The Swiss government has presented proposals aimed at promoting public service online media as part of a larger reform of the broadcasting law. 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 ...
