EBU and Swiss broadcasters gather to celebrate 50 years of RTR. (Courtesy of SSR SRG idée suisse)

The value public service media (PSM) plays in serving Europe's minority cultures was highlighted on Saturday (24 August) at an event hosted by Swiss public broadcaster SRG SSR idée suisse to celebrate 50 years of television broadcast in Rumantsch, the fourth official language of Switzerland. 

The keynote address for the occasion was given by European Broadcasting Union (EBU) director general Ingrid Deltenre, who was previously Chief Executive Officer of Schweizer Fernsehen (SF), the leading public TV broadcaster in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.

Il Balcun tort, the first TV programme in Rumantsch, a language spoken by 35,000 Swiss people on a daily basis, was launched by SRG SSR idée suisse on 17 February 1963. Today, Radiotelevisiun Svizra Rumantscha (RTR) produces 100 hours of programming a year, including quality documentaries and a daily news programme Telesguard, launched in 1999.  

Ms Deltenre told guests that "unity in diversity" is not only at the core of European identity, it is also central to the self-image of Switzerland.

"Investment in the cultural diversity of Switzerland makes us more creative and enriches our thinking and actions in every respect – not only politically and socially, but also in the development of new products and services to deal with clients in other countries," she said. "Diversity is important and worthy of protection. Nevertheless, half of the 7,000 languages spoken in the world will disappear by the end of this century." 

  SRG SSR general manager Roger de Weck and EBU director general Ingrid Deltenre

During her speech, Ms Deltenre presented video well wishes from other members of the EBU's community, who also represent the interests of minority cultures – values, which she said are "cherished by the entire EBU Community."

Mariano Tschuor, director of RTR Radiotelevisiun Svizra Rumantscha reflects on the role of public service media (PSM) plays in promoting cultural diversity. (read the Q&A here)