Zurich Government Opposes Universal Reception Fees
The Zurich Cantonal Government rejects the partial revision of the Radio and Television Act (RTVG) proposed by the Federal Council. The draft provides that, in the future, everyone will be required to pay a fee, even if they do not own a receiving device.
The reason for the planned system change is that new devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets can receive radio and TV broadcasts via the Internet. The Federal Council assumes that such devices are used in virtually all Swiss households. The system change sought by the Federal Council is more far-reaching than it appears at first glance, the cantonal government writes in its consultation response published on Thursday. In particular, the draft violates the principles of equal treatment and the polluter-pays principle.
The new levy is a new tax, as it must be paid by every household without exception. However, the cantonal government emphasizes that a constitutional basis for such a tax would first have to be established.
The Questionable «Billag System»
Today, the reception fee payable to Billag for households is approximately 462 francs per year. In the future, the annual amount would decrease to about 400 francs. According to the cantonal government, the «Billag system» costs 57.6 million francs annually. If every household were required to pay, the question would arise as to whether maintaining this system would still be justified. Furthermore, the tax would have to be collected by the state itself. Therefore, a private collection agency would no longer be necessary. (sda)
