Bernese Grand Council Commission for Indirect Media Funding
The Committee on Public Policy and Foreign Relations (SAK) of the Bern Grand Council agrees with the cantonal government that the Canton of Bern should not provide direct funding to the media. However, a narrow majority of the committee supports indirect media funding.
According to this narrow majority, the Bernese government should "assess" measures to promote the two regional offices in Bern and Biel of the Keystone-SDA news agency, as stated in a communication from the Bernese Grand Council. The same applies to the promotion of media skills in schools and education.
In addition, the cantonal government should investigate ways of strengthening independent quality journalism. And, if necessary, it should consider support measures for the written press in the French-speaking part of the canton.
In addition, the Commission is calling for the Government Council to continue and intensify its active information policy, particularly via online channels. The Commission has formulated corresponding planning declarations.
Via Keystone-SDA Strengthen editorial offices
The SAK made these decisions during the preliminary consultation on the report on the possibilities of media promotion by the Canton of Bern, which the cantonal government presented in August. The report analyzes the changes in the media landscape and their impact on the canton of Berne.
The cantonal government writes that support for the news agency could strengthen regional reporting by those newspaper, radio, TV and online editorial offices in the canton of Bern that rely on Keystone-SDA for their reporting.
The cantonal government rejects direct media funding - for example in the form of financial contributions to online media. The Grand Council will consider the paper in the winter session at the end of November/beginning of December. The SAK will ask the Grand Council to take note of this report.
Also in agreement with digital strategy
The SAK will also recommend the "Digital Administration Strategy" report to the Grand Council for approval. According to the press release, the Government Council intends to use the digital strategy to drive forward the e-government activities of the entire cantonal administration in a coordinated and targeted manner.
The SAK agrees with the thrust of the strategy. However, it demands that the canton clarify whether existing solutions from other cantons could be adopted. It also demands that the implementation of the strategy must not lead to an increase in administrative jobs. (SDA)
