"Brought forth largely by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) and the youth wing of the center-right Free Democratic Party (FDP), the proposition would have cut mandatory annual household usage fees for radio, television and internet from 335 to 200 Swiss francs (370, $430). The fee is the highest in the world and the Swiss government has already moved to broaden payment exemptions and reduce the fee to SF300 by 2029."
"Prior to the vote, the SRG and more than 1,000 university professors argued that strong public broadcast services are fundamental in fostering democracy and social cohesion. Referendum backers further argued that SRG stations have a left-leaning bias, whereas public media supporters said the cuts would open the door to the virulent spread of disinformation."
"SRG comprises 17 television and radio channels broadcasting in the country's four national languages; German, French, Italian and Romansh. Prior to the referendum, SRG CEO Susanne Wille announced cost-cutting measures expected to save roughly 17% of the broadcaster's annual 270 million franc budget by 2029. Around 900 full-time positions are to be cut as part of the cost-saving regime."
Swiss voters decisively rejected a referendum proposal to reduce mandatory household fees for public broadcasting from 335 to 200 Swiss francs, with 62% voting against the measure. The proposition, championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party and center-right Free Democratic Party, sought to force the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation to cut programming and sell airtime to private companies for sports and entertainment content. Supporters of public broadcasting, including over 1,000 university professors and the SRG, argued that strong public media services are essential for democracy and social cohesion, and warned that cuts would enable disinformation spread. The SRG already announced cost-cutting measures to reduce its budget by 17% by 2029, eliminating approximately 900 full-time positions.
Read at www.dw.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]