Swiss voters rejected a proposal to sharply cut the radio‑and television licence fee. Early estimates from the GfS institute in Bern show that only 38 % of participants voted for the initiative, while 62 % opposed it.
The initiative, titled “200 francs is enough” called for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG) to be limited to an “essential service for the public”. It demanded that the annual media levy be capped at 200 francs for private households, and that all companies be exempt from the fee. Presently the levy stands at 335 francs per year, with plans to reduce it to 300 francs in the coming years.
Proponents argued the lower fee would allow Swiss households more disposable income and would eliminate an unfair double burden on businesses. Opponents warned that the reduction would lead to noticeably poorer regional coverage. The Federal Council, Parliament and the Cantonal Council had all recommended rejecting the initiative.
The referendum also included four other national questions. In addition to the SRG proposal, voters considered a shift to individual taxation, a climate‑fund initiative and a constitutional clause guaranteeing the availability of cash. A counter‑proposal from the Federal Council and Parliament, which stresses the mandate of the National Bank, achieved a clear majority with about 73 % support. The individual taxation question saw a modest majority in favour (56 % for, 44 % against). All other measures were rejected.