Executive Summary
The Federal Council intends to enable financial support for membership and foundation press in the future even when distributed by private providers. To date, only publications distributed via Swiss Post receive annual support of 20 million francs. The planned partial revision of the Postal Act is intended to eliminate competitive distortions and increase publishers' freedom of choice. The consultation period runs until 5 May 2026.
Persons
- Federal Council (collegiate body)
Topics
- Press support
- Postal Act revision
- Competition law
- Swiss media landscape
Detailed Summary
On 28 January 2026, the Federal Council launched a partial revision of the Postal Act for consultation. The aim is to extend existing support for membership and foundation press to private distribution organizations.
Current situation: The federal government invests 20 million francs annually in supporting this form of press. These funds currently flow exclusively through Swiss Post to eligible publishers, who benefit from postal fee discounts. Private distribution companies receive no corresponding benefits, resulting in a de facto preference for Swiss Post.
Planned change: In future, support contributions are to flow regardless of the chosen distributor. Private providers must register and are then subject to requirements in the areas of accounting, pricing, and disclosure. All distribution organizations are obliged to pass on received federal funds in full to publishers.
Legislative background: The proposal implements Motion 24.3818 from the National Council's Commission for Transport and Telecommunications, which calls for the elimination of competitive distortions.
Uncertainty factor: The relief package 2027 (adopted 19 September 2025) provides for the elimination of indirect press support. Should the Federal Assembly approve this measure, the present legislative revision would become moot.
Key Messages
- Breaking the monopoly: Support becomes independent of the distributor – Swiss Post or private company
- Financial volume remains stable: 20 million francs annually for membership and foundation press
- Regulation of private providers: Registration requirement with compliance requirements
- Competitive distortion eliminated: Equal conditions for all distribution organizations
- Publisher freedom of choice increases: Publications can be distributed more flexibly
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Effect |
|---|---|
| Publishers of membership and foundation press | Benefit: more freedom of choice, potential cost savings through competition |
| Swiss Post | Affected: loss of monopoly position in support, must compete |
| Private distribution companies | Benefit: market access to subsidized segments, new business opportunities |
| Readers and members | Indirectly affected: potentially better delivery quality through competition |
| Federal budget | Neutral: support volume remains the same, redistribution rather than additional spending |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Support independent of distributor creates genuine competition | Relief package 2027 could eliminate entire support program |
| Publishers can distribute more cost-effectively | Fragmentation of distribution landscape possible |
| Private providers open up new business field | Compliance requirements increase barriers to market entry |
| Efficiency gains through competition | Quality losses in delivery by inexperienced providers |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Monitor: Development of relief package 2027 – could make the entire proposal obsolete
- Consultation: Deadline 5 May 2026 – interest groups should submit statements
- Implementation preparation: Registration and control systems for private providers must be established
- Market analysis: Evaluate potential supply of private distribution companies and their capacities
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified (source: Federal Council press release)
- [x] Financial volume (20 million CHF) confirmed
- [x] Deadlines and dates correct (consultation until 5 May 2026)
- [x] Motion number 24.3818 verified
- ⚠️ Effects of relief package 2027 remain open – dependent on parliamentary decision
Supplementary Research
- Federal Council – Press support: https://www.bakom.admin.ch (official information on support programs)
- Postal Act revision: Consultation documents on https://www.parlament.ch (Motion 24.3818)
- Relief package 2027: Federal Council message from 19 September 2025 (Federal Gazette)
Bibliography
Primary source:
Federal Council press release – "Federal Council wants to extend support for membership and foundation press to distribution by private companies" (28 January 2026)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/_9WT6OwTGDStLoDmXDmI3
Supplementary sources:
- Federal Council – Press support and media landscape: https://www.bakom.admin.ch
- Swiss Parliament – Motion 24.3818 (Commission for Transport and Telecommunications)
- Message on relief package 2027 (19 September 2025)
Verification status: ✓ Facts checked on 28 January 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 28 January 2026