Record numbers at SRF due to corona virus

This means that of all the people sitting in front of the TV or other receiver at the time, just under 70 percent were watching the "Tagesschau". Such figures are usually only achieved by a World Cup soccer final.

In quiet times, the "Tagesschau" makes about 50 percent market share. The special program "Tagesschau spezial," also broadcast on Tuesday, with further information on the Corona crisis, also reached an impressive 960,000 viewers, which corresponds to a market share of 49.3 percent.

"Enormous consternation"

TV editor-in-chief Tristan Brenn described these figures on Wednesday as "extraordinary" when asked by the Keystone-SDA news agency. This reflects the enormous need for information and the concern of the people.

SRF is increasingly taking on the old "campfire" function again, even apart from purely informational programs. Because the majority of the population's everyday life takes place within their own four walls, SRF has adapted its programming accordingly.

"Zäme dihei"

On Saturday evenings, SRF1 will be broadcasting "Zäme dihei". Sofa concerts and broadcasts into people's homes are intended to provide distraction. Children and young people - or their parents - will be supported by SRF stations in distance learning and leisure activities.

Those who like to watch sports programs will have to be satisfied with less next week. Because there are hardly any events, "Sportaktuell" will be replaced by a much shorter "Sportflash.

Like the other media companies, SRF has also sent most of its employees home to their home offices. So far, this has only had a noticeable impact on programming in eastern Switzerland: At SRF 1 radio, "Regionaljournal Graubünden" will be integrated into "Regionaljournal Ostschweiz" starting this week. This will make it possible to continue to fulfill the information mandate. (SDA)