No to the Halving Initiative - Yes to a Strong and Regionally Anchored SRG
09.03.2026 | from SRG SSR
Reading time: 2 minutes
Image rights: SRG SSR
09.03.2026, The Swiss electorate has expressed support for a strong SRG and rejected the Halving Initiative. The SRG welcomes this commitment to a diverse, digital, and regionally anchored public service.
With today's referendum decision, the Swiss electorate has spoken out against the Halving Initiative and for a SRG that remains regionally anchored, close to the people, and offers a diverse program in all language regions. This confirms the importance of a strong Swiss media landscape with an independent SRG and supports its mission in the digital age. 'Today was crucial for the future of the SRG. We are very pleased that the electorate has once again expressed its trust in us,' says SRG Chairman Jean-Michel Cina. 'We are relieved that we have succeeded in making the SRG's value visible to the whole of Switzerland.'
For the second time in just a few years, the electorate has voted against weakening the SRG. The discussions about the SRG's funding and the design of the public service media in Switzerland have shown that a majority of the electorate wants a future-proof SRG, anchored both regionally and digitally, that is relevant in people's everyday lives and continues to develop. This decision also means stability for the media landscape as a whole.
The SRG received broad support from all parts of society - individuals, sports, culture, science, politics, and many more - and thanks everyone who has committed themselves with great dedication to the public service in recent weeks and months. The intensive debate in all language regions and the numerous public and personal statements for a strong public service media have shown the high value the SRG has for the people of Switzerland.
'The referendum result pleases, motivates, and obliges us. We are fully committed to continue accompanying the audience with a diverse and strong program in everyday life,' says Director-General Susanne Wille. 'This vote of confidence strengthens our resolve to remain close to the people, in regional languages but also in the digital space. And we will continue the path of SRG transformation.'
Since 2024, SRG has been undergoing a fundamental transformation process with 'Enavant'. The SRG will vigorously pursue this transformation and in the next three years will adapt its internal structures, sharpen its offering, and further advance digitalization.
Note for audiovisual media: Jean-Michel Cina and Susanne Wille will be available for questions today from 14:30 at Schwarztorstrasse 21, Bern.
Press
contact:
Media Office SRG SSR
Gianna Blum
medienstelle.srg@srgssr.ch / Tel. 058 136 21 21
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: SRG SSR
Conclusion of this article: « No to the Halving Initiative - Yes to a Strong and Regionally Anchored SRG »
SRG SSR
SRG is a public and independent media house that provides a multimedia public service throughout all regions and languages of the country. It is also an association and is thus firmly anchored in society.
The SRG supplies the entire population of Switzerland with an attractive and diverse TV, radio, and online offering of information, culture, education, entertainment, and sports. The offering promotes opinion formation and diversity of opinion in Switzerland and provides an important service to society.
The Federal Act on Radio and Television (RTVG) and the Federal Council's concession obligate the SRG to a societal public service mission.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: SRG SSR, Press release
Original article published on: Nein zur Halbierungsinitiative - Ja zu einer starken und regional verankerten SRG