Print media neglected: publishers reject new media law
The Swiss Association (VSM) rejects the new Federal Law on Electronic Media (BGeM) due to "serious shortcomings in the consultation process". According to the VSM, the draft leads to a "massive market distortion to the detriment of the print media", which must be corrected with an expansion of indirect press subsidies.
The consultation draft for the BGeM puts the focus one-sidedly on audio-visual online media, the association criticizes. Instead of promoting media diversity, it is weakened: the planned law creates a "blatant asymmetry in the media system. It increases the already existing imbalance at the expense of subscription newspapers, which are undergoing a digital transformation. The Publishers Association is certain that the constitutional requirement of respect for the press (BV Art. 93/4) will be clearly violated.
Expansion of indirect press subsidies called for
Instead of subsidizing new online offerings, the federal government should help the private media to master the digital transformation, according to the demand. This is to be done via an additional 90 million francs in indirect press subsidies in the area of distribution. This contribution is needed "promptly," even if the BGeM does not come or the legislative process drags on, the association warns. "This support secures the distribution of newspapers in the medium term and thus makes a real, effective contribution to diversity of opinion and media like hardly any other measure. The indirect support can efficiently support the basic media supply of all parts of the country and population groups," writes the VSM on Monday.
KOMEN is rejected
The VSM also criticizes the fact that the "dominant position of SRG" is being expanded at the same time. SRG would now be able to significantly expand its digital programming - especially in the area of web-only offerings.
In addition, the newly envisaged Commission for Electronic Media (KOMEM) would receive "a very extensive power without democratic legitimation", extensive discretion and "few instruments of control under the rule of law". The VSM therefore rejects KOMEM as proposed in the draft.
Indirect promotion as an opportunity
On the other hand, the publishers believe that the promotion of industry-related initiatives and institutions offers an opportunity to create a good framework for the entire media industry. Support for multi-media education and training in journalism, for example, which takes all media genres into account, is the basis for high-quality content. News agencies guarantee a nationwide basic supply, while usage research creates transparency about the reach and acceptance of media offerings. Self-regulatory organizations guarantee the rights of journalists (Öffentlichkeitsgesetz.ch) and independent enforcement of media ethics (Presserat). These initiatives are entitled to a share of the fee pot.
Coordination office for more media competence
Finally, media literacy must be strengthened, writes the VSM. Teaching media literacy in schools helps to distinguish trustworthy sources from manipulative offers. The VSM therefore calls for a coordination office to be created in all parts of the country to provide active support in teacher training and lesson planning. (hae)
