Consell subsidies for production and a 6.5 million euros allocation
In 2021 the Council Presidency set a strategic objective tied to a partnership with Alicante’s Digital District and Euronews, aiming to expand a local television footprint. Three years on, the district led by Ximo Puig continues to allocate around three million euros to support Euronews’ presence on the City of Light premises. This initiative is part of an updated subsidy plan published in the Official Journal of the Generalitat. The update arrives after the date of March 25. [Source: Euronews]
The Presidency confirmed that negotiations remain open, with efforts focused on finalizing an agreement. A May 2022 meeting with the Consell’s CEO suggested progress toward a near-complete deal. However, the process faced legal and financial complexities involving Alpak Capital, Euronews’ principal mutual fund shareholder, and the City of Light. These elements must be interpreted carefully as they are not intended to be viewed as hidden subsidies. [Source: Generalitat Official Journal]
At that moment, the Presidency stated that negotiations to determine the headquarters for the Euronews project in Southern Europe were advancing steadily, and a final decision was anticipated before summer. The parties cautiously avoided promising a hard date or making premature projections, acknowledging that the election campaign could influence timelines. [Source: Presidency Press Statement]
Another dimension of the initiative is the evolving focus on the broader regional implications, which over time appeared to recede from daily headlines. A regional secretary explained that the initial announcement had generated an estimated impact of around 6,000 jobs. This figure was discussed with a member of Compromís, Monica Álvaro, by the assistant to the party. [Source: Regional Secretary Statement]
The Presidency has shown particular attention to the KPMG report associated with these projections. The document reportedly suggests a potential return on investment near 200 million, a figure that surprised observers by its scale. In essence, it reflects the current staffing level of Valencia public radio and television, multiplied by twelve. [Source: KPMG Report]
Cinema activity at the City of Light and new opportunities for local artists
The ongoing project remains tied to a longer waiting period that often accompanies electoral cycles. If the landing is delayed, a second attempt could follow after the protocol published by Ximo Puig, who leads the RTVE organization, and the former president, Manuel Pérez Tornero, conferred about constructing a new headquarters in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. [Source: RTVE Protocol]
During discussions on aid to the audio-visual sector, a debate reflected in Parliament recently saw Mónica Álvaro, deputy for Conciliación, request further clarification from the Council. The advocate, Josefina Bueno, was asked whether a portion of the three million euros could be redirected toward the Valencia sector. The response to this inquiry did not arrive in time before the legislature concluded, leaving the question unresolved for now. [Source: Parliamentary Debate]
As the region contemplates future support, the interplay between policy, funding, and regional cultural projects remains at the forefront. The discussion continues to center on how best to balance investment with accountability while preserving creative opportunities for local artists involved in events such as the Hogueras de Alicante. [Source: Regional Debate]