Radio and TV fees: temporary exemptions

The decision was made by 110 votes to 74 with 3 abstentions. According to this proposal, households that do not have radio and television reception are to be exempt from the fee for five years after the introduction of the new system upon request.

The Council of States had clearly opposed this so-called opting-out, as did the Federal Council. "By opting out, we would be prolonging the current system at great expense," said Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard. There are only a few people who do not have a television, radio or Internet access. Around 20,000 households are involved.

Fairness more important than efficiency

Proponents from the SVP, FDP and Greens, on the other hand, argued that it would be unfair if these people - especially the elderly - were asked to pay. A law should be as fair as possible to minorities; this is more important than efficiency, said Kurt Fluri (FDP/SO).

Apart from the controversial exemption, the councils have already agreed in principle that all Swiss households will pay radio and TV fees in future - regardless of whether they have a radio set or a television. This is to take account of the fact that radio and TV broadcasts can now be consumed via the internet on computers, tablets or smartphones.

Higher share for private individuals

The National Council resolved two other differences. It followed the line of the Council of States on the question of how high the fees for private radio and television stations should be. The National Council voted 112 to 71 against the wishes of the SVP, BDP and parts of the FDP in favor of 4 to 6 percent, after initially advocating 4 to 5 percent.

"This one percent is of great importance for private radio and television stations," said Markus Lehmann (CVP/BS). According to Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard, a maximum of CHF 14 million more will be paid out as a result.

Surpluses for training and technology promotion

The National Council also voted in favor of the Council of States' variant regarding the use of the surplus from fee splitting - according to Leuthard, this amounts to around CHF 45 million. By 98 votes to 90, it voted in favor of using these funds for the training and further education of employees and to promote new broadcasting technologies.
The Federal Council had proposed that the surpluses be refunded to fee payers - that would be around CHF 14 per household. A minority led by Natalie Rickli (SVP/ZH) campaigned in vain for this option.

Back to the Council of States

This means that the bill will return to the Council of States with one difference. However, even if the Councils have resolved this, the amendment to the Radio and Television Act (RTVA) is not yet in the bag.

The trade association, among others, had already threatened a referendum in the past. It opposes the fact that companies with an annual turnover of CHF 500,000 or more would have to pay a device-independent levy in future. The GLP has already announced that it will therefore reject the deal in the final vote.

In addition, the collection periods for two popular initiatives calling for the abolition of Billag fees for radio and television are currently running. (SDA)