RTR: Radio Rumantsch with more listeners

Radio e Televisiun Rumantscha (RTR) is firmly established in the media landscape. Radio Rumantsch in particular recorded more listeners in 2008: Listenership rose from 57 percent in 2007 to 62 percent in 2008. Last year was the first full year in which the radio was present around the clock. With these results, Bernard Cathomas, Director of RTR, will hand over the reins to Mariano Tschuor in May and retire.
However, the desired increase in broadcasting time for Rhaeto-Romanic television was not achieved. SRG does not have the necessary funds, as Cathomas explained. Nevertheless, the discussion for more broadcasting time on a special channel remains topical.

Rhaeto-Romanic audience dwindling
The smallest SRG unit is concerned about the decline in the number of people who understand Romansh. This proportion of the population in the canton of Graubünden has fallen from 41% in 2000 to 33% today. If the trend continues unabated, the question of RTR's raison d'être could one day arise. At the moment, however, the language community is strong, also in terms of self-confidence, continues Bernard Cathomas.

Profit for the second time in 2008
With sales of around 23.5 million francs, the annual accounts closed with a surplus for the second year in a row. In 2008 it amounted to CHF 463,000. RTR's share of the total SRG budget amounts to 1.3 percent. With a national population share of around one percent, the minority bonus is modest, said Cathomas. RTR employs 163 people, spread over 123 full-time positions.