The Senate has joined the House of Representatives in rejecting the initiative to cut the annual radio and television licence fee to CHF200 ($224) and exempt companies from paying it.
Instead, parliament supports the Swiss government’s counter-proposal. Under this, the fee, which finances the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) and some private media, would fall from the current CHF335 to CHF312 in 2027 and CHF300 in 2029. The turnover threshold for company exemptions would rise from CHF500,000 to CHF1.2 million.
Supporters of the initiative argued that Switzerland’s fee is among the most expensive in Europe and that entrepreneurs are taxed twice, as individuals and as company owners. Opponents stressed the importance of a strong public service for democracy and national cohesion.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives decided to increase the share of the fee going to local private broadcasters from 4–6% to 6–8%.