Business · Economy · 10 hrs ago
Swiss media union criticizes SRF layoffs amid 270 million-franc savings plan
Swiss public broadcaster SRF is laying off staff as part of a wider restructuring called Enavant.
The changes affect long-serving employees, including documentary filmmaker Karin Bauer, who had worked there for 32 years, and radio foreign affairs head Susanne Brunner, after 40 years at the company.
The SRG, which runs SRF, plans to save 270 million Swiss francs in the coming years.
The savings follow a decision to reduce the Serafe broadcasting fee from next year.
The SSM media union says the job cuts put heavy pressure on staff and could weaken journalism and programme quality.
It also warns that losing experienced colleagues could hurt the morale of those who remain.
The union wants the SRG to reduce the pressure on employees and make the cuts more socially responsible; it says affected members can get legal help or advice.
SRF is dismissing several long-serving journalists as part of a savings plan requiring the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, SRG, to cut 270 million francs.
Media union SSM strongly criticized the layoffs and warned they could harm staff morale and the quality of SRG content.
The cuts are linked to a reduction in the Serafe broadcasting fee ordered by media minister Albert Rösti.
Documentary filmmaker Karin Bauer, who had worked at SRF for 32 years, and radio foreign-affairs chief Susanne Brunner, who had worked there for 40 years, are among those leaving.
SSM is seeking to reduce the number of affected jobs or use measures it considers more socially acceptable.
- Who
- SRF is dismissing staff, including Karin Bauer and Susanne Brunner. Media union SSM is criticizing the cuts.
- What
- SRG plans to save 270 million francs, with layoffs at SRF part of the Enavant transformation project.
- When
- The article was published on 12 October 2026. The departure of Bauer and Brunner became known on the preceding Friday.
- Where
- At SRF, part of Switzerland’s SRG public broadcasting organization.
- Why
- The cuts are tied to a reduction in the Serafe broadcasting fee ordered by media minister Albert Rösti.
Layoff critics
Layoff supporters
Impact on workers
Layoff critics
SSM says the cuts put staff under pressure and may damage morale and journalism.
Layoff supporters
Some commenters say the departures are less deserving of sympathy because the employees had long careers and good earnings.
Value of experience
Layoff critics
Critics say dismissing experienced employees risks losing know-how and weakening journalism.
Layoff supporters
Some commenters argue that long-serving employees can now prove their abilities in the open job market.
The involuntary departure of Karin Bauer, an SRF documentary filmmaker for 32 years, became known; Susanne Brunner was also due to leave after 40 years.
20 Minuten reported SSM’s criticism of the layoffs and its calls to ease the cuts.
- Planned savings
- 270 million francs
- Transformation project
- Enavant
- Karin Bauer’s SRF tenure
- 32 years
- Susanne Brunner’s tenure
- 40 years
- Fee reduction
- Serafe broadcasting fee
What people are saying
At the example of these prominent cases, you can see the brutal consequences of a reduction that SSM strongly condemns – and that affects everyone.
When respected journalists lose their jobs, it shows the other SRG employees: no matter how good and important you are, it can happen to anyone.
The SSM is fighting to ease the cuts. For example, by reducing the number of affected jobs or using more socially acceptable measures.
That is of course bitter after being employed in the “sheltered workshop” SRF for almost 40 years …! But I hope the two were aware of their privileges, because now they can prove their abilities in the free job market.
Sources
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