Ombudsman reprimands "Kassensturz" for SVP bashing
SRG Ombudsman Achille Casanova has spoken out in no uncertain terms about a «Kassensturz» segment on the most consumer-friendly political parties. In his view, the duty of care was violated on multiple occasions.
The report "Parties in the consumer check: these parties fail" was broadcast in mid-September. A few weeks before the elections, a ranking list of the most consumer-friendly parties was drawn up using the example of five proposals in the National Council. The SVP came off worst. The conclusion of the report: in votes in the interests of consumers, the party "has been voting against for years".
Implicit election recommendation
The Zurich SVP National Councillors Natalie Rickli and Gregor Rutz did not agree with this presentation and turned to the SRG Ombudsman. In their opinion, the broadcast violated both the principle of diversity and the principle of fairness, as can be seen from the ombudsman's reply. Tele Züri reported on Friday about the letter, which is also available to the SDA news agency. The two National Councillors wrote in their complaint that "Kassensturz" had intervened in the political debate in the final phase - and "not in a neutral manner as a reporter". The editorial team had made assessments and implicit recommendations with regard to the parliamentary elections. The ombudsman also did not give "Kassensturz" a good report in his reply. Casanova criticizes the reporting as one-sided and unbalanced. The opponents of the consumer-friendly proposals were given negative comments, while the supporters were given positive recognition.
Ombudsman: "Simply unacceptable"
There were also "various inaccuracies". More significant, however, was the fact that the reporting focused on the SVP. For example, the spokesperson contradicted the statement by National Councillor Thomas Aeschi (ZG) that the SVP pursues consumer-friendly policies with the words: "Consumer-friendly my ass! The fact is that the SVP has been voting against consumer-friendly policies for years." According to the ombudsman, this wording is "simply unacceptable" in an election broadcast. He also describes the closing remark by presenter Ueli Schmezer as "even more serious". He said that consumers now had it in their hands to vote for the right politicians. Schmezer had thus "clearly taken the step from an election aid to an election recommendation". In view of the federal elections, this was "particularly serious". (SDA)
