National Council: SRG fee reduction rejected
On Tuesday, the National Council rejected the SVP caucus’s motion to reduce radio and television license fees by 20 percent by a vote of 101 to 58. Advertising revenues have fallen dramatically, which is why a 20 percent reduction in fees could not be absorbed without drastic cuts to French- and Italian-language broadcasters, according to Leuenberger.
On Tuesday, the National Council rejected the SVP parliamentary group's motion to reduce radio and television fees by 20 percent by 101 votes to 58. The quality of television had not improved with higher revenues, as SVP spokesman Hans Kaufmann complained. The SRG still had reserves that would allow a 20% reduction in fees.
Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger rejected the fee reduction. In his opinion, such a large reduction in fees would have a serious impact on services. Advertising revenues have fallen dramatically, which is why a 20 percent reduction in fees could not be absorbed without dramatic interventions in the French- and Italian-language broadcasters, according to Leuenberger. The balance between the language regions and thus "national cohesion" would be called into question, warned Leuenberger.
Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger rejected the fee reduction. In his opinion, such a large reduction in fees would have a serious impact on services. Advertising revenues have fallen dramatically, which is why a 20 percent reduction in fees could not be absorbed without dramatic interventions in the French- and Italian-language broadcasters, according to Leuenberger. The balance between the language regions and thus "national cohesion" would be called into question, warned Leuenberger.
