The media Radio Fribourg must repay part of the corona aid
Radio Fribourg must reimburse the canton CHF 138,743 in coronavirus emergency aid. This was decided by the Fribourg Cantonal Court after the medium appealed against a corresponding decision by the State Council.
25.07.2024, 17:20
25.07.2024, 17:51
SDA
The cantonal court shares the opinion of the Fribourg Department of Economic Affairs, as can be seen from the recently published ruling. The latter had pointed out to the radio in April 2023 that the payment made in 2021 exceeded the claim.
In 2020, the canton decided to support the radio with half of the loss of advertising revenue suffered in 2019. However, the company also received coronavirus emergency aid from the federal government. Radio Fribourg had received a total of CHF 298,100 à fonds perdu from the canton, including CHF 159,400 in 2020 and CHF 138,743 in 2021. The federal government paid out a further CHF 920,400.
The company rejected the repayment request, citing a "worrying financial situation", as is also the case in the industry.
Radio takes note of decision
Radio Fribourg AG stated on Thursday that it took note of the cantonal court's ruling. The company had decided "for the sake of peace" not to go to the Federal Court and to forego a further appeal. "Although the reasons for the appeal are and remain fully justified", the press release states.
The aim now is to reach an agreement with the canton, Radio Fribourg added. In return, it proposed to produce background programs that are of public interest to the canton.
"If this is not possible, a payment plan will be negotiated", the company continued, emphasizing that viability is guaranteed and there will be no redundancies.
