Swiss press against free political advertising

 
As part of the consultation process for the parliamentary initiative, the Swiss Press Association is now also speaking out. It opposes the idea of free advertising for political parties as well as initiative and referendum committees on private radio and television stations with a fee share. According to the press release, the proposal is extremely questionable in terms of state policy. The state compulsion to provide free advertising would come dangerously close to indirect party financing and lead to distortions of competition, while reiterating its call for a general lifting of advertising bans, particularly for paid political advertising. This is still prohibited by the new RTVA. The regulations should be adapted to the minimum European standards. This would also be necessary if Switzerland wanted to continue to participate in the EU Media Agreement.