RTVG bazaar
Guest commentary The regulatory fall from grace lies in the new fee splitting, says Peter Studer.
Federal Council is the totally revised Radio and Television Act (RTVA).
under wraps. In the second week of March, the National and
Council of States resolved the final differences. At times, the
Observers at a Persian bazaar. The completely renewed law
should come into force together with a regulation in spring 2007.
However, it is better not to expect calm on the radio and television front.
talk. The law has transferred many powers to the Federal Council, which
the ordinance; and some sweet fruits are likely to be added to the
The tug-of-war is only just beginning: Which commercial organizers
will receive how much money from the SRG fee pot? What is the situation
with advertising regulations and alcohol spots, especially as private local broadcasters for
are allowed to advertise certain alcoholic beverages?
The new law will not be described as contemporary lean
are allowed. While the old RTVA (1991) had 77 articles, the
Parliament passed a lex with 114 articles - i.e. around 50
percent more legal material. Let's hold a voluminous large
Litter in your hand? No. As is so often the case, a friendly
Compromise. Most of those affected - least of all
probably the smirking SRG, which saves most of its skins.
could - eye him with moderate dissatisfaction.
Initially, regulatory policymakers had opted for a BBC-style system:
all fees to SRG, all advertising to commercial broadcasters.
Or at least: all SRG fees, the majority of the
Advertising the commercials. Due to the small population and the
obligation to provide three full language programs, the BBC-only model for
Switzerland anyway.
The real regulatory fall from grace lies in the new
fee splitting. It means that profit-seeking media groups with
their meager information services in the radio and television sector money
from the fee income of the profitless SRG. The application
organizers, usually publishers, thereby trade themselves the
state-controlled performance mandate and financial control in the
within the framework of a special concession.
After all, some realistic system corrections in the direction of
dual system. In principle, the performance mandate of the
Constitution - Switzerland's basic supply of information, cultural stimulus
and entertainment - will now be limited to SRG; commercial broadcasters will be
from the performance mandate (unless they are just
charge shares). The advertising opportunities for commercial
organizers are increasing significantly - although not to the extent that
private broadcasters will suddenly be in the black. The
Switzerland's rugged economic terrain, which remains
protected strength of the SRG brand and the competitive pressure from foreign
Advertising windows should prevent this.
Peter Studer works as a media lawyer and media ethicist.
