According to UBI, "Kassensturz" engaged in illegal election interference
In a segment on the consumer-friendliness of political parties, the SRF television program «Kassensturz» engaged in impermissible influence on the election, according to a ruling by the Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (UBI).
The UBI therefore approved a complaint by the two Zurich SVP National Council members Natalie Rickli and Gregor Rutz against the broadcast by seven votes to two. The heightened duty of care in the run-up to elections had not been observed, the complaints office announced on Monday. The contribution "Parties in the consumer check: These fall through" had been broadcast on September 15, 2015 by the consumer magazine "Kassensturz". In the feature, reference was made to the upcoming federal elections on October 18, 2015, as part of a test of the consumer-friendliness of the parties. Election-related broadcasts must be fair, balanced and impartial in order to ensure equal opportunities for the parties and groups running for election, the UBI states in its decision. The program did not meet these requirements, which are derived from the diversity requirement under broadcasting law. The "Kassensturz" report focused in a one-sided negative way on the SVP, which was described as the "most anti-consumer party". The editorial comments were tantamount to a negative election recommendation against the SVP.
The contribution objected to by the UBI was reprimanded in October 2015 by the SRG Ombudsman in no uncertain terms (Werbewoche.ch reported). (SDA)
Image: SRF
