The noisy voting campaign for the No Billag initiative will soon be over

The initiative was launched by Young Freedom Party members and members of the Young SVP from the libertarian milieu. They are calling for the abolition of radio and television fees. In addition, it should be enshrined in the federal constitution that the federal government does not subsidize radio and television stations.

Opponents see this as a radical attack on the public service. A yes vote would mean the end of SRG, they warn. Media Minister Doris Leuthard also sees no other option than orderly liquidation if the initiative is accepted. The text of the initiative is clear, she emphasized again and again.

The proponents disagree. SRG could very well survive without fee money, and the initiative would not need to be strictly implemented, they assert - a novelty in a referendum campaign.

Pay TV and advertising

The initiators received support from the SVP and the trade association, which presented a "Plan B" for the possible future financing of SRG. This plan relies on more advertising and pay TV.

Consumers would therefore have to buy subscriptions for programs such as the "Tagesschau". Proponents do not deny that they might have to pay more than they do today if they want to watch information programs, sports and feature films. For them, it is important that everyone has a choice and only pays for what they want to consume.

Federal funds instead of fees

However, the trade association's Plan B does not envisage purely commercial financing of radio and television programs: SRG is to receive federal funding - but only for certain programs, for example "Sternstunde Philosophie.

The initiators presented their own "Plan B". According to this plan, consumers should pay for SRG stations via cable network operators if they want to subscribe to them. In addition, the federal government and the cantons are to contribute 50 to 300 million francs.

Unrealistic assumptions

Opponents consider the underlying assumptions to be unrealistic, even naïve. For example, they doubt that revenues from TV advertising could be increased. On the contrary, they say, because attractive offerings with high viewer ratings would be eliminated, even more money would be diverted to Google, Facebook and advertising windows of foreign broadcasters.

Private radio stations, regional TV stations and the Swiss film and music scene would also be affected, it added. From the opponents' point of view, the influence of private donors and foreign corporations would increase if the initiative were to be adopted. This would increase the danger of political influence, and there would be a threat of "Berlusconization.

Indirect benefit

The initiative also triggered debates that went beyond the media. The concept of the initiators - everyone only pays for what they personally use - met with a surprising amount of approval, which caused concern far and wide.

Opponents emphasized the benefits to society: Radio and TV broadcasts also benefit those who do not use them, the argument goes. Because others use them, and informed citizens are an important prerequisite for the functioning of a democracy.

Total desolidarization

The debate went even further: The concept of the initiators basically endangers all collective achievements, the opponents found. Roland Eberle, a member of the Thurgau SVP, stated: "With this approach of total desolidarization, these circles are exposing themselves as fundamental opponents of direct democracy."

The supporters, on the other hand, consider such objections to be grossly exaggerated. It cannot be that the cohesion of the language regions, democracy and ultimately the entire civilization depend on the SRG, they argued. The only thing under discussion was the abolition of fees. The SRG had become too big and too powerful.

Majority against

The waves ran high for months. The president of the trade association spoke of blackmailing the electorate, Federal Councilor Doris Leuthard accused him of a personal feud, the association of private radio stations called the initiators dilettantes, and Roger Schawinski wrote a book.

The excitement died down a little when the polls pointed to a no majority. Initial polls, whose representativeness was disputed, had indicated a Yes majority.

However, the discussions about the public media service and its scope will not be over even if there is a No vote on March 4. Plans have already been announced for an initiative to halve the amount of money paid in fees. SRG will have to make savings anyway, because fee income is falling. (SDA)