Eternit lawsuit dismissed
The Swiss Press Council has dismissed a complaint filed by Eternit against Swiss Television. Consequently, the broadcaster neither violated its duty to report the truth nor made allegations that were factually unfounded.
The Swiss Press Council has rejected a complaint by Eternit against Swiss television. This means that the broadcaster neither violated its duty to tell the truth nor made factually unjustified accusations. Eternit filed a complaint because of a report in the Tagesschau of June 3, 2006, as the Press Council announced on Tuesday. This report was about the asbestos summit in Payerne, where asbestos victims met to discuss their concerns. For Eternit, the Tagesschau gave the impression that the company was responsible for numerous asbestos victims and was still endangering numerous employees today. Despite the allegations, the editorial team did not contact Eternit for a statement.
Based on the statements of the parties, it is disputed whether the SF correspondent from French-speaking Switzerland actually tried to request a statement or whether no one at Eternit could be reached, writes the Press Council. As an alternative, however, the report had read from an open letter from Eternit.
The Press Council rejects Eternit's accusation that Swiss television spread a series of inadmissible allegations and insinuations. For example, the report states that it was an international conference in Payerne. Nor did the Tagesschau give the impression that Eternit is still an asbestos company.
Based on the statements of the parties, it is disputed whether the SF correspondent from French-speaking Switzerland actually tried to request a statement or whether no one at Eternit could be reached, writes the Press Council. As an alternative, however, the report had read from an open letter from Eternit.
The Press Council rejects Eternit's accusation that Swiss television spread a series of inadmissible allegations and insinuations. For example, the report states that it was an international conference in Payerne. Nor did the Tagesschau give the impression that Eternit is still an asbestos company.
