Ubi reprimands "Cash TV" for one-sided reporting

The SF program "Cash TV" reported one-sidedly on a referendum proposal. This is the finding of the independent Federal Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (Ubi). It was about the reduction of the minimum conversion rate in occupational pensions.

In the program on February 7, 2010, the presenter of "Cash TV" interviewed a supporter of the bill. It was the head of the pensions department at Swisscanto, which is also the main sponsor of "Cash TV". The interviewee had four minutes to present his arguments in favor of a lower conversion rate. The presenter refrained from asking critical questions, Ubi reported on Monday. The factual tone of the interview also gave the impression that the interviewee was an expert and not a lobbyist. The interviewee was a "pension fund expert"
has been presented.

Complaint from private individual
The interview was also not broadcast as part of a series of reports on the conversion rate, the Ubi further criticized. The vote took place a month later, on March 8, 2010. Programmes that address upcoming votes are sensitive because they can influence the formation of opinion, the complaints authority stated. For this reason, private television broadcasters should also be expected to exercise increased due diligence. In the case of this interview, the broadcaster had violated the prohibition of objectivity.
The complaint came from a private individual, as Ubi stated at the request of the SDA news agency. "Cash TV" must now inform Ubi within 30 days of the improvement measures taken. However, those responsible for the program can also appeal the decision to the Federal Supreme Court.

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