Bakom temporarily prohibits SRG from participating in the advertising alliance
SRG may not use the new advertising opportunities offered by the joint advertising marketing company with Swisscom and Ringier for the time being. The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) has prohibited it from doing so with a precautionary measure.
The ban will apply until the conclusion of the supervisory procedure by OFCOM, but until March 31, 2016 at the latest, as announced by the Federal Office on Wednesday. Bakom is currently reviewing SRG's participation in the joint venture in terms of broadcasting law. According to the press release, the Federal Office is examining in particular whether the joint venture supported by SRG impairs the fulfillment of SRG's programming mandate or significantly restricts the scope for development of other media companies. Should OFCOM determine that this is the case, it can propose specific conditions for SRG to the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC). With the precautionary ruling, OFCOM wants to ensure that the ongoing review can continue without being presented with a fait accompli, according to the press release.
In a written reaction, SRG shows understanding for the precautionary ban. It has always been clear to SRG that the new marketing organization could only actively enter the market once the ongoing review by OFCOM had been completed, writes SRG. The Bakom's decision to limit the precautionary measure until the end of March 2016 at the latest provides SRG with welcome planning certainty, according to the statement
continue.
The Swiss Federal Competition Commission (ComCo) announced on Wednesday that it is approving the joint venture between Swisscom, SRG and Ringier without conditions. Following an in-depth review, the Competition Commission does not expect effective competition to be eliminated in the advertising market (Werbewoche.ch reported). It is therefore refraining from imposing a ban and conditions. (SDA)
