Association of cities says no to No Billag initiative

For the SSV board, it is clear that the abolition of radio and television fees, which the No Billag initiative demands, would result in a clear cut in media policy. In addition to the SRG, the existence of numerous regional radio and television stations would be threatened. Not only would media diversity be weakened; reporting on local issues from different parts of the country would also no longer be guaranteed. In addition, in the view of the SSV, fee financing contributes significantly to the independence of radio and television. If these were to be financed entirely privately in the future, as the initiative wants, independent public opinion-forming would be in jeopardy.

In particular, SRG, which is financed to around 75 percent by fees, would be fundamentally affected by a Yes vote to the initiative. Most of its current information, sports, cultural and entertainment services would no longer be financially viable. This is particularly true of the offerings from French-, Italian- and Romansh-speaking Switzerland. Today, their broadcasters RTS, RSI and RTR benefit disproportionately from license fee money - a particularly important balance in terms of democratic policy.

Important role of SRG in cultural policy

For the cities, SRG's role in cultural policy is also a strong argument against the No Billag initiative. SRG supports Swiss film festivals and is involved as a co-producer of Swiss films. It is a partner of music festivals and other cultural events and promotes Swiss music, for example by playing a certain proportion of Swiss music. The association of cities is convinced that a "Yes" to the No Billag initiative would have serious consequences for the Swiss cultural scene.