National Council commission is in favor of Netflix levy of 4 percent
In the future, foreign streaming services should have to invest 4 percent of their revenues in Switzerland in Swiss filmmaking. After the Council of States, this opinion is now also shared by the responsible National Council committee.
With 14 to 10 votes, the Commission for Science, Education and Culture of the National Council (WBK-N) joined the Council of States, as the parliamentary services announced on Friday. In the first round of deliberations, the large chamber had voted for a levy of only 1 percent.
A minority of the commission is asking for the investment obligation to be set at 2 percent. According to the press release, they argue that the costs would be passed on to consumers. Another minority requests the deletion of the investment obligation from the bill.
The investment obligation for providers of films on electronic platforms such as Netflix is the key point of the revised film law. There will also be requirements for foreign TV stations with Swiss advertising windows. They, too, will have to invest in independent Swiss filmmaking. The SRG is to be exempted from the rule. By 13 votes to 10, the WBK-N also followed the Council of States on this point.
The bill will come before the National Council in the fall session. (SDA)
