SRG: De Weck expects return to the black in 2011
After five years of deficits, the SRG is expected to return to profitability this year. The 2011 budget calls for a surplus, writes SRG’s new Director General Roger de Weck in a guest column in the NZZ. De Weck also aims to strengthen background reporting and research in national broadcasting and to intensify the organization’s commitment to new media.
It will not be easy to achieve the goal. However, if there is no new slump in the economy, it should be possible to achieve black figures, according to de Weck's article, which was published in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung on Tuesday. SRG's losses had totaled 166.8 million francs by the end of 2009, according to earlier figures. For last year, the SRG again expected a Deficit of 75 million francs and for 2011 with a further CHF 42 million (as of April 2010). With a Savings programThe SRG is taking countermeasures to reduce expenditure by more than CHF 58 million. With more advertising and consistent enforcement of the fee obligation revenues are to increase at the same time.
In terms of journalism, de Weck aims to strengthen background information and research in national broadcasting. The new SRG Director General wants to intensify the commitment to new media. But entertainment is also a constitutional mandate. Furthermore, radio and television should report even more on other national regions and specifically stimulate program cooperation among the regions. With the growing presence of European media companies and global giants such as Apple (with Apple TV) and Google (with Google TV and YouTube), SRG is securing an independent Swiss offering in the long term. This mission is gaining in importance.
(Image: Keystone)
