Audience Council on "Arena", "Sternstunde" and "Wort zum Sonntag"

According to the SRG Audience Council, the changes to the "Arena" program concept have proved successful. Thanks to the reduction in the number of main guests, the discussion program has become more dynamic and lively, according to a statement. Despite the adjusted number of participants, the diversity of opinions was adequately represented. Moderator Urs Leuthard also received high marks: he was knowledgeable in terms of content, acted confidently, had the necessary authority and acted as a neutral mediator. The length of the program was shortened slightly as part of the concept adjustment, but the Audience Council describes the new length as the upper limit. The "Sternstunde" program is impressive due to its high quality and is characterized by a broad selection of topics. The discussions are all of a high standard. However, the Audience Council considers the tight form of the discussions to be a brake. It also criticized the new decor.
The new "Wort zum Sonntag" speakers come across as likeable, competent, neither authoritarian nor lecturing. However, the team itself is too homogeneous for the Audience Council. It could imagine including younger people as speakers.
The Council also discussed the annual report of the new ombudsman Achille Casanova. It was pleased with the serious and competent work of the former Vice-Chancellor and Federal Council spokesperson.