Everything is ready

Pierre C. Meier on Walpen's expenses and the publishers' rampage. In the spring session starting next week, the new Radio and Television Act (RTVA) will be discussed in the Council of States. Last week, the Uvek announced that Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger had instructed the Audit Office to examine the SRG's books. The reason for this was the SRG's planned request for a fee increase and its planned internet activities. This timing cannot be a coincidence. But what are Leuenberger's motives for launching this investigation right now? Specifically: Who can have an interest in the new RTVA being delayed? Realistically speaking, almost everyone involved. Albeit for different reasons. The SRG can live with the current law; after all, it guarantees its strong position and it does not have to pay any license fees to private providers. The SP can also live with the status quo - for the same reasons as the SRG.
The SVP and FDP have always been against the new RTVA because it is over-regulated and leaves too little freedom to private providers. The announced financial audit is therefore a wonderful steep pass to derail the consultation in the Council of States, just as they tried - unsuccessfully - to do in the National Council.
The only people who should actually have a vital interest in the RTVA revision coming into force as quickly as possible are the publishers. After all, they will only receive their ration from the fee pot to keep their loss-making local television stations afloat. But what are they doing? Startled by Walpen's news portal ambitions, they run amok. At practically the same time, Blick and NZZ am Sonntag scandalize the top SRG boss's expenses and car arrangements. So they are happily sawing away at the virtual fee branch that they are not yet sitting on, but would like to sit on as soon as possible.
And who benefits from all the excitement? The SRG, of course - thanks to Leuenberger.
> Pierre C. Meier, Editor-in-Chief