"Sponsored watch": SRG does not accept Bakom's decision
In the view of the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom), the clock with sponsor insertion before the "Tagesschau" on Swiss television is not permitted under the new RTVA. It is demanding an adjustment. SRG is defending itself against this decision.
In the view of the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom), the clock with sponsor insertion before the "Tagesschau" on Swiss television is not permitted under the new RTVA. It is demanding an adjustment. SRG is defending itself against this decision.
The so-called "sponsored clock" is used to bridge the airtime immediately before the "Tagesschau" at 7.30 pm, but also before "10 to 10" and broadcasts on the TSR and RSI channels. A sponsor is presented in repetitive commercials lasting ten seconds. In a supervisory decision, OFCOM objected to the sponsor insertion of the clock. According to the decision, which is available on the Internet, it violates a directive issued at the beginning of 2009 on the basis of the new Radio and Television Act. The directive regulates the length and number of insertions.
SRG will appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court, SRG spokesperson Max Gurtner confirmed a report in the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper on Thursday. "From our point of view, there is no reason to change the long-standing practice." The proceedings came about because SRG and Bakom were unable to agree on implementation.
Second attack on "sponsored watch"
Bakom had already attempted to abolish the "sponsored clock" in 1997. At that time, however, the Uvek approved SRG's practice. "Bakom is now using the new law as an opportunity to question watch sponsorship again," says SRG spokesperson Gurtner. The spots before the "Tagesschau" are attractive, as information programs may not be sponsored. SRG has therefore declared the "sponsored watch" as a separate abbreviated program since 1992. Bakom accepts this.
The so-called "sponsored clock" is used to bridge the airtime immediately before the "Tagesschau" at 7.30 pm, but also before "10 to 10" and broadcasts on the TSR and RSI channels. A sponsor is presented in repetitive commercials lasting ten seconds. In a supervisory decision, OFCOM objected to the sponsor insertion of the clock. According to the decision, which is available on the Internet, it violates a directive issued at the beginning of 2009 on the basis of the new Radio and Television Act. The directive regulates the length and number of insertions.
SRG will appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court, SRG spokesperson Max Gurtner confirmed a report in the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper on Thursday. "From our point of view, there is no reason to change the long-standing practice." The proceedings came about because SRG and Bakom were unable to agree on implementation.
Second attack on "sponsored watch"
Bakom had already attempted to abolish the "sponsored clock" in 1997. At that time, however, the Uvek approved SRG's practice. "Bakom is now using the new law as an opportunity to question watch sponsorship again," says SRG spokesperson Gurtner. The spots before the "Tagesschau" are attractive, as information programs may not be sponsored. SRG has therefore declared the "sponsored watch" as a separate abbreviated program since 1992. Bakom accepts this.
