VSM may take action against Admeira
The Swiss Media Association (VSM) and various media companies are entitled to take legal action against SRG's participation in the Admeira advertising joint venture with Ringier and Swisscom. This was decided by the Federal Administrative Court.
This means the matter will go back to the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC). At the end of February 2016, the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications rejected a corresponding application by the association and media companies. It justified this decision by stating that the media companies were in competition with the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG) and feared increased competition from the joint venture in the advertising sector. However, this alone does not constitute a particular concern that would result in party status in the proceedings.
The VSM and the media companies are of the opinion that they would be massively impaired in their scope for development and expansion by the advertising alliance. The joint venture would create by far the largest advertising marketer, which would have complex effects. The association and the companies are therefore calling for a ban on SRG's participation in the joint venture.
The company Admeira commenced operations in April of this year. The Federal Administrative Court had rejected precautionary measures in this regard - or a suspensive effect of the appeal - in an interim ruling on March 31. According to the Federal Law on Radio and Television (RTVA), SRG must notify the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) in advance of those activities that are not specified in the license. If such an activity has a significant impact on the scope for development of other media companies, the Uvek can impose conditions or ban the activity altogether. The ruling can be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court. (SDA)
Photo (background Federal Administrative Court): Swiss Federal Administrative Court
