The Swiss: Theme month gave rise to discussion
SRG SSR's five audience councils watched the offerings of RSI, RTR, RTS, SRF and SWI as part of Theme Month. The majority of the four docu-fiction films were convincing. The overabundance of offerings and the handling of the topic of women were criticized.
The four docu-fiction films about six politically and historically influential Swiss personalities stood out. The attractive way of informing about history was new for Switzerland and increased the understanding of the time. Television images from that time are otherwise unavailable, so the idea about that time comes mainly from history books.
Other program items, such as the animated film series Helveticus, were perceived as an enriching addition. The many gems from the archive were also well received. For example, radio plays were taken out of the archive and rebroadcast.
The abundance of offers around the theme month seemed to the majority at the upper limit. Less would have been more, was the impression of the majority of the panels. The audience councils also criticized the fact that the chosen perspective on history essentially omitted the role of women. However, the title "The Swiss" was only judged to be inadequate or limiting in German-speaking Switzerland.
The communication around the theme month can still be optimized according to the audience members. Both the overview of what is on offer during the theme month and an explanation of the lack of women could have been provided with prior, broad communication.
The observation results were discussed intensively with those responsible for the program. The recommendations of the audience councils were taken on board. The wish was expressed for SRG to prepare further theme months. For example, a docu-fiction film on the history of the early 20th century would interest the audience council members, as would a possible look into the future of Switzerland. (SDA)
