Bernese government presents basis for indirect media funding
With the revision of the cantonal information law, the Bernese government is creating the conditions for indirect support of local media. In this way, the government council wants to ensure the "increasingly endangered journalistic media diversity" in the future as well.
However, the articles of the law on media promotion do not define any concrete promotion instruments or measures, the Bernese government announced on Monday. Rather, they are the basis for shaping support "according to the situation" and promoting media appropriately.
The government emphasizes that the support should only have an indirect effect so as not to endanger the independence of the media. The bill also restricts support to media with reporting on cantonal and local topics "with political relevance".
As examples of indirect media support, the government mentions financial support for news agencies, financial aid for digital media infrastructures or for institutions that in turn support media, for example through discounted training and continuing education programs for journalists.
The financial situation of the canton will also have to be taken into account when determining concrete support funds.
Direct promotion in the French-speaking part
In the French-speaking part of the canton, the current direct media promotion of radio stations is to be extended to all media. In this way, the government wants to secure local reporting in this geographically limited market area in the long term. To this end, the legal provisions of the special statute will be expanded.
The Bernese government also wants to strengthen media competence and political education, especially among young people. These would be reached less and less by local, regional and cantonal topics. This could lead to young people becoming less actively involved in political life.
The revision of the Information Act is intended to enable support for offerings and projects for media literacy and political education - either in cooperation with external partners or as the canton's own offerings. As examples, the government mentions guided tours of the town hall or an Instagram channel for young people.
Funds for Polit-Forum
The canton has already been supporting the Polit-Forum Bern, which is based in the Käfigturm, since 2018. The law now also creates the formal legal basis for these funds.
The current information law dates back to 1993, when it was about anchoring the principle of publicity as a central principle for the communication of the canton and the communes. The consultation on the revision runs until July 9. (SDA)
