Council of States follows National Council on last difference
On Tuesday, the Council of States followed the National Council on the last difference regarding future media subsidies in Switzerland. It agreed to a range of 6 to 8 percent for the share of fees for licensed private broadcasters. The National Council will vote on the issue on Wednesday.
However, the approval of the large chamber is a formality, as the Council of States followed the solution of the National Council on this issue on Tuesday by 31 votes to 6 with 2 abstentions. Previously, the Council of States had insisted on a fee share of at least 8 percent.
After tough wrangling, the future media funding is thus as good as under wraps. Over seven years, the media in Switzerland will receive CHF 120 million more in direct and indirect funding than before.
No further restrictions are imposed on the SRG's online area. In setting a time limit for the entire package, the National Council followed the compromise proposal of the Council of States. It is to apply for seven years from the date of entry into force. After four years, the effects of the interventions are to be evaluated.
The package includes amendments to the Postal Act, the Federal Radio and Television Act and a new Federal Act on the Promotion of Online Media. The new provisions are not expected to come into force until 2023 at the earliest, around a year later than originally planned.
However, it is likely that the voters will have the final say on the expansion of media subsidies. The "Friends of the Constitution" association in particular is considering a referendum against the bill. The association believes that the independence of the media will be called into question if state support continues to increase. (SDA)
