Swiss Constitutional Expert Calls for Digital Media Reform Beyond Failed SRG Halving Initiative

Urs Saxer, a law professor at the University of Zurich, contends that Switzerland's media constitution is antiquated, stemming from an era before digital advancements. The recent rejection of the SRG halving initiative, which sought to modify public broadcasting fees, fails to tackle the fundamental problem. Traditional media has been weakened by digital platforms, yet the constitution still adheres to outdated analog frameworks. It does not acknowledge media convergence, as SRG runs online newspapers while conventional newspapers create television content. The federal authority is restricted to broadcasting, lacking a foundation for regulating platforms. Saxer advocates for constitutional changes to grant federal authority over digital public communication, involving private media and independent regulators. The current advertising limitations for print media are ineffective, underscoring the necessity for reform to address digital challenges.