Merger of Radio aktuell and Radio Ri without staff reductions

 The two local St. Gallen stations Radio aktuell and Radio Ri are to be merged without having to cut staff. Despite the merger, the two stations will broadcast their own window programs, such as separate information programs. A new name has not yet been announced. According to a report by the industry service Persoenlich.com, the two stations will in future broadcast under the joint name Hitradio Ostschweiz. However, this is only a working title, said André Moesch, Managing Director of Radio aktuell, when asked by the news agency SDA. The details of the future cooperation between the two radios after the reorganization of the radio reception areas as of 2008 have not yet been clarified either, said Moesch. There will be no staff cuts, at most a relocation of jobs. "We will need the same number of people for the joint editorial team as before," explained Moesch. The two studios in St. Gallen and Buchs will continue to operate.
The management of the St. Galler Tagblatt, which owns the majority of shares in the two local stations, is now waiting for the concession to be put out to tender in the fall. Further planning is dependent on the performance mandate from the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom). The new radio station will not receive any concession money.