Research brief - Econometric Foresight Study on the impact of content prominence requirements for news media online

This research brief aims to provide an evidence-based assessment of the potential benefits of introducing a due prominence obligation for the media sector and European citizens. The study will:

• Assess the potential effects of alternative regulatory scenarios (status quo, due prominence obligation, due prominence with revenue-sharing) on audiences, market competition, sustainability of the news ecosystem, and broader public-interest objectives.
• Estimate impacts across three research questions: audience behavior and information ecosystem, competition and market dynamics, and economic sustainability of trusted journalism.
• Deliver a research report and executive summary by November 2026, with intermediate milestones including an inception report and review points.

This study will provide robust, independent evidence to inform European regulatory decisions on content prominence, potentially strengthening the sustainability of trusted journalism and improving citizens' access to reliable information online.

Required qualifications for the evaluation team:

• Demonstrated expertise in media economics, platform dynamics, and/or audience research.
• Knowledge of the European media and regulatory environment, and of journalistic trust standards (an asset).
• Fluent spoken and written English.

Compensation and benefits are not specified in the posting. The role is a consultancy/research contract with deliverables and milestones.

Reporters sans frontières (RSF) is an independent NGO defending the right to reliable information and working globally to promote the freedom, pluralism and independence of journalism. It fights against censorship and supports journalists and media outlets persecuted for their activities.