National Council insists on restricting SRG's online offering
The future of media funding remains a contentious issue. Even after the most recent debate in the National Council, differences between the chambers persist. The lower house, in particular, insists on further restrictions on SRG’s online offerings.
The Council approved this decision on Thursday by a vote of 115 to 81. The Council of States does not want any further restrictions on SRG’s online offerings. The National Council would like to introduce further restrictions to ensure a level playing field with private media outlets.
Another point of disagreement remains regarding whether online media outlets newly entering the market should also receive direct federal funding. The National Council upheld this demand by a vote of 138 to 54, with 4 abstentions. The Council of States wishes to support only those online platforms that already meet a minimum standard of professionalism and generate a certain minimum level of revenue.
Furthermore, the National Council narrowly upheld, by a vote of 99 to 96, the demand that the effects of the new funding program for online media be reviewed after just three years. The Council of States would like to wait five years before evaluating the effects of the funding.
Retouching in Training
On other outstanding issues, the National Council has reached a compromise with the Council of States or adopted the latter’s decisions. For example, the lower house also wants to allow news agencies to establish business ties abroad. However, financial resources—such as dividend payments—may not be transferred abroad as long as federal support is in effect.
Financial support for journalism education and continuing education should be directed toward institutions whose certificates are recognized throughout the industry. However, the National Council has dropped the Council of States’ requirement that these credentials must be equivalent to a college degree.
The National Council also adopted the Council of States’ compromise proposal regarding contributions to online media. It likewise set the share of generated revenue at 70 percent.
In total, the future funding measures are expected to provide the media with CHF 120 million more, directly or indirectly, than today. The package includes amendments to the Postal Act, the Federal Radio and Television Act (RTVA) and a new federal law on the promotion of online media.
The bill will be sent back to the Council of States with the remaining differences. The goal is to finalize the package by the end of the summer session. (SDA)
