The “no to state media” group handed in some 113,000 signatures on Wednesday, more than double the amount needed to force a referendum under the Swiss direct democracy system.
The opponents say the law is unconstitutional and a waste of taxpayer money.
“Medias financed by the state prevents public debate and destroys freedom of expression. It’s poisonous for democracy,” said former Radical Liberal (centre-right) parliamentarian Peter Weigelt, president of the committee.
The law passed in June outlines a range of measures to support independent media, including the subsidising of morning newspaper deliveries and help for online websites. More support will also be provided to journalism schools, as well as the Keystone-SDA agency.
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Over the seven-year period agreed by parliament, the total funding would come to around CHF3 billion ($3.23 billion).
On Wednesday, the opponents said a referendum would allow for a wider public debate about the role of media in a democracy and the relationship of media to the state.
The committee is backed by 72 parliamentarians and senators from centre and right-wing parties.
The Federal Chancellery still needs to validate the signatures before announcing a date for the referendum; it will likely be on February 13 next.
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The Swiss bank UBS was fined €75,000 (CHF71,410), the maximum penalty, in Paris on Monday for moral harassment by its French subsidiary of two whistleblowers.
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Top Swiss court approves appeal against asbestos ruling
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Switzerland’s image at stake in current multilateralism crisis, says Geneva politician
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The Swiss government's reaction to the current crisis in multilateralism is not congruent with what is at stake for International Geneva, says the head of the Geneva Government.
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At the stroke of 4am on Monday, the street lights went out in Basel's city center for the carnival kick-off, known as Morgenstreich.
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