Radio stations threatened with legal action over political advertising
Im Abstimmungskampf um das autonome Berner Kulturzentrum Reitschule wird der Ton schärfer: Der Bund der Steuerzahler von SVP-Grossrat Thomas Fuchs droht Radio- und TV-Stationen mit einer Klage, wenn sie Songs der CD «Reitschule beatet mehr» ausstrahlen.
Fuchs wrote in a press release on Monday that political advertising is not permitted in radio and TV broadcasts in the run-up to votes. Songs such as the one by Bernese comedian Müslüm ("Erich, warum bisch du nid Ehrlich?") are "clearly" in breach of the provisions of the Radio and Television Act, according to Fuchs. The radio and TV stations could avoid a lawsuit if they gave the supporters of the riding school initiative the same amount of airtime. The initiative, which calls for the Reitschule to be closed and sold to the highest bidder, will be put to the vote in the city of Bern on September 26. The initiative was launched by a right-wing committee chaired by JSVP councillor Erich Hess. Thomas Fuchs is also a member of the initiative committee.
No excitement for local radio stations
Fuchs' threat did not cause a stir at the two Bernese local radio stations Energy and Capital FM. Capital FM editorial manager Bettina Studer told the SDA news agency that her station does not broadcast the songs of the station in question. They did not fit into the concept. However, the CD in question had been mentioned in a program - in which the editors had also allowed the riding school opponents to have their say. "We strive for equal treatment." Nik Eugster, program director of Radio Energy Bern, said the same thing. This radio station does not include the songs in its playlist either. But after "Müslüm" was a guest in the studio, Erich Hess was also allowed to speak on Radio Energy.
