The Swiss Radio and Television (SRF) has come under criticism from its ombudsman for not reporting on the release of redacted protocols from Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI) regarding COVID-19 measures.

These protocols, released in March 2024 after a legal battle, were heavily redacted, sparking speculation about the RKI's independence from political influence.

Despite the significant media attention these documents received in both Germany and Switzerland, SRF chose not to cover the story, citing editorial autonomy and a lack of direct impact on Swiss COVID-19 measures.

The ombudsman, however, argued that SRF failed to provide a balanced view on a topic of relevance to Switzerland, as the RKI's findings had influenced Swiss pandemic strategies.

The ombudsman concluded that SRF's decision not to report on the protocols was a mistake, emphasizing the importance of political and ideological diversity in media coverage.