Welsh radio and television to be merged
The French-speaking part of Switzerland is considering merging Television Suisse Romande (TSR) and Radio Suisse Romande (RSR). A definitive decision is to be made in April. According to TSR boss Gilles Marchand, the aim of the merger is not to make savings, but to strengthen program content by exploiting synergies.
The French-speaking part of Switzerland is considering merging Television Suisse Romande (TSR) and Radio Suisse Romande (RSR). A definitive decision is to be made in April. According to TSR boss Gilles Marchand, the aim of the merger is not to make savings, but to strengthen program content by exploiting synergies.
As Marchand told the Tribune de Genève and 24 Heures newspapers, the boards of directors of SRG and RTSR will have to make an initial decision in principle in April. He himself is convinced that it is right to merge the two companies. According to Marchand, the target horizon is next year. The merger would not simply involve radio being "absorbed" by television. "We want to create a new multimedia company with several locations," the television boss was quoted as saying in the Welsche Presse on Monday.
Specifically, the aim is to build a strong company that is capable of producing radio, television and web content. The synergies should free up funds that can then be reinvested in the program offering. The merger is also necessary due to increased competition in the media sector. The project is associated with changes for employees. "It is quite possible that we will cut some positions in order to create new ones in another area," Marchand continued. It is possible that some employees will have to change jobs. However, this should be seen as an opportunity for their professional careers. He believes that it is possible to merge the corporate cultures of television and radio "without creating psychodramas".
Regarding the circulating rumor that all information programs will be produced in Geneva in the future, Marchand explained that nothing has been decided yet. The news could also be based in Lausanne.
As Marchand told the Tribune de Genève and 24 Heures newspapers, the boards of directors of SRG and RTSR will have to make an initial decision in principle in April. He himself is convinced that it is right to merge the two companies. According to Marchand, the target horizon is next year. The merger would not simply involve radio being "absorbed" by television. "We want to create a new multimedia company with several locations," the television boss was quoted as saying in the Welsche Presse on Monday.
Specifically, the aim is to build a strong company that is capable of producing radio, television and web content. The synergies should free up funds that can then be reinvested in the program offering. The merger is also necessary due to increased competition in the media sector. The project is associated with changes for employees. "It is quite possible that we will cut some positions in order to create new ones in another area," Marchand continued. It is possible that some employees will have to change jobs. However, this should be seen as an opportunity for their professional careers. He believes that it is possible to merge the corporate cultures of television and radio "without creating psychodramas".
Regarding the circulating rumor that all information programs will be produced in Geneva in the future, Marchand explained that nothing has been decided yet. The news could also be based in Lausanne.
