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Stop SSR Layoffs! Public Voted Against Fee Cuts, Yet Broadcaster Plans 900 Job Cuts
🇨🇭 Switzerland /Economy & Trade

Stop SSR Layoffs! Public Voted Against Fee Cuts, Yet Broadcaster Plans 900 Job Cuts

From Le Temps · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified New plan
  • Despite the public rejecting a reduction in the broadcasting fee, the SSR plans to cut 900 full-time positions by 2029, with 300 cuts by year-end.
  • The SSR justifies these cuts by a reduction in the broadcasting fee decided by the Federal Council before the vote.
  • The author questions the coherence of these deep cuts, particularly in the information sector, given the public's clear message of support for a strong public service broadcaster.

The Swiss public has rejected the "200 francs is enough!" initiative, with 62% voting against it. However, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SSR) is proceeding with its plan to eliminate 900 full-time positions by 2029, including 300 by the end of this year, representing a 17% reduction.

The SSR attributes these layoffs to a progressive reduction of the broadcasting fee, a decision made by the Federal Council prior to the public vote. The author argues that the referendum's outcome, a clear rejection of the initiative, signals public support for a robust public radio and television service, not its weakening.

This restructuring, particularly in the fragile media and information sector, is described as profound rather than a mere adjustment. The author questions the alignment of eliminating one in six positions with the public's expressed will in the referendum, suggesting a disconnect between the electoral message and the SSR's actions.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Temps in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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