Parliament supports indirect press funding
The National Council and Council of States have approved the temporary increase in indirect press subsidies. The Swiss Media Publishers Association (VSM) welcomes the measure as urgently needed support for regional media and sees it as a starting point for further debate on long-term media funding.
Parliament decided by a clear majority (34 votes to 11) to extend the existing indirect press subsidy for seven years. In concrete terms, this means an increase of CHF 10 million to CHF 40 million for daily delivery and additional funding of CHF 25 million for early delivery. The upper limit for eligible titles remains at 40,000 copies; larger titles are excluded from support. The annual funding of CHF 20 million for membership and foundation press remains unchanged.
The VSM sees the decision as a positive signal for Switzerland as a media center. "Parliament's clear decision is an important sign for the free formation of opinion and direct democracy in Switzerland," says President Andrea Masüger. "Studies show: In regions where there is a lack of media, political participation decreases, while fake news and disinformation increase. In the current situation, strengthening journalism is more urgent than ever."
Financial relief for regional media
A sharp decline, rising costs and the high need for investment in the digital transformation have recently forced many publishers to make drastic cost-cutting measures, often accompanied by a reduction in journalistic offerings. "The decision by the National Council and the Council of States will provide additional relief for small and medium-sized newspaper titles for a limited period of time," says VSM Director Pia Guggenbühl. "In view of the rapid market changes and the influence of social media, this help is essential to enable publishers to tackle the major challenges of the digital transformation."
Long-term media funding to be discussed anew
While the VSM welcomes the decision, it sees it as only a first step. The association is calling for a broader debate on sustainable media funding that is independent of the carrier medium and business model. The National Commission for Transport and Telecommunications (KVF-N) had proposed a Proposal in this direction rejectedNational Councillor Barbara Schaffner (GLP, ZH) has now proposed a similar motion submitted. The VSM supports this initiative and calls for a swift discussion on a long-term solution.
