SRG Ombudsman detects no left-wing tendency at SRF
Swiss television network SRF does not have a left-wing bias: SRG Ombudsman Roger Blum rejects this accusation. His findings, published on Thursday, were preceded by a general complaint about the network’s programming.
The 42-page report was triggered by a complaint dated April 16, 2019, concerning the political orientation of Fernsehen SRF's programming. In his letter, the complainant accuses Fernsehen SRF of exaggerating the climate debate.
On the other hand, he complains that Schweizer Fernsehen SRF basically reports from a left-wing point of view. Both of these factors influenced the Zurich elections on March 24. In these, the Greens and the Green Liberals gained seats.
In his final report, the SRF ombudsman rejects both accusations. According to Blum, SRF television had neither wrongly made a big issue of the climate debate nor "acted one-sidedly on the left. He backs up his decision with analyses of the information programs broadcast by Fernsehen SRF between March 11 and 23.
His conclusion is clear: "Schweizer Fernsehen selects the topics in its information programs according to the criteria of topicality and relevance." The program managers had evaluated their programs and were able to prove that politicians from both the right and the left always had their say. This shows that SRF "practices distance on all sides," Blums writes.
No evidence of leftward trend
Overall, in the two weeks leading up to the Zurich elections, SRF reported on the climate debate in just over a third of its broadcasts, according to the report. Blum points out that the media have no choice when it comes to topical issues like the climate debate. "If they don't take up such a topic, they neglect their information, socialization and aritculation function."
Blum also rejects the accusation of a fundamental left-wing tendency. This would be the case if predominantly "left-wing" topics were chosen and these topics were dealt with a left-wing advocacy focus. Furthermore, in the sense of a left-wing tendency, it would have to be possible to prove that more left-wing positions were reflected in the broadcasts and that left-wing members of the government were treated more kindly than right-wing members.
According to the final report, Blum found no evidence for any of these points. On the contrary: During the period under investigation, the Tagesschau, for example, had even reported in favor of the right-wing, since more right-wing politicians had been able to express themselves in the programs under investigation.
There was also no evidence that correspondents and presenters had shown any left-wing sentiments through remarks and emphasis. "They reported factually and neutrally," summarizes Blum.
Proper presentation is mandatory
In his conclusion, the SRG ombudsman refers to the programming autonomy enshrined in the constitution and the law. The company will "defend itself with all its might against attempts to influence", Blum states. Paternalism in the choice of topics - regardless of where it comes from - contradicts media freedom and the democratic principles of the Swiss Confederation.
The Federal Law on Radio and Television RTVA formulates both the programming autonomy of Radio and Television SRF and certain minimum requirements for programming content. Art. 4, para. 2. requires that "editorial broadcasts with information content must present facts and events in an appropriate manner" so that the audience can form its own opinion. (SDA)
