Switzerland votes on Netflix law
In a referendum today, Switzerland will vote, among other things, on a so-called “Netflix law”, in which streaming companies must invest
Switzerland is holding a referendum on its Netflix law today – Photo: Television Business International
In a referendum today, Switzerland agrees, among other things, on a so-called “Netflix law’ requires streaming companies to invest in Swiss television and films.
The law obliges international streaming services to reinvest 4% of their income from Switzerland in Swiss cinema and TV productions, which corresponds to the existing requirements for national and regional Swiss distributors. The new legislation also requires that at least 30% of streaming service content be produced in Switzerland or Europe.
Around half of Europe already requires streaming platforms to invest in local or European productions to varying degrees – Portugal needs 1%, Italy 20%. However, the law has met opposition from various political parties – particularly its youth wings – who claim the requirements are driving up subscription prices, lacking quality controls and undermining diversity.
Expect the streaming bill to get a narrow pass. The last May poll showed that 54% of Swiss were in favour, down from 59% in March. Switzerland’s efforts to capitalize on the popularity of streaming in favor of domestic cinema are parallel to those of its neighbors, so services like Netflix probably can’t – and for the most part – can’t resist. The decisive factor is that the legal requirement of 30% European content fulfills a key requirement for Switzerland to be part of the EU’s cultural promotion programme Creative Europe.
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