SF remains mainstream
Swiss Television (SF) is sticking with its existing programming formats in 2008. While the network is generally satisfied with last year’s market share, it cannot fully explain the fluctuations in ratings.
"We are satisfied with a market share of 33.5 percent," said SF Director Ingrid Deltenre at the annual media conference of Swiss Television on Tuesday. Although there are always slight fluctuations - SF lost one percent in 2007 compared to the previous year - the station is at a very high level and 0.1 percentage points above 2005. The station did lose 3 percent viewers in February compared to the same month last year. Deltenre cites the absence of the highly acclaimed talent show Music Star, which achieved an impressive 46% market share last year, the lack of the World Ski Championships and the weather situation, which is always proportional to TV usage, as reasons. "But we cannot fully explain the strong fluctuations," said Deltenre. Especially because no reliable market data is available from audience research. "We are still waiting for explanations from Mediapulse," she said to the media research company, which emerged from SRG's in-house research service in 2006. According to Deltenre, one plausible reason could be the switch to DVBT.
Viewers with satellite dishes are zapping away Due to the fact that SF can no longer be received in analog form as before, many viewers have probably purchased a satellite dish and are spending their time zapping through the huge offering for the time being. This trend was also observed in Austria during the switchover. However, the fluctuations would level out again over time, said the TV director calmly.
On the other hand, the fact that audiences are increasingly using their TV sets not only for traditional programs, but also for TV on demand, games and watching DVDs, is causing more and more headaches for television producers. Since 2005, this share has
- The market share of SF has doubled, albeit at a very low level, while traditional television is experiencing a slight but steady decline. The biggest competitor to SF in Switzerland is the RTL Group with a market share of 16.3%. For around four years, there has also been an increase in the number of other receivable channels, including a large number of micro and special interest channels, which together account for a market share of 13% in Switzerland. The Swiss private channels are at the bottom with a market share of 4.4%.
In terms of programming, those responsible expanded the business and knowledge sections in 2007 in favor of greater quality and depth with the programs "Eco", "Start up", "Einstein" (instead of MTW - Menschen, Technik, Wissenschaft) and "SF-Wissen" at www.sf.tv. More "Dok", "Reporter" and specials on current events were produced, including on the NRLA and the Blocher election. In the culture segment, the aim was to be more topical, for example with Mozart's "Magic Flute" in two-channel sound or with a total of seven premieres of Swiss films (including "Herbstzeitlosen").
Children's channel continues to keep SF busyFor greater viewer loyalty, SF launched a series of entertainment programs such as "SF bi de Lüt", "Heimspiel" and "Landfrauen". In the past financial year, SF also committed itself to more emotional sports programs and expanded its offering for children and young people. "However, we are not yet satisfied with the children's program," said Deltenre. Although a separate SF children's channel is currently on hold, the issue will continue to occupy those responsible in the current year.
The third survey of around 1,000 people revealed that the public generally has a positive attitude towards SF. It was better in all areas than in the previous year. In the areas of information, sport, entertainment, culture and series, SF is the channel of choice. It came in second place for feature films.
2008 dominated by the EuroThe current year at SF will be dominated by Euro 08, the world's third largest sporting event, with comprehensive coverage and live broadcasts as well as a 17-hour special program in June. Another focus will be the presidential election in the USA.
In addition, the "Arena" is being redesigned in terms of appearance and content and is set to become more lively and interactive from August. The health magazine "Puls" is also undergoing a relaunch. In the summer, the documentary series with criminal cases will be continued, this time under the title "When women kill".
The canceled show "Zart oder Bart" will be replaced by a new quiz "1 against 100". The cultural highlight will probably be the performance of Verdi's "Traviata" at Zurich's main railway station.
René Worni
Viewers with satellite dishes are zapping away Due to the fact that SF can no longer be received in analog form as before, many viewers have probably purchased a satellite dish and are spending their time zapping through the huge offering for the time being. This trend was also observed in Austria during the switchover. However, the fluctuations would level out again over time, said the TV director calmly.
On the other hand, the fact that audiences are increasingly using their TV sets not only for traditional programs, but also for TV on demand, games and watching DVDs, is causing more and more headaches for television producers. Since 2005, this share has
- The market share of SF has doubled, albeit at a very low level, while traditional television is experiencing a slight but steady decline. The biggest competitor to SF in Switzerland is the RTL Group with a market share of 16.3%. For around four years, there has also been an increase in the number of other receivable channels, including a large number of micro and special interest channels, which together account for a market share of 13% in Switzerland. The Swiss private channels are at the bottom with a market share of 4.4%.
In terms of programming, those responsible expanded the business and knowledge sections in 2007 in favor of greater quality and depth with the programs "Eco", "Start up", "Einstein" (instead of MTW - Menschen, Technik, Wissenschaft) and "SF-Wissen" at www.sf.tv. More "Dok", "Reporter" and specials on current events were produced, including on the NRLA and the Blocher election. In the culture segment, the aim was to be more topical, for example with Mozart's "Magic Flute" in two-channel sound or with a total of seven premieres of Swiss films (including "Herbstzeitlosen").
Children's channel continues to keep SF busyFor greater viewer loyalty, SF launched a series of entertainment programs such as "SF bi de Lüt", "Heimspiel" and "Landfrauen". In the past financial year, SF also committed itself to more emotional sports programs and expanded its offering for children and young people. "However, we are not yet satisfied with the children's program," said Deltenre. Although a separate SF children's channel is currently on hold, the issue will continue to occupy those responsible in the current year.
The third survey of around 1,000 people revealed that the public generally has a positive attitude towards SF. It was better in all areas than in the previous year. In the areas of information, sport, entertainment, culture and series, SF is the channel of choice. It came in second place for feature films.
2008 dominated by the EuroThe current year at SF will be dominated by Euro 08, the world's third largest sporting event, with comprehensive coverage and live broadcasts as well as a 17-hour special program in June. Another focus will be the presidential election in the USA.
In addition, the "Arena" is being redesigned in terms of appearance and content and is set to become more lively and interactive from August. The health magazine "Puls" is also undergoing a relaunch. In the summer, the documentary series with criminal cases will be continued, this time under the title "When women kill".
The canceled show "Zart oder Bart" will be replaced by a new quiz "1 against 100". The cultural highlight will probably be the performance of Verdi's "Traviata" at Zurich's main railway station.
René Worni
