Last but not least: SRG fights gossip with muzzles
Although information - and rumors - about the planned convergence of radio and television are constantly leaking to the media through leaks in the SRG system, the SRG German-speaking Switzerland department still seems to be vehemently resisting a public discussion. Now they are even handing out muzzles.
The timing of the e-mail is particularly interesting: the message was sent just a few hours after the publication of an interview with Dieter Niedermann in the Berner Zeitung, in which the President of SRG Eastern Switzerland sharply criticized the actions of the national SRG. He seemed to have hit a sore spot. Among other things, Niedermann criticized the SRG Director General for using his power to the limit. Now Armin Walpen, who was attacked, can breathe a sigh of relief as he also received - for his information - the muzzle message.
The gossip continues - despite the ban on talking
Despite the muzzle, SRG does not appear to be immune to nasty comments. After all, the ban on speaking does not apply to former SRG employees. Former TV director Peter Schellenberg made use of this when, in an interview with the Zofinger Tagblatt, he was extremely critical of SRG's communication policy - that of Armin Walpen in particular: "It is completely inexplicable to me how one can proceed in this way.". This is mainly due to the structure of SRG; the Director General simply has too much power, Schellenberg continued. "SRG is the only major journalistic company that does not separate money and spirit."
It won't be too long now until the SRG Board of Directors makes its decision. Then hopefully the ban on speaking and secrecy will be over. Good communication is half the battle - or is it?
