Aargau government is against more autonomy for local radio stations
The Aargau cantonal council rejects the federal government's plan that local radio stations in urban areas should no longer be subject to a licensing obligation with a performance mandate from 2020.
He fears disadvantages for Radio Argovia in the canton of Aargau and for Radio 32 in the canton of Solothurn. Releasing radio stations in urban agglomerations from the licensing obligation would mean a liberalization of the market. However, the move has "significant disadvantages" for commercial operators in Aargau. This is what the cantonal government writes in its statement to the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM).
If Radio Argovia and Radio 32 no longer required a license, they would also be released from the obligation to provide a local, regional and cantonal public service. The cantonal government fears "that this could lead to a weakening of local and regional, and in particular cantonal, reporting at Radio Argovia and Radio 32".
Opportunity for young citizens
The programs of the two local radio stations would at least offer the opportunity to reach some of the younger citizens. This group can no longer be reached with the political daily newspaper, for example, whose readership is over 55 years old on average.
In its statement, the government council criticizes Bakom. In its report on the draft revision of the Radio and Television Ordinance (RTVO), the Federal Office claims "that the content of commercial radio stations such as Radio Argovia and Radio 32 would mainly consist of brief information, services (weather and street reports, tips for going out, etc.) and entertainment".
"Important bracket function"
However, according to the cantonal government, the two broadcasters also report continuously on cantonal political events in Aargau. Radio Argovia fulfills "an important identity-forming bracketing function". It is one of the few private institutions with a canton-wide broadcast. In addition, Radio Argovia organizes one of the largest cultural events in the canton with the annual "Argovia Fäsch". For these reasons, the cantonal government does not want to change the current situation - a license with a performance mandate - for the time being.
The current broadcaster licenses should be extended until the definitive switch-off of FM in 2024 or until the binding regulation of the broadcasting conditions for DAB+ (digital radio).
Public service of the SRG
In its statement, the cantonal government explains that SRG media operating in the canton, together with private media companies, provide an important public service. It supports provisions that guarantee SRG and private media providers the greatest possible independence and autonomy. On the other hand, the provisions must promote qualitatively convincing and quantitatively diverse local, regional and cantonal reporting.
The Federal Office's proposal provides for local radio stations in urban agglomerations to be able to put together their programs as they wish in future. The 21 stations that have not previously received any fee money are to benefit from the new autonomy. The existing coverage areas are to be abolished. (SDA)
