Escalation in the relocation dispute: SRG faces competition from within its own ranks in Bern
The SRG faces competition from within its own ranks over the dispute regarding the relocation of the Bern radio studio to Zurich. The Bern-Fribourg-Valais Cooperative, which categorically opposes the plans, is considering not only withdrawing from the SRG but also launching a program to compete with the SRG.
This is reported by the SonntagsZeitung in its current issue. The cooperative's Board of Directors has set up a task force to examine possible options - from collaboration with other broadcasters to a separate broadcaster. This is in the event that the SRG Board of Directors definitively decides to relocate. The new station would broadcast information programs based on the SRG model.
Employees have also drawn up alternative plans
"If we leave the SRG, one option is to provide media support in another way, for example by investing in a radio station," Léander Jaggi, President of SRG Bern Fribourg Valais, told the newspaper. According to the report, SRG employees in Bern who do not want to commute to Zurich are also hatching alternative plans. Scenarios had already been outlined in the course of the No Billag vote that could be pulled out of the drawer if necessary. The exact nature of these plans is currently not being communicated. According to the SonntagsZeitung, the reason for this is that the SRG management has tightened its tone and threatened employees who venture too far with dismissal.
The SRG cooperative in Bern can afford this confrontational approach because it is not dependent on license fee money. It owns the building in which the Bern radio studio is housed. As a result, the infrastructure and start-up capital would be available to start up as SRG competition at any time.
Wanner does not rule out cooperation
AZ-Medien publisher finds the idea of launching his own national station "not far-fetched" - but he expresses doubts about its viability. He is certain that it will be difficult without fee-based financing and DAB broadcasting. However, he is open to the SRG people in Bern and would not be averse to a collaboration: "If they approach us, we will look into it," Wanner told the newspaper.
Board majority in favor of relocation
The final decision on whether the SRG radio studios in Bern really have to move to Zurich could be made in two weeks' time. According to insiders, the Board of Directors, which has the final and decisive say, does not look good for the Bernese request to be allowed to remain in the capital. In an initial discussion, a 7:2 majority is said to have voted in favor of the move. (hae/SDA)
