Uncertain future for Radio Liechtenstein as public funding ends

In a recent referendum, voters in Liechtenstein have opted to end state funding for the country’s public radio broadcaster, Radio Liechtenstein, casting uncertainty over the station’s future. 

The vote, held on Sunday, saw 55.4% support for scrapping legislation that would otherwise continue state funding of Radio Liechtenstein until the end of 2025, according to official results. 

The initiative to cut funding was led by the small opposition group Demokraten pro-Liechtenstein, which argued that the broadcaster monopolises over 70% of government support allocated to media outlets, giving it an unfair advantage over private competitors. 

The party advocated for the station’s privatisation, claiming it would foster a more balanced media landscape. 

The station had been scheduled to receive nearly CHF 3.95 million (about €4.2 million) in state support over the next four years. 

Prior to the vote, the government expressed concerns over the feasibility of a successful privatisation, citing the limited potential for a privately run radio station in Liechtenstein to generate sufficient revenue through advertising alone. 

Radio Liechtenstein reported an average daily audience of 11,400 listeners in 2021, the most recent year with available data. 

Liechtenstein, a principality with a population of around 39,000, shares close ties with Switzerland, with whom it has established a customs and currency union and borders both Switzerland and Austria.