Several interested parties for WRS
Yesterday, the SRG Board of Directors decided on the basis of a comprehensive analysis that WRS should be continued outside SRG. Several applicants have already expressed their interest in a takeover.
SRG wants to transfer World Radio Switzerland WRS to a private sponsorship in the course of focusing its offering. This writes the SRG on Thursday on Presseportal.ch. The SRG's general management is taking the necessary steps. A project committee under the leadership of Daniel Jorio, SRG's finance director, is beginning its work. The project manager is SRG consultant François Besençon.
A company specializing in mergers and acquisitions will establish contact in Switzerland and abroad with private or institutional investors who want to continue WRS with its orientation. The aim is to prepare the project in 2012 and implement it in 2013/2014, SRG added. Provided potential buyers confirm their interest and the supervisory authority is prepared to put the FM frequency that becomes available out to tender, the investors could apply for a license for a commercial local radio station in coverage area 2 (Arc lémanique), without entitlement to reception fees. Broadcasting via DAB+ would be ensured. If no buyer is found by the end of October 2012, the Board of Directors will decide on the next steps at its December meeting.
