Swiss to vote on right-wing push to slash licence fee for public broadcaster
The move is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, which says the current fee is unjustified because of the high cost of living.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
""Two hundred francs really is enough.""
— Manfred Bühler , Politician
""Cuts to the licence fee would undermine Switzerland's national cohesion.""
— Fabian Molina , Politician
""Our focus is to reduce the SBC licence fee to 200 Swiss francs, to ease the burden on households and businesses.""
— Susanne Brunner , Politician
"Two hundred francs really is enough."
— Manfred Bühler , Politician
"Cuts to the licence fee would undermine Switzerland's national cohesion."
— Fabian Molina , Politician
"Our focus is to reduce the SBC licence fee to 200 Swiss francs, to ease the burden on households and businesses."
— Susanne Brunner , Politician
"There are many indications that the no to the SBC initiative will win, but we cannot guarantee this."
— Martina Mousson , Academic
"This more marked refusal can be explained by the political behaviour of the diaspora, which tends to live in large urban centres and traditionally votes more to the left."
— Martina Mousson , Academic
"The no trend affects all strata of the population."
— Martina Mousson , Academic
"Historically, women are more in favour of publicly funded services."
— Martina Mousson , Academic
"The halving initiative weakens Switzerland."
— Swiss People's Party , Politician
"While a 'No' victory isn't guaranteed, the indicators are flashing red for the initiative's proponents."
— Martina Mousson , Academic
Key People
Member of parliament for the Social Democrats.
Member of parliament representing the right-wing Swiss People's Party.
Martina Mousson is a political scientist at the gfs.bern institute.
Committee member leading the campaign to cut the licence fee.
A right-wing political party in Switzerland advocating for reduced public broadcasting fees.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
The move is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, which says the current fee is unjustified because of the high cost of living.
Swiss voters are set to decide on a proposal to sharply reduce the annual licence fee for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, with the right-wing Swiss People's Party advocating for the cut, citing the high cost of living.
A recent poll indicates that 54% of Swiss voters oppose the initiative to reduce the radio and television licence fee, showing a shift in sentiment during the campaign period ahead of the March 8 vote.
An upcoming popular initiative on March 8th seeks to nearly halve the licence fee for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), with supporters arguing for financial relief and opponents warning of risks to national cohesion and democracy.
A new poll reveals that 54% of voters now oppose the initiative to reduce the radio and television licence fee, indicating a growing resistance as the March 8 vote nears.
The move is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, which says the current fee is unjustified because of the high cost of living.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
The midterm strategy driving Democrats deep into Trump country - Reuters
The midterm strategy driving Democrats deep into Trump country Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 10:05 AMGermany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat - Reuters
Germany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 06:04 AM'Stain on the country': Trump criticises Norway over Nobel Peace Prize
The US president told a rally he had "never heard of" the winner, former International Criminal Court judge Navi Pillay.
October 10, 2026 at 04:07 AMTaiwan cherishes peace but will not give up freedom, president says - Reuters
Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up freedom, president says Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 03:13 AMTrump says Norway has 'indelible stain' for not awarding him Nobel Peace Prize - Reuters
Trump says Norway has 'indelible stain' for not awarding him Nobel Peace Prize Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 01:32 AM'Everyone hates the police' – what France's school protests reveal about a divided nation
Students taking to the streets in France have become a focal point in the country's increasingly polarised politics.
October 9, 2026 at 11:24 PM