 29 December 2021 (MIA) – The Government adopted a decision to approve budget funds for implementation of the print media support program, which is implemented for the fourth time and intended for general and informative print media. “The print media support program was launched to encourage diversity of information sources, as well as ensure the sustainability of this traditional type of media, despite the rapidly growing digitalization and in line with the practice that is present in many countries and is recommended and supported by the OSCE and international media organizations,” the Government said in a press release. The procedure for selecting the users of the funds according to the program was conducted by a Commission set up by the General Secretariat composed of representatives of competent institutions, as well as a representative of the Association for the Protection of National Print Media and a representative of the Associations of Journalists of Macedonia. Just as in previous years, the Commission’s decision was made based on applications submitted and complete documentation in line with clearly defined criteria. Of a total of 11 applications received, 11 have been approved. According to the decision, Mden 30 million are allocated to 11 media companies that meet the conditions of the public call for printing and distribution support, which include “Nova Makedonija”, “Ekonomija i Biznis”, “Zenit”, “Sloboden Pechat”, “Bitolski Vesnik”, “Koha”, “Vecher”, “Fokus”, “Lajm”, “Shenja” and “Shtipski Glas.”