Regulatory Bodies

Statutory Bodies

In the field of broadcasting, the federal authority, the Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (ICA), works to asses complaints about television and radio programs and examine whether the programs in question have breached national or international law. It works with the office of the ombudsman which is the first stop before the question is dealt with at the ICA.  Furthermore, it can be described as partly judicial in its functioning.

Self-Regulatory bodies

The Swiss Press Council is a self-regulatory body covering both print and electronic media. The body operates off of the "Declaration of the Duties and Rights of Journalists" and its own regulations on organizational functioning and structure. The Press Council functions for both media professionals and the public for any ethical questions regarding the media; moreover, its role also includes contributing to public debate on the media and relevant standards as well as promoting and defending freedom of expression and the press.