Thirty francs less for the radio / TV bill

news-single-imgcaption" style="width:240px">Households will no longer pay 335 francs a year for their fees. (Keystone)

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Households will pay 335 francs a year, instead of 365 francs currently, the Federal Council decided on Thursday. Reductions are also planned for the economy. The media will receive more support. The number of taxable households increased more than expected. The Federal Council can therefore lower the tariffs.

The bill for collective households, including medico-social establishments or student hostels, will amount to 670 francs instead of 730 francs. People who receive additional benefits from AVS / AI will always be exempt from the fee.

Reductions for the economy

In addition, 93% of the subject companies will pay less. The total discount for businesses is $ 53.5 million. The Federal Council has planned 18 price bands. Those whose annual turnover is less than 500,000 francs remain exempt. For those with a turnover between 500,000 francs and 749,999 francs, the invoice will be 160 francs, 205 francs less than at present.

The new tariff structure takes into account the recommendation of the Federal Administrative Court (TAF) on the license fee for radio and television companies. The part paid by the companies represents 11.7% of the royalty, specifies the government.

Help for the media

The Federal Council has also reviewed the share allocated to the SSR. This will be increased by 50 million francs, for a total of 1.25 billion. This amount will partially offset the drop in advertising revenue. SSR expects overall revenues to decline and will need to take additional cost-saving measures.

Private radio and television stations holding a concession entitling them to a quota receive, as today, 6% of the revenue from the license fee. Thanks to slightly higher revenues, they will have more resources.

The quota will cover up to 80% of operating costs, compared to 70% currently. The radios will thus have to cover only 20% of the charges by commercial or other revenues.

The press agency Keystone-SDA-ATS, also sees its support renewed and increased. The ceiling increases from 2 to 4 million francs. The Federal Council thus wants to allow it to react to major market developments.

Review in 2022

The old reception fee had been replaced by the radio / TV fee in 2019. The Federal Council had already reduced the bill from 451 francs to 365 francs. The Federal Department of Communications will review the fee tariffs in 2022. Due to the coronavirus crisis, higher debtor losses are to be expected in 2020 and 2021, both for household fees than for the business license fee. These losses will be financed by a reduction in surpluses. (ATS / AWP)

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