Business associations: SRG criticism
Economiesuisse and other business associations are opposing the planned change to the SRG license fee system. They are also calling for a redefinition of public service.
Starting Wednesday, the National Council will debate how the SRG service will be financed in the future and what it should include. The current fee of 462 francs is to be converted into a lower levy. This would have to pay not only all households, but also companies with sales over 500'000 francs - regardless of whether radio or television is received. As the NZZ am Sonntag writes, Economiesuisse, the trade association and Hotelleriesuisse are resisting the planned changes. The de facto introduction of a media tax would lead to a double burden and consumers at home and at work would be taxed twice. They also demand that the SRG's mission be clearly defined before the fee model is decided.
"Glanz & Gloria" not a public service
In the opinion of the business community, the offer is too inflated: An annual 180 million francs for foreign films and series that can also be seen on private channels is too much, says Kurt Lanz of Economiesuisse. He also questions what shows like "Glanz & Gloria" and "Voice of Switzerland" have to do with public service. Consequently, competition with private broadcasters in the online sector is also inappropriate. According to Lanz, SRG should cut back on services that are already provided by private broadcasters.
The SRG criticism is supported by various parliamentarians. SVP National Councilor Natalie Rickli believes that one station per language region is enough. Martin Landolt (BDP) and Fabio Regazzi (CVP) want to limit the fees to 360 francs. Jürg Grossen (GLP) criticizes the planned new model because companies would pay the levy to the tax administration, but for private individuals there would still be a need for a collection agency. He proposes abolishing Billag and financing the SRG directly from the state budget in the future. Grossen is confident that he will find a majority in parliament with his proposal. He has not been able to convince the Federal Council: the latter would see the independence of a state broadcaster in danger and points out that full financing would require a 0.5 percent increase in value-added tax. (NZZaS/hae)
