SRF: "Our wish list is long"

"Competition on another channel with a similar format is good for us," comments Ruedi Matter on Filippo Leutenegger's launch of a private "Arena" on Sat 1. People will recognize how much the format has evolved. Matter does not see the creation of a "counter-arena" as a sign of dissatisfaction. There is probably dissatisfaction among individual politicians, as the decision has been made to also have experts appear in the "Arena". This means that it is no longer possible for politicians to make any claim they like. However, it is not true that viewer numbers have plummeted. Compared to the previous year, they had remained stable, "just like those of many of our other programs".
 

SRF Director is satisfied with the half-year results. Entertainment programs got off to a very good start. According to Matter, the format "Die grössten Schweizer Talente", with a market share of 40 percent, has reached all age groups. In addition, events such as the Arab revolution or Japan have given the information programs above-average viewing figures. Maintaining the market share will be difficult. "But I am definitely optimistic." SF1 is very stable with its own productions. The viewer figures for SF Zwei, on the other hand, are heavily dependent on major sporting events, which were absent this year.

In response to the question of where the foreign magazine, which has already been described as a desired program on various occasions, would remain, Matter replied: "Our wish list is long, but resources are limited." The network of correspondents has been expanded. However, the correspondents are very much involved in day-to-day business. The existing resources were not sufficient for a foreign magazine. Collaborations are being examined, for example with Scandinavian broadcasters, "because they have a similar look to ours".