Media convergence: Armin Walpen's merger plan
On Wednesday, March 18, 2009, the SRG Board of Directors will vote on Armin Walpen’s plans to merge Radio DRS and Swiss Television. In his report titled «Media Convergence and Economic Efficiency,» Walpen proposes television director Ingrid Deltenre as the new CEO for radio and television.
On Wednesday, March 18, 2009, the SRG Board of Directors will vote on Armin Walpen's plans to merge Radio DRS and Swiss Television. In his report "Media convergence and economic efficiency", Walpen proposes television director Ingrid Deltenre as the new CEO for radio and television - without even advertising the position. However, following protests from Media Minister Leuenberger and radio employees, the SRG Director General abandons his plan. Nevertheless, the position is now to be advertised publicly, as the NZZ am Sonntag writes.
According to the SRG report, the planned merger will reduce costs by up to CHF 20 million by exploiting synergies, for example in buildings and technology. Both television and radio are to retain their locations and their own editors-in-chief. However, the sports, education, children's and possibly culture departments will be merged, according to a report in the Sonntag newspaper. A joint website is also planned.
SRG will have to invest around CHF 46.6 million in buildings and technology for the planned convergence. According to the report, there are also project costs of CHF 5.5 million.
According to the SRG report, the planned merger will reduce costs by up to CHF 20 million by exploiting synergies, for example in buildings and technology. Both television and radio are to retain their locations and their own editors-in-chief. However, the sports, education, children's and possibly culture departments will be merged, according to a report in the Sonntag newspaper. A joint website is also planned.
SRG will have to invest around CHF 46.6 million in buildings and technology for the planned convergence. According to the report, there are also project costs of CHF 5.5 million.
(Image: Keystone)
