SRG with reduced deficit last year
In 2007, SRG posted a deficit of 17.2 million francs. That is just under 8 million less than in 2006.
SRG generated a deficit of CHF 17.2 million in 2007. This is just under CHF 8 million less than in 2006. Nevertheless, the national radio and television operator is not satisfied with the earnings situation in particular. According to an SRG statement on Monday, operating income rose by 1.5 percent to CHF 1.57 billion. The additional income from reception fees amounted to CHF 6 million, while commercial income increased by CHF 7.3 million. The fee adjustment last April did not result in any additional income, as this was largely neutralized by the new fee distribution, the SRG criticized. For example, the CHF 30 million raised by the increase went directly to the private providers to finance their claims. SRG was also unable to generate any additional income due to legal prohibitions and restrictions in the new Radio and Television Act, it added. Only foreign platforms and advertising windows benefited from the restrictions in the areas of advertising and sponsorship, but not SRG and the private television broadcasters in Switzerland.
Massive deficit feared
This year, SRG is expecting a deficit of CHF 50 million. The ever-increasing costs of the broadcasting industry are also responsible for the size of the loss.
sports events, said SRG Director General Armin Walpen on Monday in Bern. SRG is still expecting a loss of around CHF 10 million for 2009. SRG is planning a structural reform to compensate for the imbalance between demands and financial possibilities. The complexity of the structure of corporate governance and company management is not suitable for the future, said Chairman of the Board of Directors Jean-Bernard Münch. The Board of Directors will carry out the reform itself with the support of a number of consultants, including Benedikt Weibel. The new structures are to come into force on January 1, 2010.
According to Münch, the constant convergence of television, radio and the Internet due to technical innovation could also offer potential for savings. Media convergence is therefore a further focus of the structural review. SRG could submit an application for a fee increase in 2010 at the earliest. Walpen left open whether the company will make use of this option. In the area of online advertising, the Director General sees revenue potential that still needs to be explored.
Massive deficit feared
This year, SRG is expecting a deficit of CHF 50 million. The ever-increasing costs of the broadcasting industry are also responsible for the size of the loss.
sports events, said SRG Director General Armin Walpen on Monday in Bern. SRG is still expecting a loss of around CHF 10 million for 2009. SRG is planning a structural reform to compensate for the imbalance between demands and financial possibilities. The complexity of the structure of corporate governance and company management is not suitable for the future, said Chairman of the Board of Directors Jean-Bernard Münch. The Board of Directors will carry out the reform itself with the support of a number of consultants, including Benedikt Weibel. The new structures are to come into force on January 1, 2010.
According to Münch, the constant convergence of television, radio and the Internet due to technical innovation could also offer potential for savings. Media convergence is therefore a further focus of the structural review. SRG could submit an application for a fee increase in 2010 at the earliest. Walpen left open whether the company will make use of this option. In the area of online advertising, the Director General sees revenue potential that still needs to be explored.
