Press subsidies

Preferential prices for the dispatch of newspapers

Subscription regional and local newspapers and publications from non-profit organizations can benefit from indirect press subsidies from the Confederation. In order to benefit from these subsidies, these publications have to meet certain conditions.

The opinion-forming press fulfils an important social function. The Confederation rewards these publications with subsidies. Preferential prices apply to newspapers and magazines that meet the press-specific requirements in accordance with article 15 of the Postal Act (indirect press subsidies).

The most important prerequisites in brief:

  • Dispatch as a fee-based subscription or membership publication
  • Minimum circulation of 1000 copies certified by the WEMF or a notary’s office
  • Published at least weekly (regional/local press) or quarterly (non-profit membership publications)
  • Maximum circulation of 40,000 copies (regional/local press or 300,000 copies for non-profit membership publications)
  • Customary reporting (topicality, publicistic content, continuity)
  • Primary emphasis is not on business and advertising