Developed societies around the world are characterized by diversity of opinion and free access to high-quality information. The No Billag initiative in Switzerland puts both at risk. Alliance Sud, the think and do tank of Swiss development organisations, therefore recommends that the referendum be rejected.
A press release from Alliance Sud
The No Billag initiative undermines the principles to which Swiss development organizations are committed: Equal opportunities, solidarity, free democratic decision-making and the fight against overpowering interests of political and economic elites. The initiative discriminates against linguistic minorities and focuses on the commercialisation of information, education and cultural services. It calls into question the principles and values that are an essential basis for development cooperation.
Tearing a Gap in International Reporting
Television and radio reports that report on the living conditions of people in developing countries are rare today. Due to the high production costs, they are also found mainly on fee-financed channels. If this reporting also sheds light on development cooperation, it is critically designed according to journalistic criteria. SRG SSR, but also fee-financed private stations, are indispensable sources of information for citizens who want to get a picture of Swiss development cooperation. The radical ban on any form of fee-based financing of electronic media offerings, as called for by the No Billag initiative, would unnecessarily tear sensitive gaps in the international reporting of the Swiss media system.
Initiative endangers Swiss Solidarity
The No Billag initiative also endangers Swiss Solidarity, which reacts to humanitarian crises at home and abroad with national collection days. Swiss Solidarity enjoys great support among the Swiss population because it not only accepts donations but also evaluates projects and checks with local experts whether money collected in Switzerland is being used efficiently.
Endangering pluralism, tolerance and democratic participation
The No Billag initiative contradicts the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UN Covenant I). These stipulate that the Member States have a positive obligation to ensure diversity in the audiovisual sector (ECHR) or to lay a foundation for pluralism, tolerance and vibrant democratic participation through cultural promotion (UN Covenant I). While the UN goals for sustainable development (Agenda 2030) advocate efficient, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels, Switzerland would take exactly the opposite path if the No Billag initiative were adopted.
One-sided reporting on development impacts
Last but not least, the no-billag initiative would impair reporting on the developmental consequences of Swiss trade, climate or financial centre policy. Alliance Sud is sometimes critical of SRG SSR's current performance in this area. However, reporting financed solely by the market would in all probability be much more one-sided and unsatisfactory.
For all these reasons, Alliance Sud recommends that voters vote NO to the No Billag initiative on 4 March.
Further inquiries and further information:
Mark Herkenrath, Managing Director Alliance Sud
mark.herkenrath@alliancesud.ch
Phone: 078 699 58 66
