Flop of the week: SRG to be allowed to show live events on the Internet
In the future, the SRG will be allowed to broadcast live events on the Internet as first-run broadcasts. The National Council has approved a motion to that effect. Until now, first-run broadcasts on the Internet have required authorization.
In addition, they are only permitted during simultaneous TV broadcasts. The National Council adopted Evi Allemann's motion on Tuesday by 106 votes to 62 with 5 abstentions. Allemann justified her motion by stating, among other things, that it takes account of a "new media reality". SRG should be able to expand its activities to new media without obstacles being placed in its way. Natalie Rickli (SVP, ZH) opposed the proposal, which in her view "goes too far". It makes the internet a separate medium and puts it on an equal footing with television and radio. "This once again directly competes with the private media," said Rickli. The Federal Council supported the motion. According to Media Minister Doris Leuthard, however, first broadcasts on the Internet should be limited to political and economic events. As there are commercial interests in sport and entertainment, the Federal Council rejects their transmission.
