The Spanish government is preparing to introduce a new bill aimed at regulating the influence of institutional advertising on media outlets. This forthcoming law will require all media, regardless of their size, to publicly disclose their ownership structures, allowing audiences to understand potential conflicts of interest. Furthermore, it will limit the percentage of income that any media outlet can receive from institutional advertising to no more than 35 percent of their total revenue.

The legislation, initially proposed at a 30 percent threshold, has seen some back and forth regarding its final figures but is now firmly set at 35 percent. This move follows a broader initiative by the government to enhance transparency in media ownership and reduce dependency on government funding, which can create bias in reporting. The bill is expected to be presented at the next Cabinet meeting, signifying a significant step in regulatory measures that seek to uphold journalistic integrity and independence within Spain.

This legislative initiative arises amid ongoing discussions about media influence and the ethical responsibilities of outlets in the context of public trust. By capping the income from institutional advertising, the government aims to mitigate potential biases in media reporting caused by financial reliance on public funds. This could lead to a more balanced media landscape where the interests of the public are better served, though it may also challenge smaller media outlets that depend heavily on such funding to survive financially.