Broad rejection of fee reduction by ordinance
Published: Wednesday, Jun 19th 2024, 16:50
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There is widespread opposition to the reduction in broadcasting fees. In particular, the reduction by ordinance and the disregard for the majority of negative consultation responses is a source of annoyance to them. The SVP, FDP and trade association had already called for a further reduction in fees in advance.
The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG) announced on Wednesday that it welcomes the Federal Council's clear stance against the "200 francs is enough" initiative (halving initiative) by the SVP, Jungfreisinn and the trade association. It took note of the reduction in fees.
As in the context of the "No Billag" rejection, SRG is once again prepared to demonstrate the value it brings to society with its audiovisual public service.
It had already pointed out the consequences during the consultation process: A reduction in revenue of CHF 240 million, 900 job cuts, cuts in sports coverage of major events, less support for Swiss films and series, fewer broadcasts of cultural events.
The Greens were also concerned about the consequences of the fee reduction for the SRG. The concession to the SVP and the initiators of the halving initiative was wrong. Federal Councillor Albert Rösti is once again undermining Parliament by amending the ordinance - as he did with the wolf cull.
Against democratic conventions
The reduction contradicts the current SRG concession, the responses to the consultation process and the resolutions of the responsible parliamentary committees, wrote the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB). With the amendment to the ordinance, the national government is creating facts even before the initiative has been discussed. Last but not least, this is contrary to democratic practices.
The Swiss Syndicate of Media Professionals (SSM) was shocked. The national government is pushing through the controversial partial revision despite immense criticism, wrote the media union. Without consideration for the commissions, without necessity, without parliament and without a referendum, the Federal Council is depriving the public service of millions. The Syndicom trade union sounded the same note.
The Swiss Trade Association (SGV), a co-initiator, insisted that all commercial enterprises should be exempt from the levies.
Regional TV: "Not with us"
Telesuisse, the association of Swiss regional television stations, and the private radio stations, which are also involved in the fees, stated that the reduction should not be borne by them. The cost-cutting measures should only affect SRG. On the other hand, the latter should not cut back on cooperation with the regional broadcasters.
The cultural umbrella organization Suisseculture reacted with irritation that the Federal Council was ignoring the majority of consultation participants and not involving Parliament. A strong SRG is needed for independent and diverse cultural production in all language regions.
"Rösti roasts journalism" was the title of Operation Libero's reaction. Attacking the media and the public media service is part of the populists' little ABC. The hope that the halving initiative would be defeated is deceptive. The SRG would no longer be able to fulfill its service mandate with the cuts from 2027.
The Pro Media Diversity Alliance announced that the Federal Council was destabilizing the four-language offer. The "halving initiative aimed at destruction" is already having an effect. In a time of fake news and disinformation, weakening the public media service is short-sighted. In addition, the national government is ignoring the decisions of the relevant parliamentary committees.
Commissions against fee reduction
In fact, the Transport and Telecommunications Committees of the National Council and Council of States have already voiced their opposition to what they see as a premature reduction in fees. In addition, this would limit parliament's room for maneuver when discussing the initiative.
The two committees would prefer the Federal Council to first submit a revision of the SRG concession or service mandate to Parliament. This would allow the National Council and Council of States to discuss the public service before tackling the issue of fees.
©Keystone/SDA
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