RTVO: Criticism of advertising provisions and restrictions for SRG

The new Radio and Television Ordinance (RTVO) has been met with criticism. Comments can be viewed online at www.bakom.admin.ch (see RTVV: Over 120 comments now online). In particular, the provisions on advertising and sponsorship have been criticized. Many speak of over-regulation and the provision on advertising for non-alcoholic beers is particularly criticized. The draft RTVO prohibits the advertising effect of alcoholic beverages by advertising non-alcoholic beer for broadcasters that are subject to an advertising ban on alcoholic beverages. Numerous respondents requested that this article be deleted.
Another point of criticism is the asymmetrical advertising regulations between SRG and private broadcasters. This goes too far, according to the majority. SRG has supported the concept of asymmetry in favor of other Swiss broadcasters and media since the beginning of the legislative process, writes SRG itself. However, on the condition that "this should not fall short of the status quo that has long been accepted by the public".
The Swiss Press Association, on the other hand, welcomes the "relatively tight restrictions on SRG's commercial activities". These are necessary in order to counteract any distortion of competition due to the dominance of the SRG, which is financed by fees. The private radio and TV stations that benefit from this are also satisfied with the asymmetrical advertising regulations. It is now important that the new ordinance comes into force as planned on April 1, 2007, their associations write.