Voters in Switzerland have backed a proposal for streaming services operating in the country to contribute towards the Swiss film industry.
The proposal would bring streamers including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ into line with domestic broadcasters. They’ll now be required to invest 4% of local revenue in Swiss production.
The Swiss are repeatedly called upon to have their say in a string of referenda. Sunday’s call also included changes to organ donation regulations and further funding for the European border agency Frontex.
Around 58% of voters backed the proposal that Swiss Interior Minister Alain Berset said underlined the “cultural importance” of filmmaking in Switzerland.
Just over 58% of voters backed the proposal, according to the result, in one of three national votes held under the Swiss system of direct democracy.
Switzerland will become the latest European country to introduce such measures to support local TV, film production, and boost locally produced content.
The amendment also forces streamers to ensure that at least 30% of available content is from Europe.