Further speculation about TV and radio fees

Radio and television reception fees in Switzerland could rise by 6.5 percent in April 2007. As was announced at the weekend, the SRG has notified DETEC of additional funding requirements averaging CHF 72 million per year for 2007-2010 (see ). The majority of these 72 million, namely 48 million, would flow into the modernization of radio and television, Max Gurtner, Head of Corporate Communications at SRG SSR idée suisse, told SDA. Of the 72 million per year, 52 million would go to television and 13 million to radio. CHF 7 million will go to the online sector. The modernization represents "a huge challenge". Everything will change, from production to distribution. The corresponding investments are needed to implement high-definition and Dolby Digital for television or digital audio broadcasting for radio. All of these new technologies would directly benefit consumers. If the additional demand could not be met, a further round of savings could also affect the program. The Federal Council is expected to decide on TV and radio fees in February 2007. If it agrees to the SRG's request, this would mean a 6.5 percent increase in fees. Instead of CHF 450, the annual fee would then be CHF 480.
In an interview with the SonntagsZeitung newspaper, SRG Deputy Director General Daniel Eckmann said that if the Federal Council were to refuse the subsidy, it would be an illusion to believe that there would be no consequences. The SRG's savings motto has always been: "The program" last. After various cost-cutting exercises, consequences for the program could not be ruled out.