VSM stands united behind media support package
The Swiss Media Publishers Association VSM is united in its support for the media subsidy package passed in parliament. As it announced after the annual general meeting on Friday, the package is urgent and necessary as a contribution to media and opinion diversity.
The three-part package of measures represents an important investment in the marketability of private media, wrote the VSM. In addition, the subsidies for private radio and TV stations would be expanded.
The first part of the subsidy has already been flowing for years, and the increase in the federal contribution to Swiss Post for the delivery of newspapers secures their supply with printed information. At the same time, a system error is being corrected in that early delivery is also being carried out at reduced rates.
According to the publishers, the second part, with the temporary promotion of online media, takes account of the digital transformation. The major challenge here is the implementation of payment models. The Publishers Association supports the focus of the funding on the market success of online media.
Unequal competition with international
According to VSM, the third part of the package supports the media in their transformation. In the unequal competition with international platforms, the subsidies would make an important contribution.
The media subsidy package is being fought with a referendum. According to the referendum committee, it has collected the necessary 50,000 signatures. According to resolutions passed by parliament in the summer session, the Swiss media are to receive CHF 120 million more in direct and indirect funding over seven years than before. (SDA)
