SRF: Aid organizations criticize "Every cent counts
Two of the most prominent figures in the Swiss charitable giving sector are criticizing the «Every Rappen Counts» campaign. They say SRF must work more closely with aid organizations in the future and coordinate the campaign’s message with them.
This is what Annemarie Huber-Hotz, former Federal Chancellor and current President of the Red Cross Council, and the President of the Zewo Quality Foundation, Trix Heberlein, are calling for, according to the Sonntagszeitung. Huber-Hotz is acting on behalf of the Conference of Presidents of the major aid organizations. This includes 22 organizations from Caritas and Rega to the WWF. Huber-Hotz says: "The aid organizations have some difficulties with 'Jeder Rappen zählt'." She therefore met SRF Director Rudolf Matter for a discussion at the beginning of November. An SRF spokesperson confirmed the meeting to the Sonntagszeitung.
Lack of cost transparency
SRF is also criticized for a lack of cost transparency. Robert Ruckstuhl, Head of Program Radio, says: "The total expenditure is well under one million francs, in the mid six-figure range." This means that JRZ costs "less than an elaborate live entertainment show" and is "very efficient". According to research by the Sonntagszeitung, however, the campaign is controversial within SRF. According to insiders, the personnel costs mean that JRZ is "very expensive". Program director Ruckstuhl replies: "There are no additional personnel costs, we are saving up on staff, so to speak. For example, one of three DRS 3 reporters will not be available for three months. This frees up capacity, which we invest in JRZ."
