Deltenre: Layoffs at SF not ruled out
In an interview with the newspaper *Sonntag*, SF Director Ingrid Deltenre said that if Swiss television does not receive more funding, staff cuts will sooner or later become a reality. She also spoke about changing media consumption patterns and her departure as SF director.
In an interview with the Sonntag newspaper, SF director Ingrid Deltenre said that if Swiss television does not get more money, the staff reduction scenario will sooner or later become reality. "The calculation is very simple," said Deltenre on the financial and personnel situation, "if we do without programs, we need fewer staff." Further expansion of the program is currently not an issue. "We need to focus our resources more than ever."
The reason for this outlook is the fact that SF will be in the red in 2008.
SF budgeted a loss of CHF 3 million for 2008, but this could probably be reduced to CHF 2 million through cost-cutting measures, as Deltenre said. Deltenre described SF's ability to raise funds as unsatisfactory, with clear criticism of Bakom.
According to Deltenre, Swiss television has never been able to benefit in real terms from fee increases since 2000, and there has never been an inflation adjustment. In addition, the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) has formulated new advertising and sponsorship guidelines which, contrary to the international trend, are much more restrictive, and SF cannot commercialize the Internet sector.
Changing media use influences television
When asked whether SF will look much different in five years than it does today, Deltenre said: "Media usage will change drastically once again. The on-demand share will increase. Set-top boxes will be integrated into TVs and TV sets will be easier to operate." Overall, many of the functionalities that are currently available via the Internet will be transferred to television use.
Deltenre said she did not know whether she would still be in office in another five years after almost five years as Director of Swiss Television, probably not. "I've been in office for almost five years now and I wonder whether it wouldn't be in the interests of the company if there was a change at some point." But nothing is planned. "It will take another two years or so to see if everything really works." Then she can confidently say that everything is well on track.
(Photo: Keystone)
The reason for this outlook is the fact that SF will be in the red in 2008.
SF budgeted a loss of CHF 3 million for 2008, but this could probably be reduced to CHF 2 million through cost-cutting measures, as Deltenre said. Deltenre described SF's ability to raise funds as unsatisfactory, with clear criticism of Bakom.
According to Deltenre, Swiss television has never been able to benefit in real terms from fee increases since 2000, and there has never been an inflation adjustment. In addition, the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) has formulated new advertising and sponsorship guidelines which, contrary to the international trend, are much more restrictive, and SF cannot commercialize the Internet sector.
Changing media use influences television
When asked whether SF will look much different in five years than it does today, Deltenre said: "Media usage will change drastically once again. The on-demand share will increase. Set-top boxes will be integrated into TVs and TV sets will be easier to operate." Overall, many of the functionalities that are currently available via the Internet will be transferred to television use.
Deltenre said she did not know whether she would still be in office in another five years after almost five years as Director of Swiss Television, probably not. "I've been in office for almost five years now and I wonder whether it wouldn't be in the interests of the company if there was a change at some point." But nothing is planned. "It will take another two years or so to see if everything really works." Then she can confidently say that everything is well on track.
(Photo: Keystone)
