Telesuisse struggles for details

Telesuisse, the association of Swiss regional television stations, is facing a dilemma, because according to the Federal Council's dispatch on the Radio and Television Act, which was passed shortly before Christmas, only ten to twelve stations are to receive license fee money. This means that Telesuisse, with its 18 members, is facing a difficult choice: who should get a chance and who should go away empty-handed? "Answering questions about the level of fee splitting and the number of stations to be licensed today could lead to unrealistic ideas or emotional disputes," fears Telesuisse President Filippo Lombardi. He has therefore called an extraordinary general meeting for January 31st, at which a common line is to be worked out. Despite the President's admonition to exercise restraint, some regional TV bosses have already taken a stand. page 12