Swiss music producers oppose the No Billag initiative
The Swiss music labels’ trade association, IFPI, opposes the No-Billag initiative, which will be put to a vote on March 4. Music producers argue that the end of the SRG would also spell the end for platforms dedicated to non-mainstream music genres such as jazz, folk, classical, indie rock, and reggae.
If the initiative is accepted, it is obvious to music producers that the Swiss music scene will lose its prospects, according to a press release issued by IFPI Switzerland on Tuesday.
"Music offerings that do not correspond to the current mass taste would have no chance of survival in a purely commercial radio and television landscape," says Lorenz Haas, Managing Director of IFPI Switzerland.
According to the labels, this applies to music styles ranging from Ländler and jazz to Romansh music. For linguistic and cultural minorities in Switzerland, the attack on the platforms is a threat.
Ivo Sacchi, Managing Director of Universal Music Switzerland, says that the Swiss music market is too small and is also divided into language regions. One station would not be able to cover the niches profitably. (SDA)
