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The halving initiative aims to significantly reduce radio and television tariffs in Switzerland. The Federal Council, on the other hand, wants to reduce the annual radio and television tax from 335 to 300 francs to take the wind out of the sails of the stricter halving initiative. Both variants cause problems for Gilles Marcharnd (61), general manager of the Swiss radio and television company SRG.
In an interview with the “Tagesanzeiger” Marchand is concerned: “The situation of the media in Switzerland is really difficult. Everyone is under pressure. And these proposals now pose an additional problem,” said the general manager, who has been fighting against cutbacks at SRG since taking office in October 2017.
According to SVP State Councilor and Media Minister Albert Rösti (56), with the Federal Council’s proposal, the SRG would have 170 million francs less available annually in the future. However, the general director of the SRG even expects a loss of 240 million francs, which would lead to major job losses.
Employees were concerned
The cost-cutting measures would not only reduce supply, but would especially affect employees, Marchand said. “Many colleagues are concerned.” According to calculations by the SRG, 900 full-time jobs would be at risk. “That would be difficult, very difficult.” Across all language regions and offerings, SRG has 5,500 full-time jobs, spread over approximately 7,000 employees.
While Albert Rösti believes the savings are possible with natural fluctuations until 2029, Marchand replies: “That is completely impossible.” The SRG would do everything possible to avoid layoffs due to natural fluctuations. But it is not feasible to save R240 million through natural divestments. “If the Federal Council sticks to its plan and further challenges arise as expected, many people at SRG will lose their jobs,” Marchand told the Tagesanzeiger.
Moreover, the reduction of sports and entertainment programs would be inevitable. But the savings would also have consequences for series, music or films. “We should redefine priorities.”
Half the budget if the initiative is accepted
However, if it is not the weaker version of the Federal Council that comes into play, but rather the halving initiative, which aims to reduce annual contributions to 200 francs, the consequences for the SRG would be even more fatal, Gilles Marchand emphasizes. “That would be a complete catastrophe!” The SRG would then only have half as much budget as it currently has.
Can the budget problem be addressed with a smaller supply of radio and TV programs? No, says Marchand. Producing content is expensive. And in four national languages. “If we only produced in one language, we could probably even get away with a Serafe fee of 200 francs.”
According to Marchand, there is a good chance that the halving initiative will be rejected. The population appreciates the SRH program. “The Federal Council gives us a savings target without necessity.” (emu)
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
