Vote triggers debate on SRG principles
With the new Radio and Television Act (RTVA), households would have to pay less in fees than they do today. This is what the Federal Council promises. Nevertheless, it is uncertain whether the voters will say yes. To the astonishment of the proponents, many seem to be concerned not only with their wallets.
Instead of lower fees, the referendum campaign is discussing public service and SRG programming - issues that are not at stake in the June 14 vote. The only issue to be decided is a change in the system: the current device-based reception fee is to be replaced by a general fee. The Federal Council and Parliament want to take into account the fact that radio and television programs can now also be consumed on a computer or cell phone. Because there would no longer be any "off-air" viewers and listeners, the financing could be spread over more shoulders. According to the Federal Council, this would reduce the fee for households from 462 to around 400 francs.
Higher fees for large companies
The fact that the new law is being fought at all has to do with the rules for companies. Today, most do not pay any fees, although they should - between 612 and 1409 francs per business premises, depending on use. With the new law, about three-quarters of companies - those with sales of less than 500,000 francs per year - would be officially exempt from the fee. For companies with sales between 500,000 and one million francs, 400 francs per year would be due. At a turnover of one million francs, the levy would be 1000 francs and would then gradually increase. Companies with sales in the billions would thus have to contribute more than they do today.
Fundamental criticism of state television
This is opposed by the trade association, which has filed a referendum. In the future, entrepreneurs would have to pay twice for the same imposed service, privately and at work, the opponents criticize. In times of a strong franc, of all times, companies would be asked to pay more - even though, strictly speaking, they would not be able to listen to the radio or watch television. The opponents' campaign did not confine itself to this aspect, however, but warned of a new "Billag media tax" - and launched a fundamental discussion about state television, which was becoming a bottomless pit. The new law would give the Federal Council and SRG a free pass for unlimited fee increases, warned Jean-François Rime, president of the trade association and SVP National Councilor. There was a threat of fees of 1000 francs.
Taken out of the air
This in turn angered the supporters. They complained that such statements were completely made up out of thin air. They are deliberately scattered, absurd false statements. Both Media Minister Doris Leuthard and SRG Director General Roger de Weck assured that the fee would not rise, but fall. The fact is that the Federal Council could increase the fees if it wanted to. However, it already has this authority today, and nothing will change in the event of a No to the new law. In the event of a "No" vote, the current reception fees will remain in place, and households and companies will still have to register with and deregister from Billag.
Transition period of five years
In the event of a "yes" vote, there would be a transitional period of five years during which media abstainers could be exempted from the fee. All residents of retirement and nursing homes would be permanently exempt. Billag controls would no longer be necessary. Private radio and television broadcasters would also receive a larger share of the fees. Today, the private broadcasters with a public service mandate receive a total of around CHF 54 million per year; in the new system, they would receive up to CHF 81 million - up to 6 percent instead of the current 4 percent.
SVP, FDP and GLP against
In parliament, the SVP and the GLP, as well as part of the FDP, had opposed the new radio and television law. These parties are therefore also recommending a No vote. The outcome is open, according to the first SRG referendum poll: At the end of April, 46 percent of those willing to participate were definitely or rather in favor of the bill, 45 percent were definitely or rather against it, and 9 percent still had no opinion. The proponents had not expected such strong opposition. If one considers that the current law only serves the black listeners and viewers, the massive campaign against the new law is somewhat surprising, noted BDP National Councilor Urs Gasche (BE). Water on the mills of the fee critics was a Federal Court decision that fell in the middle of the referendum campaign. The ruling means that the Billag fee will fall by around 11 francs because it is no longer subject to VAT. However, this has nothing to do with the law that will be voted on June 14. (SDA)
