Swiss to vote on right-wing push to slash licence fee for public broadcaster

Swiss to Vote on Right-Wing Initiative to Lower Public Broadcaster Fee

This weekend, Swiss voters will cast their ballots on a proposal to significantly reduce the yearly licence fee for the national broadcaster. The current fee, set at 335 Swiss francs (£320; $435) per household, exceeds the rates in Germany (£190) and Austria (£160). If the measure passes, the fee would drop to 200 francs (£190; $260) annually, with businesses exempt from payment.

The right-wing Swiss People’s Party is championing the change, asserting that the present cost is unjustified amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. They also challenge the broadcaster’s operational efficiency, citing that modern media production can be achieved at a fraction of previous expenses. Manfred Bühler, a People’s Party member of parliament, told Swiss media, “In the 21st Century, programmes can be produced much more cheaply than 30 or 40 years ago. Two hundred francs really is enough.”

Opponents, however, warn that the fee supports Switzerland’s multilingual media landscape. Each of the four official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romantsch—has its own radio and television channels, broadcasting national and local news daily. Fabian Molina, a Social Democrat MP, expresses concern that reducing the fee could weaken the country’s “national cohesion,” where equal treatment of all regions and linguistic groups is a cornerstone. He also highlights the risk to the SBC’s international news coverage, which relies on correspondents in key global hubs.

The broadcaster maintains journalists in the US, Russia, China, the Middle East, and Latin America, along with offices in Brussels, Berlin, Paris, Rome, and London. “As a neutral country, we have a unique perspective on the world, and only our correspondents can bring that back home to people,” Molina said. The SBC has warned of potential job losses and a sharp decline in news and sports programming if the fee is cut.

Earlier, the outcome appeared uncertain as young voters increasingly turned to streaming services. Yet the debate shifted dramatically after an article in the German edition of RT, a Russian-backed outlet, criticized the SBC. The writer, identified as Hans-Ueli Läppli, accused the broadcaster of “Russophobia, selective reporting, and ignoring uncomfortable facts,” while alleging it manipulates public opinion. Though the name may be a pseudonym, the piece sparked strong reactions, with many viewing it as interference in Switzerland’s direct democracy.

Supporters of the fee cut insist they had no connection to the RT article, denying any ties to Russian media. Susanne Brunner, a committee member, emphasized their goal: “To reduce the SBC licence fee to 200 Swiss francs, to ease the burden on households and businesses.” Meanwhile, the Swiss government and all political parties except the People’s Party are urging a “No” vote, fearing the proposal could undermine the broadcaster’s role in maintaining national unity and global coverage.