UBI does not reprimand satirical program "Zytlupe" by Radio SRF and "Rundschau" report on KESB

On July 1, 2017 Radio SRF The program "Zytlupe" broadcast the report "Stink water". In the complaint lodged against this, it was criticized that farmers had been discredited across the board as "subsidized well poisoners" and that inaccurate statements had been made about the pollution of bodies of water and drinking water. During the consultation, however, the members emphasized the special significance of satirical statements. The principle of fairness can only be applied to these to a limited extent. The satirical nature of "Stinkwater" was clearly recognizable to the audience and the topic addressed - the problem of the use of pesticides - was a current and real one. In her obviously exaggerated contribution, the author also pointed out that "hobby gardeners" also use toxic pesticides. The use of the provocative term "subsidized well poisoners" for farmers in the context of a satirical contribution with many twists and turns does not violate programme law.

The satirical nature of "Stinkwater" was clearly recognizable to the audience

The nine members of the UBI spent a long time discussing a report by the political magazine "Rundschau" from Television SRF The focus was on National Councillor Pirmin Schwander's fight against the KESB and the ongoing investigations against him. He is said to have helped a woman who had hidden her child from the authorities to escape. The presentation of this woman's case was primarily criticized in the complaint. It was argued that the woman was portrayed in a one-sidedly negative manner and that the role of the KESB was not critically scrutinized. The members of the UBI did note shortcomings in the editorial team's handling of the woman's case. Overall, however, the article was appropriate because the focus was on Pirmin Schwander's fight against the KESB and this actual topic was presented correctly. Pirmin Schwander was also not prejudged. However, the decision to reject the appeal was narrowly decided by five votes to four.

The members of the UBI noted shortcomings in the editorial team's handling of the woman's case. Overall, however, the article was appropriate.

The UBI unanimously rejected two further complaints during the public deliberations. One was a complaint regarding the denial of access to the program of the "Regionaljournal Ostschweiz" of Radio SRF. The case concerned the non-reporting of two popular motions in the Catholic denomination section of the canton of St. Gallen. The UBI dismissed the complaint as there was no discrimination. Finally, the UBI considered a critical report by the consumer magazine "Patti chiari" on RSI television on April 7, 2017 about leasing practices to be appropriate.

The Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (ICA) is an extra-parliamentary federal commission chaired by Graubünden lawyer Vincent Augustin. In response to complaints, it must determine whether radio and television broadcasts by Swiss broadcasters or publications from the SRG's other journalistic offerings have violated provisions of radio and television law or whether there has been an unlawful refusal of access to a program or publication. Decisions of the UBI can be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court once the written reasons for the decision have been submitted. (pd)