The future of the SRG regional radio studio in Bern hangs in the balance as a public vote on significantly reducing radio and television fees approaches. The initiative, set for March 8, proposes cutting the annual fee from 335 to 200 Swiss francs, potentially impacting SRG's ability to maintain its current 17 regional studios, including the key Bern location.
Key Takeaways
- Voters will decide on March 8 whether to cut SRG fees from 335 to 200 francs.
- SRG management indicates that 17 regional studios, including Bern, may close if the initiative passes.
- Journalists report increased political pressure and public scrutiny ahead of the vote.
- SVP politician Samuel Krähenbühl dismisses closure threats as empty, suggesting cuts to entertainment programs instead.
- The Bern studio holds historical significance and is a central hub for regional and national news.
Political Pressure Intensifies for SRG Journalists
Journalists at the SRF Regionaljournal Bern Freiburg Wallis are experiencing heightened political pressure. Christian Liechti, head of the regional editorial team, notes an increase in hostile messages from listeners. These messages often threaten a 'yes' vote if the reporting does not align with their specific views.
Liechti emphasizes that his team must remain unaffected by such external pressures. However, he acknowledges the emotional toll this uncertainty takes on the staff. The upcoming vote creates a climate of unease for those working in public service broadcasting.
"The political pressure is clearly palpable for us," Christian Liechti states. "We are increasingly receiving letters from people who threaten a 'yes' vote at the ballot box if our reporting does not meet their expectations. Of course, we must not let this influence us. But it is naturally a burden."
Vote Details
- Date: March 8
- Proposal: Reduce annual radio and television fees from 335 CHF to 200 CHF.
- Impact on Companies: Businesses would be entirely exempt from fees if the initiative passes.
- Estimated SRG Revenue Loss: From 1.3 billion CHF to approximately 630 million CHF.
Potential Studio Closures and Financial Implications
Federal calculations show that if the initiative passes, SRG's fee revenue would shrink significantly. The current 1.3 billion Swiss francs would drop to about 630 million Swiss francs. This substantial reduction raises questions about the feasibility of maintaining current operations.
Susanne Wille, SRG Director General, indicated in a recent interview that such a financial cut would necessitate difficult choices. She stated that the current four-language regional journalism model might not be sustainable. This could lead to the closure of some of the 17 regional studios.
SRG Structure
SRG operates three main locations in Switzerland: Bern, Basel, and Zurich. The Bern studio, situated on Schwarztorstrasse, is a central hub. It houses Christian Liechti's 20-person team, along with correspondents in Brig and Fribourg. This setup supports a diverse and federated media landscape.
The uncertainty surrounding the vote is already impacting operations. In recent months, cost-cutting measures have led to the elimination of five positions across six regional editorial offices. Weekend broadcasts have also been cancelled. These actions predate the current initiative but highlight ongoing financial pressures.
Bern's Role in Swiss Broadcasting
The Bern radio studio has a long history, tracing back over a century to Radio Bern, a pioneering station. Despite its historical significance, the studio's location has faced debates before. In 2019, SRF considered moving all national broadcasts from Bern to Zurich-Leutschenbach. However, political resistance kept background programs like "Echo der Zeit," "Rendezvous," and "Info 3" in Bern.
Today, approximately 70 SRF employees work at the Schwarztorstrasse location. Additionally, staff from Swissinfo and the PKS pension fund are based there. Later this year, around 240 employees from the SRG General Directorate will also move to the Schwarztorstrasse building. This move is itself a cost-saving measure, with the Giacomettistrasse premises slated for subletting.
The Importance of Decentralized Broadcasting
Markus Hofmann, head of the "Echo der Zeit" radio program, stresses the importance of Bern as a broadcast location. While his program could technically be produced anywhere, he believes maintaining a presence in Bern, alongside Zurich, is crucial. This helps SRG reflect Switzerland's federal structure.
Hofmann explains that decentralized locations allow for a more authentic representation of regional perspectives. For example, after a federal councillor's resignation, public opinion might be gathered in Ostermundigen rather than Oerlikon, offering a broader view.
Political Divides on Funding Cuts
Philipp Schori, President of SRG Bern Freiburg Wallis, expresses strong concerns about the initiative. He believes that if the initiative passes, the Bern radio studio's continued operation is highly uncertain. The regional journal might not be able to continue its current level of production.
Schori acknowledges a non-binding agreement made three years ago with SRF management, assuring the Bern studio's preservation. While not legally binding, he views it as carrying a certain commitment. SRF's media office confirmed that if the initiative is rejected, the Bern location is "not up for discussion."
Recent Poll Data
- Support for Reduction: 50% of respondents in a Tamedia/"20 Minuten" poll favored reducing fees.
- Opposition: 48% were against the reduction.
- Outcome: The vote is expected to be close.
SVP Grand Councillor Samuel Krähenbühl dismisses the threats of studio closures as "empty." Krähenbühl, a former journalist and supporter of the initiative, argues that savings should come from what he calls "gugus shows" on SRF television. He points to programs like "Auf und davon" and "Alone Together" as examples of content that could be cut.
He also believes that marketing on social media is not the role of a public broadcaster. Krähenbühl suggests that popular programs like "Landfrauenküche" or wrestling event broadcasts could be commercially financed.
"These are very popular programs that could just as easily be financed commercially," Samuel Krähenbühl states.
Impact on Private Media and Journalism
Krähenbühl argues that SRF should not compete with private media. He believes that a reduction in public funding could benefit private media in the Bern area, allowing them to cover political events more extensively.
However, Bernese media journalist Nick Lüthi holds a different view. He cautions that any losses for SRF would not automatically transfer to private media. While some individuals might subscribe to newspapers, Lüthi does not expect a substantial shift. Instead, he fears a general "weakening of journalism," including in the Bern region.
Lüthi points out that the regional journal covers cantonal politics, an area sometimes neglected by other media outlets. While interest in these topics may not always be high, many decisions relevant to daily life, such as those in education or spatial planning, are made at the cantonal level.
On March 8, the editorial team of the Regionaljournal will be working as usual. Christian Liechti confirms he will be present to support his team. Regardless of the outcome, their commitment remains to deliver accurate news.