SVP received the most media attention in 2013
The SVP was overrepresented in the Swiss media last year. According to the 2014 "Quality of the Swiss Media" yearbook, it accounted for one in three party mentions. Its success is based on the fact that it can anchor its own topics on the media agenda.
This is also shown by an analysis of the issues that attracted the most attention for each party. In the case of the SVP in 2013, these were the family and immigration initiatives, which the party itself had initiated. The SVP also received the most attention of all parties in relation to the US tax dispute. In comparison, the SP was only able to make a name for itself in the debate on manager salaries. Although its response to the AHV and healthcare reform was higher than that of other parties, it was relatively low in absolute terms.
In the case of the FDP and CVP, it is noticeable that they almost exclusively dominated media coverage of issues relating to their own development. The two parties attracted the most attention with their party platforms and candidates in by-elections. The FDP also made headlines with the Geneva elections in fall 2013, while the CVP was mentioned most in connection with the criminal charges against former Councillor of States Bruno Frick. In terms of share, the SVP received more attention than the SP (20 percent) and FDP (16 percent) combined. While the figures for the two parties roughly correspond to their voter strength, the SVP was far overrepresented with 37%. Not surprisingly, the SVP received the most attention in the tabloid media.
The unequal chances of resonance would force the parties to launch initiatives and sharpen their programs, said Christine Egerszegi, member of the FDP Council of States in Aargau and member of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Public Sphere and Society, speaking to the media in Bern. "The compromise is a sign of weakness." This is not good for Swiss consensus politics, she warned. (SDA)
