Special rules apply in the run-up to votes: SBC: editorial teams are careful to ensure that both sides of the argument are fairly represented in their overall coverage and that their reporting contains a high level of relevant, factual background information.

The basic coverage in the run-up to national votes includes reports on the positions of the “Yes “ and “No“ camps and the Federal Council’s media conference. The recommendations of the parties represented in the Federal Council, which are usually decided at party conferences/delegate assemblies, and the recommendations of the parties that have parliamentary groups in parliament are also taken into account.

For reporting beyond the mandatory material, enhanced editorial standards apply on our channels.  We take a cautious approach to covering events, rallies, and celebrity appearances designed primarily to attract media coverage. This also applies when sporting or cultural events are used as a vehicle for political messaging and action.

The closer the date of the vote, the more important it is to exercise care, objectivity and diversity of coverage. In debates on national issues, we ensure that the different perspectives of the language regions and social groups are represented.

Reports on votes that are dictated by current events and justified from a journalistic point of view are possible at any time, even shortly before the vote. In this case, however, the news must be highly relevant.

The increased requirements for accuracy, care and diversity is coordinated between the regional units; the specific implementation may be adapted to the relevant editorial context.

In our overall reporting on a proposal, the different positions must be given appropriate space and their central arguments must be presented. The requirement to be fair and to present a range of views applies.

Particular editorial standards apply to all discussion formats, talk shows and individual appearances by key figures in referendum campaigns. Care must be taken to ensure a diverse and fair line-up throughout the entire campaign.

In the case of initiatives, the actual, complete and sometimes cumbersome name is often less familiar to the public than modified versions (e.g. ‘anti-burka initiative’ instead of ‘Yes to a ban on full facial coverings’). For the sake of clarity, we often use the familiar short form. It is crucial that audiences understand which initiative we are referring to.

These provisions are binding for all genres, formats and channels.