"Left-wing terrorists and media snudderis": tone becomes more aggressive

Some programs attracted a large number of complaints, namely the program "Giacobbo/Müller" on February 14, 2016, which dealt with the ban on dancing in Aargau and the Lord's Supper, with 74 complaints. The film "Feuchtgebiete," broadcast on August 17, 2016, resulted in 43 objections. And the entertainment program "Happy Day" on October 15, 2016, featuring blackfacing by "Verstehen Sie Spass?" host Guido Cantz, was followed by 17 complaints.

Domestic reporting most vulnerable to complaints

Traditionally, television attracted the most complaints: 100 television programs were criticized, which is three quarters of all programs and publications objected to. Just under a quarter of all incriminated broadcasts were on radio. Few complaints were also received against online contributions (4%). As in the previous year, the majority of complaints across channels related to information broadcasts, with coverage of domestic politics the most objectionable area. In almost equal second place was foreign policy, ahead of society, environment and transport, satire and business.

Multiple reasons for complaints

The reasons for the complaints are manifold. However, they can be divided into six different groups. In descending order, the complainants complained about a lack of objectivity (73%), discrimination (15%), disturbed morals / hurt religious feelings / protection of minors (6%), followed by violence, lack of diversity and surreptitious advertising (5%).

Fewer justified complaints than in the previous year

The ombudsman's office agreed with the complainants' opinion in full or in part in only 20 percent of the broadcasts complained about. This rate is roughly the same as in previous years. In almost 80 percent of the cases, the objections were not supported because the editorial offices in question had not violated the Radio and Television Act. "This result clearly shows that SRF journalists do make mistakes now and then, but in the vast majority of broadcasts they report factually, fairly and competently," says Roger Blum, SRG.D Ombudsman.

The tone intensifies

In the year under review, we also noticed an increase in the tone of communication. It has recently become more critical, but also more aggressive. In the complaints, media professionals are denigrated as "left-wing terrorists and media snudderis", politicians as "dirty elite, dishonorable and characterless, shabby national councilors or traitors to the country". Nevertheless, the ombudsman takes every complaint from the audience seriously, examines it, comments on it and clarifies it: "It is important to talk about any mistakes made by program creators and that this discourse takes place publicly. But there is a republican decency. And it applies to everyone."

SRG Deutschschweiz writes that there are still many complainants who are satisfied that they are being listened to and that their arguments are being appreciated. And many people rightly expect higher quality from SRG than from private broadcasters, because that's what the fees are for.