Fewer subsidies for the delivery of regional and local press
Next year, the federal government will subsidize the delivery of regional and local newspapers at a rate of 25 rappen per copy. That is one rappen less than this year. The reason for this is that in 2023, the federal government granted more funding than was available.
It is therefore deducting the additional expenditure from the funding available for 2024, as the Federal Council announced on Friday. CHF 30 million is available to the federal government for the indirect promotion of regional and local daily and weekly newspapers.
On October 1, 2023, 147 regional and local press titles met the requirements for a delivery allowance as part of indirect press subsidies. They have a total annual circulation of 110.5 million copies.
The 900 or so titles in the membership and foundation press will receive more indirect funding next year. CHF 20 million is available to promote the membership and foundation press. Thanks to the unused funding in the current year, publishers will receive 20 centimes per copy in 2024, which is two centimes more than before.
Increase under discussion
Efforts are underway in Parliament to extend indirect press funding for a limited period of seven years. The aim is to give smaller publishers financial leeway for digital transformation.
The money pot for delivery discounts for the regional and local press is to be increased from the current CHF 30 million to CHF 45 million. For the membership and foundation press, these contributions are to rise from the current CHF 20 million to CHF 30 million.
In addition, the early delivery of subscribed daily and weekly newspapers in the regional and local press during the week is to be promoted. The federal government is to temporarily provide CHF 30 million a year from general funds for this purpose.
These proposals take up undisputed elements of the media package that was rejected by the people at the ballot box on February 13, 2022. Regional radio and TV stations, the Press Council, journalism training and news agencies are also to receive more money in future. (SDA)
