Swisscom to retain broadcasting arm

Swisscom's transmitters broadcast the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation's programmes Keystone

The broadcasting division of Switzerland's largest telecommunications operator, Swisscom, is to remain in the company's hands.

The business, which employs 200 staff, is to be developed and transferred to a subsidiary company.

It has more than 3,000 transmitters and relay stations at more than 400 locations, in what is one of the world’s most dense television and radio networks.

Swisscom announced in September that it was considering selling the broadcasting division because of its plan to focus on its core telecommunications business.

In a statement, the company said the decision had been taken after considering the security and political concerns raised in the Swiss parliament in recent weeks about broadcasting activities falling into foreign hands.

It added that after carefully considering all the offers concerned and making a detailed assessment, it was decided that the best solution would be to continue to develop the “successful area of business” within the Swisscom group.

Swisscom Broadcasting is a specialised sector, whose activities include the transmission of television and radio channels for SRG SSR idée Suisse (Swiss Broadcasting Corporation) and numerous other private organisations, and the provision of associated services.

The division contributes less than two per cent to Swisscom’s overall revenues.

swissinfo with agencies