The Swiss event industry is against a reduction in fees for radio and television. The industry fears far-reaching negative consequences for cultural life in Switzerland if the halving initiative is accepted.
02.02.2026, 10:35
SDA
Numerous live cultural and sporting events are dependent on media support from the public media, the Alliance of Event Associations announced on Monday. SRG plays a central role with its important contributions to the promotion and thus indirectly to the financing of live events.
Live broadcasts of major sporting events such as ski races and wrestling competitions or major cultural events would no longer be financially viable with the impending cut in fees, the statement continued. The reduction in fees would also affect medium-sized and smaller events in the areas of culture and sport, for which broad media coverage is crucial for visibility and success.
The presence and promotion by the public broadcaster generates interest and attracts further sponsors and donors. Without this media support, many events would not receive the necessary attention, which would lead to a decline in sponsorship and financial support, Allianz wrote.
The event industry would be particularly affected by the reduction, according to the communiqué. Countless locally based Swiss SMEs and their suppliers are active in this widely ramified industry. These include, for example, concert promoters, trade fair organizers, stadium operators, theaters, production companies and catering firms.
The popular initiative "CHF 200 is enough (SRG initiative)" - also known as the halving initiative - wants to stipulate in the Federal Constitution that the federal government should levy a tax of CHF 200 per year exclusively on private households to finance radio and television programs that provide an essential service to the general public.
The initiators argue that households need relief in times of rising health insurance premiums and rents. The Swiss currently pay the highest radio and TV fees in the world. In particular, the initiative committee demands that SRG should concentrate on its core mandate. In the National Council debate on the initiative in June, SVP representatives criticized the broadcaster for spreading itself further and further in entertainment, sport and online activities.
