Private radio and television stations promote new law
Private radio and television stations are advocating for the new law, which will be put to a vote on June 14. They argue that it will not only lower fees but also strengthen the position of private stations relative to the SRG.
A "No" to the new Radio and Television Act (RTVA) would have "catastrophic consequences" for the private radio and TV scene in Switzerland, the associations of the more than sixty Swiss private radio and television stations wrote in a statement on Monday. In the referendum campaign, the role of the SRG is being discussed above all. So far, it has hardly been mentioned that the law would also bring substantial improvements, especially for private radio and television stations. In the event of a "No" vote, the regional public service and thus also media diversity in the regions would be "seriously threatened.
Lower fee than today
With the new Radio and Television Act (RTVA), the previous device-based reception fee is to be replaced by a general fee, because radio and television programs can now also be consumed on a computer or cell phone. According to the Federal Council, the fee for households would drop from today's 462 to 400 francs. For companies, the amount of the levy depends on sales. Around three quarters of companies - those with sales of less than 500,000 francs per year - would not have to pay a levy.
More money for the private sector
Despite the lower fee, regional radio and television broadcasters would receive more money. Today, the private broadcasters with a public service mandate receive a total of around CHF 54 million per year. They could now receive up to an additional 27 million francs, as well as greater support for the training and further education of their employees and for the switch to digital technologies. The new law will ensure that regional radio and TV stations can keep pace with the technological development of national and international competitors, write the associations of private radio and television.
Criticism of the trade association
They call on the trade association, which had seized the referendum, to be more fair and objective. The fact that the media fee would rise to 1,000 francs was a "deliberately scattered and completely absurd false statement" by the opponents. It is much more the case that the fees will fall. In the case of a "No" vote, on the other hand, the current high fees would be cemented. According to the first SRG referendum poll, it could be a close call on June 14: At the end of April, 46 percent of those willing to participate were definitely or rather in favor of the proposal, 45 percent were definitely or rather against it, and 9 percent still had no opinion. The outcome is completely open, say the pollsters. (SDA)
