Leuthard sees No Billag initiative as a threat to democracy
From the Federal Council’s perspective, a “yes” vote on the No-Billag initiative would harm media diversity and the formation of public opinion in Switzerland. The Federal Council warns that the influence of private donors and foreign corporations would increase.
On March 4, the people and cantons will vote on the No Billag initiative, which calls for the abolition of radio and television fees. On Monday, Media Minister Doris Leuthard explained why the Federal Council rejects the initiative.
A yes vote would lead to major financial losses for SRG and the local radio stations and regional television stations affected, Leuthard's department wrote in a press release. The fee accounts for around 75 percent of the SRG's budget. If accepted, it would lead to a massive reduction in the current offering.
The Federal Council argues that a diverse media offering is important for a small-scale, multilingual country like Switzerland with its direct democracy. The initiative accepts that only what is profitable will be produced.
Many programs would disappear, especially those on socially and politically important topics. Purely commercial financing would increase dependence on private donors and foreign corporations. This would also increase the risk of political influence.
The Federal Council goes on to say that peripheral regions and linguistic minorities are in a particularly difficult situation. The smaller the catchment area, the more unrealistic it is to finance a service purely commercially. Switzerland would be the first country in Europe to abolish the public service mandate for radio and television. (SDA)
