Decor during Federer interview was surreptitious advertising
The SRF program «Sportpanorama Plus» violated the advertising ban during an interview with Swiss tennis star Roger Federer. The Ombudsman’s Office of Swiss Radio and Television (SRG) has upheld a complaint regarding this matter.
One viewer had criticized the fact that the decoration of the studio during the interview with the tennis player was in the blue shade of Federer's new shoe "The Roger". "Where is the line between public service and self-interest?" the viewer had written, as the ombudsman's office announced in its final report on Tuesday.
In its statement, the editors responsible emphasized the "extraordinary situation of the interview". Due to time constraints, the interview with Federer and triathlete Nicola Spirig had to take place in the same studio and right next to the shoe brand's already installed decor.
The crew had tried to avoid showing the exposed shoes and the branded decorative parts in the picture as much as possible. Unfortunately, however, it only became apparent after the interview that it had not been possible to hide the details of the shoe.
The subsequent pixelation of the logo had also been given too little consideration. Nevertheless, the editorial team made it clear that no agreements had been made between SRF and Federer and that no cash flows had taken place.
In their statement, the ombudspersons acknowledge the "special circumstances" of the shooting. However, according to the law, the overall impression is decisive. And this was "strongly influenced" by the company logo. The editorial team's explanations could not have justified "the disregard of the legal requirements". (SDA)
