The Federation of Journalist Associations in Spain (FAPE) has revealed that the government could be looking to provide direct aid to the country's press industry. Although the measures have not been disclosed, Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega and the FAPE were studying the proposals at a meeting on Monday. As well as direct aid to the press, the measures could reportedly include expanded access to state credit.

This news follows calls for action made to the Spanish government from media groups such as the Press Association of Madrid (APM). Ignacio Benito, director general of the Association of Editors of Spanish Newspapers (AEDE) recently warned of the "pathetic situation" which the Spanish press is currently in, and said that the economic crisis has had a "devastating impact" upon its newspapers. State intervention into newspapers raises questions over democracy, and the potential effect direct aid could have on a publication's editorial line. Following Sarkozy's bailout of French newspapers, it will be interesting to see what form Spanish aid will take.

Source: Expatica