RTVA: Entry into force planned for 2007

After seven years of political proceedings
the total revision of the Radio and Television Act enters the
Final round. On Thursday, the Council of States voted in favor of all controversial
questions followed the National Council's lead and has thus held a conciliation conference
avoided. The Council of States gives the private radio and TV stations fixed
4 percent of the CHF 1.1 billion in radio and television fees. The
means 16 million for the radios (today 8 million) and 28 million
for the TV stations (currently 5 million). For SRG, the decision leads to
Revenue shortfall of 30 million francs. SRG spokesman Simon Meyer
did not wish to provide this information to the SDA news agency.
but is convinced that everyone will live with the new RTVG.
can. However, it is clear that the conditions for private and
commercial broadcasters would have improved. What Swissinfo, the
SRG's international news and information portal, the Confederation is taking over
half as a result of a motion by Council of States member Filippo Lombardi.
How much that will be remains to be seen. According to Meyer, the budget is 28.
million francs. In any case, it is possible to extend the existing offer
in an equivalent form. Federal President Moritz
Leuenberger assumes that the totally revised RTVA will come into force on January 1.
will come into force in 2007. However, new discussions will soon
on further revisions that will lead to a new RTVA in 2020.
could lead to. The following is an overview:
Advertising bans: Advertising for tobacco, politics and religion is prohibited,
Medication and medical treatments. Furthermore, advertising,
which diminishes religious or political beliefs, misleads
or is unfair.
Alcohol advertising: The ban on alcohol advertising for SRG also applies to everyone
private and foreign television stations. Private local radio stations and
TV stations may advertise alcoholic beverages. Advertising for spirits
is also prohibited.
Sponsorship: The Federal Council may regulate advertising and sponsorship in the
SRG radio and television programs in whole or in part.
Interstitial advertising: Advertising must always be placed between individual
programs and broadcast in blocks. The Federal Council
determines the possible deviations.
Fee splitting: Private radio and TV stations receive a fixed 4
percent of the CHF 1.1 billion in radio and television fees. The
corresponds to 16 million for the radios and 28 million for the
TV stations.
Swissinfo: SRG promotes the connection between the Swiss abroad and the
Swiss abroad with their homeland and the presence of Switzerland in the
abroad. The federal government provides at least half of this foreign supply.

Swiss film: Television broadcasters with national with national or
Regional language channels that broadcast films must at least
pay four percent of their gross income for Swiss films.
This does not apply to SRG.
Supervision I: The Independent Complaints Authority (UBI) continues to assess
only the editorial part of radio and television. It is intended for
The regions of the national languages each have an independent ombudsman. The
SRG provides for its own independent ombudsman's offices.
Supervision II: The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) supervises the
Compliance with the regulations on advertising, sponsorship and the new
Ban on political and religious advertising.
Diversity of opinion: A media broadcaster can acquire a maximum of two television licenses and two radio licenses.
Mountain regions: Private radio stations in the mountain and peripheral regions can be
of a maximum of one percent of SRG reception fees when switching to
new technologies are supported.
Viewing figures: An independent foundation for usage research ensures
for the collection of scientific data on radio and
Television use. It is financed by reception fees and is subject to
under the supervision of DETEC.