Concession procedure triggers discontent at Tamedia

 
The ongoing relicensing process for radio and TV is putting Tamedia in a bad mood, as was clearly evident at Wednesday's media conference. The company is confronted with "surprising statements" and finds it difficult to understand why the awarding of licenses to Radio 24 and Tele Züri is being called into question by executive authorities, said Chairman of the Board of Directors Pietro Supino. However, he is confident that in the end the award will be made "on the basis of the legally enshrined performance criteria" in Tamedia's favor. But what happens if the Swiss government decides otherwise? If Radio 24 does not receive a license, it will have to practically cease operations. If it only receives the so-called small license for the city of Zurich, then the operation would have to be greatly downsized, Supino explained at the media conference. However, Tamedia did not even apply for the small concession, but only for the large coverage area 23, and the Federal Office of Communications always emphasizes that applicants can no longer change their mind for another area. Is Tamedia trying to find a way to get the small license after all, should Radio 24 be denied the large area? "No," denied Tamedia spokesperson Christoph Zimmer after the conference. "Mr. Supino merely mentioned a theoretical possibility. We assume that the granting of the small license is not possible." When asked by Werbewoche, Bakom for its part confirmed that it is no longer possible to switch to another concession area.
Tele Züri is the second Tamedia broadcaster that is in danger of losing its license. However, it could continue broadcasting without a license, even if the guarantee of technical transmission and the fee money were to be lost. According to Supino, alternatives are being considered and all cable network operators are being asked whether they would broadcast Tele Züri on their networks without a license. The media company is therefore preparing for all eventualities - but the displeasure with the licensing process is still clearly palpable: "If no clarity can be established about the relevant criteria, I doubt that sensible entrepreneurs will be prepared to invest in this environment in the future," explained Pietro Supino.