Like all citizens, journalists have the right to freedom of expression. However, this right is partially restricted for SBC employees. SBC journalists are, in a sense, ‘public figures’. This means that their behaviour is directly associated with SBC. Employment with the public service media organisation therefore entails a special obligation to be impartial and transparent. People in Switzerland must be able to rely on editorial decisions being made solely on the basis of comprehensible journalistic considerations – and not on the basis of external influences, private opinions or personal connections. We must therefore avoid conflicts of interest and any appearance of bias.

If there is a risk that ties to particular interests could influence our journalistic work, we recuse ourselves. This rule also applies if there is even the slightest appearance of bias. SBC employees disclose any conflicts of interest that could be relevant to their professional activities to their line managers. Employees are responsible for providing this information. The duty to disclose applies to all genres and departments.

Ties to particular interests should always be discussed when a new employee joins the company. However, the duty to disclose also applies if changes occur during the period of employment or if employees are assigned tasks whose fulfilment causes a conflict of interests. In such cases, supervisors may order the employee to recuse themselves.

Information about conflicts of interest may only be disclosed to third parties with the consent of the individuals concerned.