SRF continues to cut jobs and save on technology and services
The media company will cut around 50 full-time positions by the beginning of 2026 and aims to save almost CHF 8 million. In addition to the already announced discontinuation of "G&G", other TV, radio and online formats will be discontinued or revised. Cuts are also planned in technology.
SRF is responding to declining revenues and rising costs with accelerated restructuring as part of "SRF 4.0". The job cuts will begin as early as the start of 2025. "We need to implement the adjustments originally planned for 2026 as quickly as possible to ensure a balanced budget," says SRF Director Nathalie Wappler. In concrete terms, this means fewer in-house productions, a leaner radio offering and savings in IT.
SRF bi de Lüt - Live" and SCA also canceled
SRF is focusing its TV offering even more strongly on prime time. The early evening program will be streamlined and "G&G - Gesichter und Geschichten" will be discontinued after 20 years, as was announced on Wednesday (Markt-kom.com reported). The social program is being replaced by purchased entertainment formats. "We are pooling our resources where they will have the greatest impact," says Wappler. SRF 1's Saturday evening program will also be streamlined: the annual editions of "SRF bi de Lüt - Live" and the "Swiss Comedy Awards" will be discontinued. Repeats and extended summer breaks are also intended to reduce costs.
Radio: Shorter contributions, less live moderation
Savings are also being made on the radio. Longer formats such as the radio play and "Trend" on SRF 1 or the "Science Magazine" on SRF 2 Kultur are disappearing. Instead, shorter programs will strengthen the program flow. SRF 4 News will no longer have live moderations in the mornings, while SRF 2 Kultur will focus more on art and society. Some podcasts and special programs will be discontinued or merged with other formats.
Savings in technology
SRF is also reducing its technology budget by CHF 3 million. Planned projects will be postponed, license and service costs will be reduced and seven additional full-time positions will be cut.
The measures are to be implemented by the beginning of 2026. At the same time, SRF is planning further rounds of savings for 2026, including a reduction in the size of the Executive Board. "Our financial situation leaves us no choice," says Wappler. Nevertheless, she emphasizes that SRF wants to continue investing in digital formats and innovative offerings.
