Dispute over online advertising: no agreement in sight
The deadline set by Media Minister Doris Leuthard for SRG and private publishers expires on March 31. By then, they should have reached an agreement on whether SRG may also advertise on the internet and what the consideration to the publishers will be.
As research by the Sonntag newspaper shows, it is unlikely that the two parties will reach an agreement within this period. "SRG is doing everything it can to find a good solution," says Iso Rechsteiner, Head of Corporate Communications at SRG. "Our offers are on the table." However, insiders close to the publishers say that the negotiations are on the right track in all respects, but the sticking point is the money. "Who will gain more revenue? The publishers or SRG?" Officially, the publishers do not want to say anything; both sides have pledged to remain silent.
According to Sonntag, SRG and publishers have set up three working groups to reach an agreement. The first is about online advertising, the second is about where SRG can limit itself, and the third is looking for opportunities for cooperation. According to publishers, new facts have emerged in the working groups: SRG's argument that it is in danger of losing traditional advertising money cannot be proven. More in-depth clarifications are needed. Because the population is growing, fees are also increasing. Opposition is said to come primarily from Tamedia, NZZ and Ringier. These major publishers are investing in news portals and are resisting the fact that the fee-financed SRG wants to compete with them there.
If no agreement is reached by March 31, Leuthard says it will be up to politicians to decide.
(Image: Keystone)
