The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) welcomes the outcome of the Swiss public vote in support of SRG SSR, reaffirming the vital role of public service media in Switzerland. At a time when access to trusted news and reliable information is more important than ever, Swiss citizens have confirmed their commitment to ensuring that SRG SSR continues to fulfil its public mission. 

EBU Director General Noel Curran said:
“We are delighted that the Swiss voting public has given such a clear and decisive endorsement of public media in Switzerland. Adequately funded public service media contributes to higher levels of public trust in news and information and is closely linked to more resilient democratic systems, better able to withstand polarization and disinformation. This vote sends a clear message: trusted and independent sources of information must be protected — especially now, when they are needed most.”

SRG SSR reflects Switzerland’s unique cultural and linguistic diversity and plays a vital role in ensuring that high-quality public service content is available to all audiences across the country’s German, French, Italian and Romansh speaking regions. Stable and adequate public funding is fundamental to guaranteeing that audiences in every part of Switzerland can access media services that reflect their language, culture and local perspectives.

Noel Curran added:
“Swiss voters have recognized that SRG SSR must be equipped with the resources necessary to provide content and services that are regionally rooted, relevant to people’s lives and serve all communities.”

“At a time when global digital platforms are reshaping the media environment, our Members must continue to invest in innovation and transformation. Meeting these challenges — particularly in countries with multiple linguistic regions such as Switzerland — while maintaining universal access to trusted content, requires funding that is adequate, sustainable and aligned with the full breadth of the public service mission.”

SRG SSR is already undertaking a major transformation programme, Enavant, rapidly transforming its structures and operations, driving innovation and efficiencies while continuing to deliver for all audiences in all linguistic regions and internationally. In line with the Federal Council’s decision, SRG SSR will progressively operate with a reduced budget by 2029, making today’s vote outcome all the more important to ensure that SRG SSR can continue to fulfil its remit in the years ahead.