Politicians call for more transparency regarding SRF stars' supplementary income
Some SRF presenters earn a lot of money away from their TV commitments. Politicians from all camps are now calling for more transparency.
According to Schweiz am Wochenende, you have to pay up to 10,000 francs if you want to book a prominent SRF star for a private event via an agency such as Show Connection, Premium Speakers or Speakers. However, they do not have to pay SRG any of their sometimes considerable additional income, because unlike university professors, for example, there are no compensation rules.
SRF celebrities such as Rainer Maria Salzgeber and Patrizia Laeri have even set up their own companies to handle their side businesses - which has a favorable tax impact, writes Schweiz am Wochenende. SRF spokeswoman Andrea Wenger counters that the companies are operated "purely for administrative reasons.
No-Billag reignites discussion
The non-transparent handling of ancillary income bothers numerous politicians. As early as 2010, ex-media minister Moritz Leuenberger demanded that part of the additional income be returned to SRG. Reason: The market value of the presenters is an added value financed by fees. The SRG director at the time, Roger de Weck, waved it off. It was a matter of "give and take" - SRG was successful thanks to charismatic presenters.
In the context of the No Billag discussion, Leuenberger's demand is now back on the table - and is receiving support from all camps. The demand is for more transparency. The two left-wing National Councillors Cédric Wermuth and Bastien Girod would even welcome disclosure and a cap on additional income.
SVP National Councilor Claudio Zanetti is right in line with Leuenberger: He demands that a large part of the additional income must be returned to SRG.
Backing from Candidas and Matter
Martin Candidas of the CVP, on the other hand, is of a different opinion: This is not a political, but a business issue - consequently, SRG must decide for itself where the boundaries are.
SRG spokesman Edi Estermann comes to the defense of the TV stars and their supplementary income in an interview with Schweiz am Wochenende. His argumentation: With their editor's employment contracts at SRG, the presenters earn journalists' wages that are customary in the industry and often work part-time. It is therefore legitimate for them to pursue sideline activities in their free time, Estermann is convinced. However, he also points out the strict guidelines that govern the type of side jobs allowed in the corporate units.
SVP politician Thomas Matter also believes that SRG's supplementary income is "not a problem of state policy. He thinks there is a lot of work behind the glamorous appearances. He is more bothered by the salaries of SRF's top management, some of which are higher than the salary of a federal councilor. (hae)
Photos: SRF
