The killing blood

In numerous countries “the contaminated blood affair” has raised heated debates, legal proceedings and condemnations. In 1993, TELEVISION SUISSE ROMANDE carried out an investigation into what happened in Switzerland. Contrary to what the Swiss Red Cross and public health spokesmen had always stated, TSR as a result of an investigation lasting several months revealed the silences, errors and omissions.The Swiss Red Cross lodged a complaint in the courts in an attempt to have the program banned. But the attempt failed because the judges recognized the great value of the investigation carried out by television.For INPUT, this program, shown at prime time, is an example of investigative journalism which leads the authorities to acknowledge their mistakes and amend their policies. Only public service television can make such a program because of the time and money which this kind of investigation requires.