VSM against "No Billag" - on one condition
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, the Swiss Media Association (VSM)* clearly positions itself against the "No Billag" initiative after a long struggle. The paper states that it is "too radical". However, the intensive debate has made it clear "that the SRG must distance itself from its expansion strategy and show consideration for the private media offering". In particular, this includes SRG withdrawing from the Admeira advertising alliance - as this has a "market-distorting" effect. VSM President Pietro Supino had already made the argument behind this demand at the association's traditional Epiphany conference (read here the report). Essentially, it is about the SRG not making any profits from advertising if it is also subsidized by the Billag fees. This double income is a source of irritation for many private broadcasters who are "only" financed by advertising.
Many private individuals also take offense at the fact that SRG also includes "unique content" on various websites - i.e. content that goes beyond what has already been broadcast on TV or radio. After all, if private media charge money online so that recipients can view their content, but comparable content is available free of charge via SRG websites, this is also bad for business. The VSM statement summarizes the following claims: "SRG will continue to limit itself to radio and television with a national bracketing function. Only what it broadcasts in its linear programs will also be offered online. SRG will not launch any press-like digital offerings or audio-visual formats produced exclusively for the web. SRG refrains from new forms of commercialization, in particular online advertising (including targeted advertising on TV). When entering into cooperation agreements, it avoids market distortions and adheres to the principles of equal treatment, fairness and transparency. It is withdrawing from the market-distorting Admeira advertising alliance.* Swiss Media Association: The SWISS MEDIA ASSOCIATION is the industry organization of private Swiss media companies with a focus on print and online. It brings together over 100 companies and industry-related associate members that together publish around 300 newspapers and magazines and offer various news platforms and electronic media. Together with the two regional language organizations, MÉDIAS SUISSES and STAMPA SVIZZERA, the SWISS MEDIA Association works to protect the interests of private media companies in Switzerland. The association was founded in 1899 and is based in Zurich.
Many private individuals also take offense at the fact that SRG also includes "unique content" on various websites - i.e. content that goes beyond what has already been broadcast on TV or radio. After all, if private media charge money online so that recipients can view their content, but comparable content is available free of charge via SRG websites, this is also bad for business. The VSM statement summarizes the following claims: "SRG will continue to limit itself to radio and television with a national bracketing function. Only what it broadcasts in its linear programs will also be offered online. SRG will not launch any press-like digital offerings or audio-visual formats produced exclusively for the web. SRG refrains from new forms of commercialization, in particular online advertising (including targeted advertising on TV). When entering into cooperation agreements, it avoids market distortions and adheres to the principles of equal treatment, fairness and transparency. It is withdrawing from the market-distorting Admeira advertising alliance.* Swiss Media Association: The SWISS MEDIA ASSOCIATION is the industry organization of private Swiss media companies with a focus on print and online. It brings together over 100 companies and industry-related associate members that together publish around 300 newspapers and magazines and offer various news platforms and electronic media. Together with the two regional language organizations, MÉDIAS SUISSES and STAMPA SVIZZERA, the SWISS MEDIA Association works to protect the interests of private media companies in Switzerland. The association was founded in 1899 and is based in Zurich.
