Error yes, intention no
Private TV executive Hans Jürg Deutsch denies any covert financing at Ringier TV, though he does not entirely rule out the possibility of negligence.
Private TV Hans Jürg Deutsch denies covert financing at Ringier TV, but he does not completely rule out negligence.The "Gesundheit Sprechstunde" program repeatedly operates in a grey area in terms of sponsorship, says Hans Jürg Deutsch, Head of Television at Ringier, himself: "Pharmaceutical stories are tricky because the pharmaceutical industry cannot advertise without restrictions." That's why the storm launched by Beobachter and "10vor10" last week even has something positive: "It's good that the Federal Office of Communications is taking a closer look at the matter." So far, however, Bakom has never objected to the now nine-year-old program "Gesundheit Sprechstunde". The inquiries revealed that in the last one and a half years, even the ombudsman's office for press TV and the Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (UBI) have not received any complaints about the program.The allegations now being made essentially concern two things: Ringier TV or TV doctor Samuel Stutz has offered appearances in programs or product mentions in return for payment. In addition, entire programs, appearances and articles in the magazines Gesundheit Sprechstunde and Schweizer Illustrierte are alleged to have been financed, in part covertly, via an account of the FMH medical association. "10vor10" even spoke of money laundering, which is why Ringier is now considering legal action. One thing is certain: OFCOM is investigating possible surreptitious advertising and prohibited advertising for non-prescription medicines.
It is interesting to note that the Ringier Group management apparently discussed certain problems surrounding freelancer Samuel Stutz years ago. The topic was the FMH pot, but also the lack of transparency resulting from several contracts between Stutz and various Ringier editorial offices. The demand for a Stutz coordinator is even said to have led to fierce differences of opinion between the magazine publisher and the TV division. When asked, at least Emil Mahnig, one of the co-founders of the Gesundheit-Sprechstunde media network, confirmed that he had heard of such differences.
Renewed discussions
Deutsch himself denies any concealed financing. The FMH account was agreed with Bakom. But this "construction" will now be discussed again. He rules out the possibility that appearances or product mentions are for sale. Deutsch: "We have to prove that the mention of a certain product in the respective program was not justified from a journalistic point of view." The program "Puls" on SF DRS has also discussed many products sooner or later.
Although Deutsch does not rule out breaches of sponsorship guidelines, he speaks of "sins of omission that can occur during live broadcasts" or "negligence". However, there was never any intention to deceive anyone. He also admits that the Lung League "in principle bought itself public relations work" with a contribution to the production costs, but he has "no bad conscience at all about this self-help organization".
Deutsch also confirms that Stutz acquires sponsors - and is also paid for this as a freelancer. "But Stutz doesn't sign any contracts or invoices. It all goes over my desk," he states. It is not Stutz who decides what is discussed in the broadcasts, but the editorial team. "She is the absolute firewall." He, Deutsch, is present at every meeting.
The question arises as to whether other programs produced by Ringier TV also show "negligence" in press TV? For example, Konsum-TV or Motorshow. Hans Jürg Deutsch waves it off. The sponsors are clearly declared there and the situation is less delicate than with medicines, he says.
TV doctor Samuel Stutz has come under fire with his program "Gesundheit Sprechstunde".
Markus Knöpfli
It is interesting to note that the Ringier Group management apparently discussed certain problems surrounding freelancer Samuel Stutz years ago. The topic was the FMH pot, but also the lack of transparency resulting from several contracts between Stutz and various Ringier editorial offices. The demand for a Stutz coordinator is even said to have led to fierce differences of opinion between the magazine publisher and the TV division. When asked, at least Emil Mahnig, one of the co-founders of the Gesundheit-Sprechstunde media network, confirmed that he had heard of such differences.
Renewed discussions
Deutsch himself denies any concealed financing. The FMH account was agreed with Bakom. But this "construction" will now be discussed again. He rules out the possibility that appearances or product mentions are for sale. Deutsch: "We have to prove that the mention of a certain product in the respective program was not justified from a journalistic point of view." The program "Puls" on SF DRS has also discussed many products sooner or later.
Although Deutsch does not rule out breaches of sponsorship guidelines, he speaks of "sins of omission that can occur during live broadcasts" or "negligence". However, there was never any intention to deceive anyone. He also admits that the Lung League "in principle bought itself public relations work" with a contribution to the production costs, but he has "no bad conscience at all about this self-help organization".
Deutsch also confirms that Stutz acquires sponsors - and is also paid for this as a freelancer. "But Stutz doesn't sign any contracts or invoices. It all goes over my desk," he states. It is not Stutz who decides what is discussed in the broadcasts, but the editorial team. "She is the absolute firewall." He, Deutsch, is present at every meeting.
The question arises as to whether other programs produced by Ringier TV also show "negligence" in press TV? For example, Konsum-TV or Motorshow. Hans Jürg Deutsch waves it off. The sponsors are clearly declared there and the situation is less delicate than with medicines, he says.
TV doctor Samuel Stutz has come under fire with his program "Gesundheit Sprechstunde".
Markus Knöpfli
