Online media play an increasingly important role in a digitalised world, beside traditional radio and television or print sources, Communications Minister Doris Leuthard told a news conference on Thursday.
Under the proposals, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), the parent company of swissinfo.ch, would continue to be a key provider of news, culture, education, sports and entertainment in all four national languages – German, French, Italian and Romansh.
It would continue to be funded mainly by a public licence fee.
The government also suggests creating an independent panel of experts to advise on electronic media, replacing the current system of joint responsibility between the national government and federal bodies.
Leuthard said the new panel was in response to criticism of the SBC’s perceived official status.
The content created by swissinfo.ch will be reviewed in light of possible closer cooperation with other public providers.
Public-private links
The government also wants to boost cooperation between the public broadcaster and private media, according to the proposals.
Political parties, the 26 cantons, as well as organisations and institutions have until mid-October to voice their opinions before the government prepares a bill to present to parliament.
In a first reaction, the main political parties were divided, while both private media outlets and trade unions expressed concerns about certain aspects of the draft bill.
Over the past three years, voters had the final say on two separate proposals concerning the funding system of the SBC and the broadcasting licence fee.
The SBC, with its more than 20 radio and television channels as well as online offers, has pledged to cut CHF100 million ($100.4 million) from its budget from next year. Its annual turnover is about CHF1.6 billion.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
This content was published on
The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), Swissinfo's parent company, must restructure due to financial pressures and to stay competitive in the fast-moving media environment.
This content was published on
There has been a sharp decline in the consumption of single-use disposable plastic bags and reusable plastic bags in the Swiss retail sector.
This content was published on
A biometric Swiss identity card (ID) is expected to be available in Switzerland by the end of 2026. The Federal Office of Police and its federal and cantonal partners are working on a new ID card that features a chip.
Heatwave reduces output at Swiss nuclear power plant by 50%
This content was published on
The ongoing heatwave has forced the Beznau nuclear power plant, which relies on water from the River Aare, to halve its output.
Swiss continue to enjoy high social mobility, study shows
This content was published on
Opportunities for upward social mobility have remained intact in Switzerland since the 1980s. Social mobility is exceptionally high by international comparison, a study shows.
Swiss government affected by cyberattack on health foundation
This content was published on
Switzerland says a ransomware attack on the non-profit health foundation Radix that involved data being stolen and encrypted had also affected the federal administration.
Federal Council agrees to investigation into alleged Swiss-Russian spying affair
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland can open spying investigations into the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (FIS).
Appeal launched against Starlink satellite antennae project planned in Swiss village
This content was published on
A group of Swiss citizens has filed an appeal against plans to install 40 Starlink satellite antennae in the mountain village of Leuk in southern Switzerland.
UBS launches buyback scheme for up to $2 billion in shares
This content was published on
UBS is starting a share buyback programme for up to $2 billion (CHF1.6 billion) in shares, in line with a plan approved at its annual general meeting (AGM) in April, the Swiss bank said on Monday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Public broadcaster deemed key for Swiss cohesion
This content was published on
Concern about the cohesion of Switzerland was the main reason for voters rejecting a proposal to do away with the public broadcasting licence fees.
Attack on public broadcasting licence fee clearly fails
This content was published on
A large majority of voters reject a proposal to do away with the mandatory licence fee for Switzerland’s public broadcasters.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.