SRG workforce in Berne resists relocation to Zurich
Following in the footsteps of the business community and politicians, the SRG workforce is now also opposing the planned relocation of the Bern radio studio to Zurich. In a letter, over 160 employees are calling on the SRG Board of Directors to reconsider the plans.
The relocation plans not only endanger the federal structures of the SRG, but also media diversity, writes the working group "Pro Radio Studio Bern". The letter to the Board of Directors was signed by the vast majority of the employees of the Bern radio studio and the foreign correspondents.
The reporting of most national media is now controlled from Zurich. If Radio SRF now also moves to Zurich, "the much-criticized 'Zurich waterhead' will continue to grow," the staff criticizes.
A relocation to Zurich would threaten the independence of Radio SRF's "wide-reaching and credible information programs. Bern also plays an important role as a bridgehead between German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland.
SRG had announced the week before last that it was considering the move for cost reasons. According to the staff memo, moving the Information department to Zurich will save 3 to 3.5 million francs.
The employees call on the SRG Board of Directors, the SRG General Management and the SRF Executive Board "not only to make financial considerations, but also to weigh federalist and media policy arguments."
All Bernese cantonal parties and business associations are also opposing the relocation plans. A collection of signatures has also been launched. (SDA)
