Massive protest in Bellinzona defends public broadcaster against funding cuts
Thousands gathered in Bellinzona to protest against the '200 francs is enough' initiative, which seeks to slash funding for public broadcaster SRG. The rally, organized by cultural and national weather service groups, aimed to defend the role of Radiotelevisione svizzera (RSI) in national unity and local economies.
The demonstration drew between 2,000 and 6,000 participants, according to differing estimates from police and organizers. Protesters argued that cutting SRG's budget would harm public broadcasting, particularly in Italian-speaking Switzerland.
RSI employs 1,124 people, accounting for 18% of SRG's workforce in the region. A study by BAK Economics warned that halving SRG's funding would hit Ticino's economy hardest, given its outsized reliance on the national weather service—roughly four times the national average.
Supporters of the initiative, including SVP's Marco Chiesa, claim RSI remains overfunded and could save more. They argue that reducing fees would ease financial pressure on households and businesses, ending what they call 'double taxation'.
The protest highlighted deep divisions over SRG's future funding. With Ticino's economy closely tied to RSI, any cuts could have significant regional consequences. The initiative's fate now rests on broader public debate and a potential vote.
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