Free regional media subscription for 18-year-olds in the canton of Fribourg
In the canton of Fribourg, all 18-year-olds will receive a free annual online subscription to a regional media outlet from the canton over the next three years. The Fribourg Cantonal Parliament voted Thursday to pass a law to that effect, with 79 votes in favor and 13 against.
The cost of the free subscriptions for around 3,700 young citizens per year is estimated at CHF 175,000. "The idea is aimed at arousing the interest of young people and ensuring that democracy functions properly," explained Olivier Curty, Director of Economic Affairs and Vocational Training, in the Grand Council. At the same time, the aim is to strengthen the regional media.
The FDP and SVP, on the other hand, questioned the necessity of such a measure. Several politicians also doubted the success of the offer. "A flop is not out of the question," said Christian Clément, a centrist politician. His FDP colleague Savio Michellod pointed out that similar initiatives had only been accepted to a very limited extent in recent times.
Young people who come of age will be able to apply for a subscription using an online form. Only online subscriptions to regional media are included in the offer. (SDA)
