Around CHF 30 million profit for SRG
Last year, SRG posted a profit of 29.5 million Swiss francs, despite a 46.1 million Swiss franc decline in revenue. Advertising revenue was 15.4 million Swiss francs lower than in 2016.
In its statement on Monday, SRG spoke of a solid result. Operating income was around CHF 1.595 billion (previous year: CHF 1.641 billion), while operating expenses were CHF 1.567 billion (previous year: CHF 1.614 billion). Revenues from reception fees were slightly higher than the previous year at just under CHF 1.219 billion.
Aggravated situation
The situation in the TV advertising market has worsened, SRG noted. The reason for the drop in revenues of CHF 15.4 million was not least the trend to place advertising in digital media and to cut advertising budgets.
Sales in 2017 were also lower than in the previous year due to the sale of a building in 2016. The fact that personnel expenses increased in 2017 is due to the reversal of provisions. Programming and production expenses were around 20 million Swiss francs lower last year than in the previous year.
The profit of CHF 29.5 million adds to SRG's equity. In the previous year, a profit of CHF 25.1 million had resulted.
SRG implemented several cooperation projects with private media companies last year. Among other things, it provides videos to several media companies for online portals. SRG videos are also made available to the SDA news agency.
Less from the fee pot
In the current year, SRG wants to prepare for the new financial framework. From next year, it will receive CHF 1.2 billion from the licence fee pot, CHF 50 million less than today, as it writes. The reception fee, which all households will now have to pay, will fall from 451 to 365 francs.
SRG announced cost-cutting measures immediately after the vote on the No Billag initiative: the measures are to amount to 100 million francs. Among other things, it is considering moving the SRF radio studio from Bern to Zurich. However, nothing has been decided yet.
Starting next year, the company plans to make savings of around 80 million Swiss francs in infrastructure, administration, technology, real estate, production processes and distribution. It is clear that jobs will also be affected.
SRG plans to publish its annual report on April 30. Prior to that, the SRG Delegates' Meeting will decide on it on April 27. (SDA)
