Swiss publishing house Ringier can take a stake in Sat 1 Schweiz AG, the company which has been producing a window for Swiss cable viewers as part of the German-based general interest channel Sat 1 since 1998. According to the communications departement, the government has granted permission to Ringer for the acquisition of 50 per cent in Sat 1 Schweiz.

In its decision, the government concludes that, although the company owns 30 per cent of TV production group Presse TV and 20 per cent in pay-TV broadcaster Teleclub, the holding in the Sat 1 window which primarily focuses on sports and entertainment would not affect the diversity of opinion. Sat 1 Switzerland mainly broadcasts live football games.