The Bernese government recommends the rejection of the No Billag initiative
The Bernese government rejects the No Billag initiative, which will be put to the vote on March 4. Abolishing reception fees would not only call into question the existence of the SRG, but would also threaten private broadcasters in the cities, the Oberland, the Emmental and the Bernese Jura.
Without fee money, the work of Telebärn, TeleBielingue, Radio BeO, Radio Neo1, Radio RaBe, Canal 3 and RJB would be "severely called into question", the Bernese government stated in its press release on Friday. Media diversity and quality journalism are important pillars of the democratic system. The Bernese government is convinced that SRG offers high-quality, independent and diverse journalism. SRG also provides indispensable services in crisis situations.
SRG is also a major employer. According to the press release, around 880 people work for SRG or its subsidiaries such as Swiss Teletext in the canton of Bern. This corresponds to 700 full-time positions. In the view of the government, acceptance of the initiative would also have consequences for other media editorial offices in the canton of Bern. (SDA)
