The SRF will eliminate around 70 full-time positions by the beginning of 2025. This measure is part of the strategic project “SRF 4.0”, aimed at accelerating digital change. The financial framework and staffing levels of this project must be stabilized in the short term.
In the short term, SRF 4.0 aims to cut jobs in order to continue to guarantee a balanced budget from 2025, the company announced on Thursday. This measure is not linked to the supra-regional savings planned within the SSR.
The causes are rather to be found in the decline in commercial revenues and rising prices. “The partial abolition of the price increase compensation from next year and the reduction of the licence fee from 2027 will further reduce our financial framework,” said director Nathalie Wappler, quoted in the press release. At the same time, the German-speaking radio and television station SRF must adapt to the changing use of media.
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Duplicates to delete
Savings are planned within the two audio/digital and video editors, with the aim of exploiting the synergies between these different areas. A slight reduction in management and support positions is planned.
Certain positions will also be crossed out throughout the company in order to eliminate duplication within the organization. Some formats will also be removed during off-peak times in summer, on weekends or outside prime time.
The distribution, sports and entertainment departments will also be affected by the job cuts. Finally, the offer for those under 35 will be modified. The SRF wants fewer formats, but better financed for the remaining ones.
A social plan
The number of layoffs can probably be reduced thanks to natural fluctuations and retirements, notes the SRF. A social plan will be implemented for the people concerned.
The announced job cuts remain subject to the results of the upcoming consultation procedure. A staff delegation from the Swiss Mass Media Union (SSM) will lead the discussions in August.
The SSM expressed its concern and demanded an end to the savings measures at the SRF. Continuous restructuring and cuts to programs and jobs must be stopped, demands the union.
ats/hkr
