It’s unfortunate that WRS is being threatened with closure or possible privatization into some unknown form. Many foreigners living in Switzerland do not have German or French language skills at a sufficient level to stay engaged and aware of what’s happening in their communities and in Switzerland generally. Because they arent permanent, they have little incentive to learn the languages to the required levels of fluency. Having WRS as an English speaking radio station and it’s focus on Swiss news is essential for these people’s integration into Swiss society and to stayinga aware. Needless to say the international community is a major part of Geneva’s and Switzerland’s economy both in terms of foreign direct investment but also the expenditures made by this community here. In addition, the internationalism of Geneva adds greatly to the good reputation, esteem and profile of Switzerland in the broader global community. Creating the environment for all types of people to live and to contribute is essential and information is probably the key element in this process. We and Switzerland need WRS!

Whao! I could not resist the temptation to comment on this report. Firstly, one voice shut off is a million voices cut out. Geneva as I have come to know it, is a multilingual, multicultural city. Some of us feed on WRS for news, not only about Switzerland but from across the many continents - all because it is in English. The station is doing a fantastic job of informing its international community about the goings on in the world. Shutting it is just a bad idea, if not, a true gag on freedom of information flow. Remember, media is a marketplace of ideas and information, kill it, and you will have killed ideas from flowing and growing. PLEASE DON’T FALL INTO THIS TRAP!