The media must be supported in the face of the coronavirus crisis. The Council of States approved by a large majority on Monday two motions which request a total aid of 65 million. The Federal Council opposed it because it proposed a package for the long term.
The media play an irreplaceable role in times of crisis and their contribution is essential. But the pandemic has worsened their already difficult economic situation. Advertising revenues fell from 60 to 95% in a very short time. A loss that the media cannot compensate for, said Stefan Engler (PDC / GR) on behalf of the committee.
However, the demand for journalistic offers has greatly increased. But the media lack the resources to cover the news. Without immediate help, irreparable damage is inevitable, argued Engler.
The first text was adopted against the opinion of the SVP, by 32 votes to 10. The transitional aid must be proposed until the Parliament decides on the package of measures announced by the Federal Council.
65 million
The Keystone-SDA-ATS agency must receive additional financial resources in order to be able to offer its basic service in three languages free of charge to its subscribers. In addition, La Poste must distribute free local and regional newspapers to ensure their survival. The Federal Council must create the necessary legal basis and make 25 million francs available.
For other daily newspapers, La Poste must provide an advantageous rate. The newspapers should only benefit from this aid if they renounce paying dividends to their shareholders for the 2020 financial year. The measure could cost 10 million.
Via the second motion, the commission wants to pay immediate aid of an additional 30 million francs for local radio and television stations. These lost about 80% of advertising inflows for the period from March to May, according to Mr. Engler. The sum comes from the fluctuation reserve of the radio-television royalty. The text was adopted by 40 votes to 3.
For Hansjörg Knecht (UDC / AG), these aids are questionable. The big publishing houses have reservations. The largest paid dividends of 37 million francs when the coronavirus crisis had already affected Switzerland.
“The money is available, but it is not invested in the right place.” “It is shocking to want to make the Swiss pay.” The President of the Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, recalled that these houses earn money in fields other than the media.
Long-term help
The Federal Council recognizes the importance of the media. “This is a critical infrastructure for our democracy,” according to the Minister of Communication.
But, she recalls, the Federal Council has proposed to Parliament a package of aid which will have general effect in the long term. These measures are a response to the structural media crisis and are more targeted and sustainable than immediate measures.
In addition, the media can also use interest-free or concessional loans guaranteed by the Confederation. This allows them to provide short-term liquidity. The Federal Office of Communications has accepted advances on the share of the radio / TV license fee.
Too late
Many publishers have applied for the credits, said Engler. But this aid is not enough. In addition, if they resort to partial unemployment, they no longer have the resources necessary to produce the content.
In addition, the new legal basis will not arrive in time to save certain players, argued Marianne Maret (PDC / VS). “Certain regions would become regions of media desert.”
The National Council decides on Tuesday on two identical texts. (ats / nxp)
Created: 04.05.2020, 21h43
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