Adaptation of radio and television advertising to European directives triggers criticism
The amendment of the Ordinance on Advertising on Radio and Television to bring it into line with European directives has sparked an outcry. The concerns include the decline of public service broadcasting, distortion of competition, and the entrenchment of the SRG’s monopoly position. The amendment to the Radio and Television Ordinance (RTVV) is intended to prevent Swiss broadcasters from being at a disadvantage in terms of advertising, particularly compared to their German, French, and Italian counterparts.
Two proposals are ready for SRG. According to both, advertising time is to be increased from the current 8 to 15 percent of daily broadcasting time. In addition, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) wants to increase advertising on the
SRG's online offering. The hearing ended on Friday.
The SVP firmly rejects OFCOM's proposals. The proposal would lead to a further cementing of the already great market power of the quasi-monopolist SRG. For Presse Suisse, the association of publishers in French-speaking Switzerland, it is crucial that the advertising ban that applies to all SRG internet portals remains in place. The entry of public media into this market niche would lead to a "particularly serious distortion of the competitive situation", as they would use online content that has been produced for radio and television and thus financed with public funds. According to SDA, the Association for Critical Media Use ARBUS is also convinced that the bill would "commercialize the public service in a way that is no longer acceptable". The amendment to the ordinance has also met with unanimous opposition from consumer organizations. In a joint communiqué, the Foundation for Consumer Protection SKS and its Latin counterparts firmly reject the draft.
The SRG will publish its position on Thursday. The CVP will not comment on the hearing. The FDP and SP have yet to respond.
SRG's online offering. The hearing ended on Friday.
The SVP firmly rejects OFCOM's proposals. The proposal would lead to a further cementing of the already great market power of the quasi-monopolist SRG. For Presse Suisse, the association of publishers in French-speaking Switzerland, it is crucial that the advertising ban that applies to all SRG internet portals remains in place. The entry of public media into this market niche would lead to a "particularly serious distortion of the competitive situation", as they would use online content that has been produced for radio and television and thus financed with public funds. According to SDA, the Association for Critical Media Use ARBUS is also convinced that the bill would "commercialize the public service in a way that is no longer acceptable". The amendment to the ordinance has also met with unanimous opposition from consumer organizations. In a joint communiqué, the Foundation for Consumer Protection SKS and its Latin counterparts firmly reject the draft.
The SRG will publish its position on Thursday. The CVP will not comment on the hearing. The FDP and SP have yet to respond.
