Question about bust size in Kilchsperger broadcast was sexist according to ombudsman

In the show on December 27, 2017, Kilchsperger asked singer Peter Reber which of the four models shown in the picture had the largest chest size. Reber remarked that the question was somewhat sexist and had the "Glanz & Gloria" presenters answer in his place. Kilchsperger then replied "teasingly", as the ombudsman put it, asking whether Reber was an obdurate old man.

The final report published by the ombudsman on Tuesday evening reveals that several viewers criticized this passage. Among other things, they argued that the question about the models' chest size was inappropriate, misogynistic and sexist.

Editorial team apologized

Ombudsman Roger Blum shares this view. "The question about the breast size of four Swiss models was clearly inappropriate and sexist," he writes in the report. The women in question were discriminated against in front of the public - "even if they may not even have felt that way themselves". The decisive factor, however, was "what impression the public received, not what the individuals concerned felt".

Blum considers the exchange of words between Roman Kilchsperger and Peter Reber to be less serious. It was more of a "semi-serious banter" and less an act of discrimination.

Blum credits the editorial team at Schweizer Fernsehen SRF for apologizing for the mistake. It had also initiated an internal awareness-raising process, which was commendable and to be welcomed. In its statement, the editorial team wrote that "asking this question was simply a mistake". The control mechanisms had not been effective and the editorial team had been reprimanded internally.

Ombudsman Roger Blum writes: "What is still missing is a public apology from Roman Kilchsperger. Because he is also partly responsible for the mishap." (SDA)

Pictures: Screenshots SRF1