UBI records record number of complaints
In 2024, the Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (UBI) received 45 new cases—more complaints than ever before. In seven of the 31 cases that were concluded, it found that a violation of the law had occurred.
The UBI recorded a record number of complaints last year: 45 new proceedings were opened, seven more than in the previous year. Since the creation of upstream ombudsman offices in 1992, there have never been so many cases. A total of 992 complaints were received by the eight ombudsman offices of Swiss radio and television broadcasters, of which just under five percent resulted in a complaint to the UBI. Most of the new cases concerned television broadcasts (17) and SRG's online offerings (15), including editorial publications and the handling of commentary columns.
Gaza, politics, procedure and corona
In terms of subject matter, the complaints were mainly related to the war in Gaza, political elections and votes, criminal proceedings and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Almost all of the reports complained about came from SRF (30 cases), RTS (12) and RSI (2); only one Telebasel program was affected.
The UBI found a violation of the law in seven cases. For example, an SRF article about a school experiment in Lucerne disregarded the principle of fairness because essential information was not mentioned. Two complaints against the non-disclosure of comments were upheld as there were no legally relevant reasons for the blocking. In the case of two election reports - an incorrect classification of a party and an incomplete representation of the candidates - the UBI found violations of program regulations. A Telebasel report on the Baselland cantonal hospital also violated the requirement of fairness, as the point of view of the accused was not adequately presented. In addition, a "Tagesschau" report on the FIFA affair was classified as inappropriate.
Book for the 40th anniversary
To mark its 40th anniversary, the UBI published a book in December 2024 with articles on the development of the complaints authority. The UBI, which has existed as an extra-parliamentary federal commission since 1984, examines complaints about SRG radio, TV and online content and assesses whether journalistic standards and legal requirements have been violated. Its decisions can be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court.
