Confederation increases funding: plus CHF 10 million for regional and local press
Starting next year, the Swiss regional and local press will receive more financial support: The Federal Council has decided to increase the annual contribution to indirect press subsidies by 10 million francs—from 30 million francs to 40 million francs. The decision will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will remain in effect for a period of seven years.
With this step, the Federal Council is implementing a measure adopted by Parliament in March 2025. It is based on parliamentary initiative 22.423 Bulliard-Marbach, which aims to strengthen the independent press in Switzerland. The additional support is intended to benefit small and medium-sized newspaper publishers in particular, which perform a central information function in regional and local areas.
Currently, 143 daily and weekly newspapers benefit from indirect subsidies in the form of delivery discounts. These conditions remain unchanged. However, there are new plans to also subsidize the early delivery of daily and weekly newspapers with subscriptions in future. This will require amendments to the Postal Ordinance (VPG), which is why this regulation will only be implemented at a later date. A maximum of CHF 25 million per year is planned for this, also for a limited period of seven years.
Indirect press subsidies are an important part of the federal government's media policy. It is intended to help ensure journalistic diversity and guarantee access to independent information, particularly in less densely populated regions.
With the increase to CHF 40 million, the Federal Council is responding to the ongoing economic challenges faced by many local publishers. The move is seen as a positive signal in the industry - even if it does not solve the structural problems of the print media.
