SRG soon with "Helvetic Arte"?

Bernard Cathomas, the director of Rhaeto-Romanic radio and television, who is leaving in the spring, is proposing the creation of a four-language national television channel for culture. This was reported by the NZZ am Sonntag. The "Helvetic Arte" is intended to further exploit the existing cultural programming offered by the SRG chains and make it accessible to a wider audience. The idea, which is to be discussed at a conference in Bern on February 13, is highly controversial at a time when the public is fiercely opposed to a fee increase and the SRG is complaining about pressure to cut costs. Cathomas is obviously aware of the unfortunate timing for the launch of a new project, according to the Sunday publication. The invitation to the conference emphasizes that the broadcasts produced by the various SRG chains can be reused cost-effectively by means of subtitling or dubbing. Distribution could be realized with a separate television channel for culture and Rhaeto-Romanic programmes.
SRG spokesperson Daniel Steiner was tight-lipped and defensive about the idea in an interview with the NZZ am Sonntag. The fact is that there is no SRG cultural channel project and no corresponding plans in terms of time and finances. Director General Armin Walpen will present his personal opinion and the SRG's position on a "Helvetic Arte" at the conference in February.