Free newspapers require special support from the federal government
In an open letter to the Federal Council, the Association of Swiss Free Newspapers (VSGZ) highlights the existential crisis facing free regional media and calls for special support.
Free regional media have found themselves in an existentially threatening situation due to the coronavirus crisis after the Federal Council restricted or even suspended the activities of many businesses. The letter published on Tuesday states that those affected will therefore no longer place any advertising.
The two free newspapers Rhone newspaper rz and Schaffhauser Bock have already discontinued their printed editions. Other titles are in an extremely difficult situation, as advertising revenues have fallen by well over 50 percent.
The VSGZ is therefore asking the Federal Council to urgently examine whether further support measures can be taken specifically for media companies. The association proposes that advertisements for the current coronavirus campaign be printed in free newspapers or that special tax deductions be created for advertisers who place advertisements in the printed press. (SDA)
