Lucerne Cantonal Council does not yet want to promote online media

The cantonal council rejected a motion by Rahel Estermann (Greens) on Monday. Estermann wanted to oblige the cantonal government to draw up a model for the promotion of online media. She justified her request by arguing that the media were under economic pressure and that quality was suffering as a result.

Digital channel important for young audiences

The Green parliamentary group only received support from the SP. Its speaker Simone Brunner (SP) said that the digital channel was important for reaching a young audience. She called for reporting in Lucerne to be broadened again and for more analytical and well-founded reporting.

No cantonal solution

The conservative parliamentary groups rejected the motion. Their spokespersons explained that the media were in crisis. However, it would be wrong to create a cantonal solution. Daniel Keller (SVP) also expressed concerns that the independence of the press could be jeopardized by one-sided cantonal media funding.

The conservative parliamentary groups thus supported the position of the cantonal government. Economic Director Fabian Peter said that the federal government was in the lead. A bill would soon be submitted to parliament. Peter referred to the decision taken by the responsible Council of States committee on Monday to advocate greater support for newspapers, radio and TV stations and news agencies. (SDA)