The end of "Schawinski" gives rise to discussion

The fact that it was communicated on Friday that "Schawinski" would fall victim to the red pencil can be traced back to research by the SonntagsBlick back. The newspaper had already learned of the removal on Tuesday and sent SRF Director Nathalie Wappler questions about Roger Schawinski - SRF responded with a media release on Friday.

The newspaper questions the measure. "The SonntagsBlick writes that the cost-cutting efforts at Leutschenbach seem "largely haphazard and hectically implemented. SRF would have to save 16 additional million in 2020 - but the program "Schawinski" costs only 15,000 francs per week. "So you don't save much with your "disposal" and just get a little applause from your recalcitrant opponents," criticizes the SonntagsBlick. There is talk of "cost-cutting hectic", and many employees fear for their shipments.

Conciliatory departure

The Switzerland at the weekend calls the end a "farewell of reconciliation. Schawinski, a long-time critic of SRG, said he was understanding because of the great pressure to cut costs. There would previously have been other reasons for Schawinski's premature dismissal - such as the Ombudsman's reprimand for violating the "human dignity" of his talk show guest Salomé Balthus. Now Schawinski is a "victim of the red pen" - and can step down from the TV stage in a conciliatory manner.

The NZZ on Sunday writes that it is an open secret at Leutschenbach that boss Wappler and other SRF executives are not fans of the show. The accusation: Schawinski puts himself too much in the spotlight and thus makes the show not productive enough. On the part of the employees, Schawinski is accused of not responding enough to feedback and of having the attitude that he knows best how to do things himself.

Pressure to save money as reason prevents succession

The NZZ on Sunday accuses Wappler of having laid an egg for SRF with the justification of the need to save money. This prevents the launch of a follow-up program, although it is a classic television format. "It is difficult to understand why a public service broadcaster would forego such a format," writes the newspaper.

The SonntagsZeitung writes that the timing of the announcement is the "worst case" for Schawinski. He had wanted to announce the cancellation of his show at the end of October at the same time as a new project. "Whether it was a radio project, a TV project or another project is unclear," writes the SonntagsZeitung. The NZZ am Sonntag, on the other hand, seems to know the answer, citing sources "in the corridors of the Leutschenbach": Schawinski has an engagement at a university in prospect, possibly in the USA. It is not true - as rumored in the media industry - that he wants to take over another TV or radio station at 74.

There is agreement that the timing - triggered by View-researches - went unhappily for Schawinski. "Instead of being a hero who, even at 74, is still rushing from project to project, he now stands as a simple victim of austerity," writes the SonntagsZeitung.