Commission demands report on the promotion of online media
The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) is to clarify open questions regarding the promotion of online media in a report. This has been requested by the responsible committee of the National Council, as reported by the parliamentary services.
A majority of the National Council's Committee for Transport and Telecommunications (KVF-N) found that there was still a need for clarification with regard to the Federal Council's proposed promotion of online media.
On Tuesday, the committee once again discussed the package of measures in favor of the media. In the autumn session, it had already asked the Council to split the bill on media promotion so that the promotion of online media could be discussed in greater depth. The committee wanted to expand indirect press funding without delay.
However, the National Council spoke out against this approach and referred the draft back to the committee.
The commission is now asking OFCOM to define the conditions for eligibility for subsidies more precisely in a report. In addition, several options for subsidies are to be examined, such as tax relief or support for start-ups.
These further clarifications will take time. The committee therefore recommends by 14 votes to 11 that one provision be removed from the bill. In the winter session, the National Council will discuss whether simple companies should be exempt from the corporate fee for radio and television.
The committee also unanimously approved a motion calling for the federal government to provide more financial support for the distribution of DAB+. This should benefit radio stations, which have also been severely affected by the Covid-19 crisis but have not yet been able to benefit from state support.
The Commission was informed by SRG about the investigation into cases of sexual harassment and bullying at RTS radio and television in French-speaking Switzerland.
With its package of measures to support the media, the Federal Council wants to provide more support for newspapers, radio and television stations and news agencies in future. CHF 50 million instead of CHF 30 million will now be available for indirect press promotion. Online media are to receive CHF 30 million per year. (SDA)
