One of the main principles in the formulation of the system of subsidies has been that the rules should be objective, easy to apply, and operate automatically as far as possible. It is considered that there should not be any opportunity for the state to interfere in the content of a newspaper by means of the subsidy system or any reason for anxiety that such interference could occur. The largest portion of the subsidy is distributed in accordance with that principle, although certain forms of subsidy do entail scrutiny of the particular case. The system is administered by a committee of eight members, five of whom represent the five parties in the Riksdag. The committee has a secretariat, which processes applications and is responsible for the administrative management of the scheme. It publishes annual reports on its activities, which also provide a useful basis for continuous public debate on the subsidy system and the government’s press policy. Such debate is regarded as essential for the effective development of the system
