The SVP makes another attempt. She is currently collecting signatures for her CHF 200 initiative. Your goal: Today’s “highest mandatory fees in the world” for the SRG should be reduced from 335 to 200 francs.
Central President Gerhard Pfister (60) is also one of SRG’s permanent critics. But he has another proposal that could one day be presented to parliament as a counter-proposal to the SVP referendum.
Comparable to Germany
For Pfister, it would be “unimaginative” simply to cut the SRG’s funds. After all, the no-billag initiative failed in 2018 in front of the people. “Wouldn’t it be better if there was an alternative to SRG in the information sector?” Pfister asked the CH Media newspapers.
Pfister refers to the SRG’s license, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of a diverse range of information. His idea: A second national provider could significantly improve the diversity of the reporting – and therefore also the quality.
Pfister refers to Germany, where there are also two public broadcasters, ARD and ZDF. He therefore proposes that the Bundesrat also announce a second national concession. This would be limited to information – sports and entertainment remained the responsibility of SRG.
150 million amount is still uncertain
Private providers can apply for the concession. Anyone who gets the contract should get about 150 million francs from the compensation pool. The money would be intended for an information program on radio and television in various national languages.
“That 150 million is enough corresponds to a rough estimate. More precise clarifications are certainly needed here,” says Pfister. By comparison, the SRG has about 1.4 billion francs at its disposal for its entire programme. In Austria, the ORF receives about one billion.
Pfister wants to submit a postulate on Friday that requires a corresponding report from the Bundesrat: What are the opportunities and risks of a second concession for a government information mandate? Are there any private media companies that would be interested? What costs can be expected?
Because the number of households in Switzerland is increasing year after year, more money ends up in the contribution pot. A second information station could be financed without SRG losing money, Pfister is convinced. (dba)