Switzerland

[CH] SF info Authorised to Broadcast Multilingual Programmes

IRIS 2012-1:1/15

Patrice Aubry

RTS Radio Télévision Suisse, Geneva

Since 1 November 2011, the German-language television channel SF info has been authorised to broadcast programmes from the French- and Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland. Previously, it was in theory only allowed to broadcast programmes already shown on SF1 or SF2, the two television channels of the Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF). SRF is the German-language business unit and branch of the Swiss radio and television broadcasting company (Société Suisse de Radiodiffusion et Télévision - SSR).

Launched initially on an experimental basis on 3 May 1999, SF info’s mandate was confirmed on 17 January 2001. SF info is SRF’s continuous news programme, offering mainly programmes on news, sport and culture.

As a result of an amendment to the concession decided on 12 October 2011 by the Federal Council, SF info is now able to transmit the news programmes of Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS) and Radiotelevisione Svizzera (RSI). These programmes will be broadcast in their original languages, with German subtitles.

The aim of the authorisation is to strengthen contact between the different linguistic regions of the country. This brings it within the scope of the measures the SSR is required to take in order to comply with its remit as set out in Article 24 of the Federal Radio and Television Act of 24 March 2006 (LRTV); this provides that the SSR must specifically promote understanding, cohesion and exchange between the various parts of the country, the different language-speaking communities, cultures and social groups, and take account of the specific features of the country and the needs of the cantons.