citizens in Switzerland went to the polls to vote in a referendum to decide if private media companies should receive money from taxpayers in compensation for falling advertising. A majority of voters rejected the proposal. More than 55% of the constituency voted against the law that had previously passed by Swiss politicians.
The proposed law had been supported by most Left leaning parties, large parts of the media, and organisations such as Reporters Without Borders. They claimed that state funding would help ensure regional newscasting throughout the country—a goal considered important “for the populace” and “for direct democracy” reported The European Conservative.
Meanwhile in Ireland, a “Future of Media Commission” was set up in 2020 to look at Irish public service broadcasters, as well as other broadcasters, print and online media at local, regional and national level. The Commission will look specifically at “Sustainable funding sources” for both the public and private media.
Some cynics in Ireland believe the Commission is just being used as the next step to use taxpayer money to fund media that fits into government plans. Unlike Swiss taxpayers, Irish taxpayers will never be asked to vote in a referendum on any proposals to fund the media in Ireland. Any Government funding of media poses a number of questions regarding freedom of the press and bias.
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