Council of States still in favor of reduced press funding
The tug-of-war over press subsidies continues: After the National Council reaffirmed for the second time that it considers the allocation of 80 million francs in postal taxes to be necessary, the Council of States has once again confirmed that it considers press subsidies totaling 30 million francs to be sufficient.
The tug-of-war over press subsidies continues: after the National Council reaffirmed for the second time that it considers it necessary to spend CHF 80 million on postal taxes, the Council of States has once again confirmed that it considers press subsidies of CHF 30 million to be sufficient.The Council of States tacitly defied the National Council for the second time on Monday and is sticking to its press subsidy model, according to an SDA report. This provides for CHF 20 million for regional and local newspapers with a circulation of up to 40,000 copies and CHF 10 million for member papers of non-profit organizations with a circulation of up to 300,000.
The National Council, on the other hand, is in favor of Swiss Post receiving a full CHF 60 million a year to grant preferential prices to all newspapers and an additional CHF 20 million to reduce its rates for titles with a small circulation.
If the Federal Council had its way, press subsidies would disappear altogether. At least both councils agree that press funding should continue at least until the end of 2011.
The National Council, on the other hand, is in favor of Swiss Post receiving a full CHF 60 million a year to grant preferential prices to all newspapers and an additional CHF 20 million to reduce its rates for titles with a small circulation.
If the Federal Council had its way, press subsidies would disappear altogether. At least both councils agree that press funding should continue at least until the end of 2011.
