Council of States committee does not want an online advertising ban for SRG
SRG broadcasters are not to be banned from advertising on their websites. The Council of States' Committee for Transport and Telecommunications (KVF) rejected a parliamentary initiative by Maximilian Reimann (SVP/AG) calling for such a ban by 8 votes to 5.
In his motion, Reimann demanded that advertising should now also be banned on SRG's online offering and not just on radio programs, as is the case today. For Reimann, competition is distorted when SRG broadcasters financed by fees place advertising on their websites. The advertising-financed private online providers would be at a disadvantage. In Switzerland, these are mainly operated by print media publishers and private radio and TV stations.
The Council of States KVF agrees with Reimann that the issue needs to be clarified. The committee sees a need for action, the parliamentary services announced on Thursday. Due to technical, financial and media policy developments, a solution must be found. However, a total ban on SRG online advertising seems unsuitable to the Commission. Instead, the Commission is calling on the SRG and publishers to negotiate a solution. The Federal Council should increase the pressure on the parties involved. In spring 2012, the Commission intends to discuss further developments with Media Minister Doris Leuthard.
Despite the No to Reimann's initiative, the total ban is not yet off the table. The plenary session of the Council of States will decide. (SDA)
