Trade association boycotts SRG podiums

The discussion entitled "SRG fees - rip-off or solidarity?" on March 3 in Zug will take place without trade association representative Ruedi Horber, as the NZZ am Sonntag writes in its current issue. In the cancellation letter, SGV Director Hans-Ulrich Bigler and President Jean-François Rime accuse the SRG of "shamelessly using its quasi-media monopoly" one-sidedly in favor of the SRG in the referendum campaign. Proof of this is the fact that "Club" presenter Karin Frei is moderating the panel - at the expense of Billag payers. The trade association is also annoyed by the fact that SRG organizes further training courses in which members are sworn in to the arguments of the company management. Since there is no objectivity on the panels, the trade association will stay away from panels organized by SRG, Bigler said.

SRG rejects the accusations. Spokesman Iso Rechsteiner emphasizes to the NZZ am Sonntag that Karin Frei is not paid and that the evening is not counted as working time. She merely receives "a small gift". The SRG section of Central Switzerland accuses the trade association of refusing to discuss the matter - one wonders whether the SGV is at all interested in a fair, public discussion of its own referendum.

However, Bigler wants to take part in the discussion on the "Arena" program. In contrast to the podiums, this is subject to clear rules. In the event of a one-sided discussion, the Independent Complaints Authority (UBI) could also be called upon. The trade association's referendum against the new radio and TV law came about in December (Werbewoche.ch reported). The SGV is particularly upset that all households will have to pay a reception fee in the future. (hae/NZZaS)

Teaser image: Keystone/SRF