Federal Court Federal Council speech on SRF radio did not violate program requirements

By broadcasting a speech by former Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer on the Frontex bill, SRG did not violate the requirement for a diverse program. The Federal Supreme Court has upheld an appeal and declared such speeches to be permissible in principle.

In its decision of September 2022, the Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (UBI) stated that the diversity requirement set out in the Radio and Television Act also applies to broadcasts relating to an upcoming referendum.

SRG broadcasts Federal Council speeches on a voluntary basis and bears responsibility for this. The speech was unbalanced and the referendum committee was not given an equivalent opportunity.

The Federal Supreme Court has now overturned this decision. Although the diversity requirement applies to speeches by federal councillors, it should be applied less strictly. In addition, the speech was embedded in a broad coverage. The voters could still form their own opinion.

SDA