National Council Commission considers savings at SRG
The National Council's Telecommunications Commission (KVF) wants additional information from the administration regarding the initiative to abolish Billag fees. In particular, it wants to know what the consequences of such cost-cutting measures would be for SRG.
The KVF is having two options examined, as the parliamentary services announced on Tuesday: a fee contribution of CHF 1 billion, which would mean savings of CHF 300 million, and a contribution of CHF 750 million, i.e. savings of CHF 550 million. It also requested in-depth clarifications on the impact of digital developments.
The Council of States unanimously recommended that the initiative be rejected in the spring session. It is backed by representatives of the Young SVP and the Young Liberals. They argue that not everyone likes the SRG's programs. It is unfair that everyone is forced to co-finance them via "compulsory fees". The SRG's money should be cut off.
SRG is currently 70 to 73 percent financed by license fees. It receives CHF 1.235 billion of the total CHF 1.35 billion. Around half of the fee money goes towards information. Private households pay an annual reception fee of CHF 451. With the system change from a device fee to a household fee, this is to fall to CHF 400. (SDA)
