Next year, the European Association of Daily Newspapers in Minority and Regional Languages (MIDAS) will celebrate its 25th anniversary. It is based at the Center for Autonomy Experience. Until now, there has been no academic publication that looks at the association itself in detail. Jakob Volgger (Center for Autonomy Experience) has published a chapter on this topic in the recently released book ‘Minority Language Media: Current Challenges in a Fragmented Mediascape’. The chapter, entitled ‘MIDAS and Minority Language Newspapers: Two Decades of European Collaboration, can be found here. The abstract summarises the chapter as follows:
This book chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the European Association of Daily Newspapers in Minority and Regional Languages (MIDAS), examining its establishment, legal and organisational structure, objectives, projects, partnerships, and role in advocating for minority language newspapers. Drawing particularly on archival research, as well as interviews and an analysis of the MIDAS General Assembly of 2023, the chapter outlines the evolution of MIDAS from its founding in 2001 to its current activities. It looks at concrete examples of how MIDAS has been able to support its members politically, financially, or legally to address issues affecting the viability of minority language newspapers. Finally, the chapter looks at the challenges and opportunities minority daily newspapers face today. By giving a comprehensive overview, this chapter underscores MIDAS’ function in facilitating knowledge exchange and support networks, and in enhancing the visibility and resilience of minority language media.