Weakening of the media location: Basel government opposes No Billag initiative
The Basel government has rejected the No Billag initiative. If the referendum were to be accepted on March 4, 2018, it would result in a significant weakening of Basel as a media location.
In addition to SRG, the local broadcasters Telebasel and Radio X would also have to accept major financial losses if the initiative is accepted, the Basel government stated in a press release on Tuesday. At Telebasel, reception fees account for 39 percent of revenue, at Radio X for 55 percent. Meanwhile, the figure for SRG is 75 percent.
In addition to Swiss Radio and Television (SRF), which is supported by the SRG, Telebasel and Radio X also make a significant contribution to the diversity of offerings and media in the Basel region, according to the government. However, the executive is convinced that the offerings of these broadcasters can hardly be financed by the market.
The government is particularly concerned about the already small job market for media professionals in the Basel region, which would become virtually meaningless if the initiative is accepted. In particular, the new SRF studio, which is due to open in 2019 in the Meret Oppenheim high-rise at SBB station, would be acutely threatened. The number of SRF employees there is to be increased from 170 to 330. (SDA)
