World Radio Geneva (WRG) is the only English-language radio station that broadcasts in the City of Geneva, Switzerland. It is a commercial pop radio station, however its main shareholder is Radio Suisse Romande (a public radio company). It occupies the 88.4 FM band.
History
In the late eighties the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) decided that an English language radio station in Geneva would enhance its international reputation and provide a useful service to the international organizations which have chosen to set up in the city. To that end, the SBC applied to the Federal Office of Communications for an FM frequency. The first application was made in 1992 - and then rejected. The application was resubmitted in 1995 and then granted. However, by that time the Federal Office of Communications had made it clear that all new radio stations had to be commercial.
This changed the SBC's original idea of mainly using material generated by Swiss Radio International and a predominately music service was lined up. Investors had to be found, and initially WRG was formed with the SBC, Reuters and the Journal de Genève as principle shareholders.
The start was not smooth. The first general manager was sacked before the proposed launch date, delaying the start of programmes and the studios had to be redesigned after being deemed unsuitable. The delay meant that the expectant audience was treated to a test CD broadcast over and over again for several months. The delay prompted the Federal Office of Communications to order the start of programmes or have the licence revoked. Swiss Radio International instantly dispatched a group of English speaking radio presenters and journalists to Geneva from Bern who were told to 'get it started'.
The first show was broadcast 25th June 1996 with Ann Crossey at 1700.
In 2000 there was a change in the ownership. The SBC's role on the board was being represented by Swiss Radio International, who decided that they would rather focus on their own output and shift to more internet content - and Reuters, for their own reasons, were refocusing on their core businesses. So, Radio Suisse Romande took control of the SBC shareholding and the BBC bought much of Reuters shares, taking a seat on the board. Reuters still have an interest in WRG and are still on the board.
Shareholders
Types of listeners
The main listeners come in four types:
- Anglophone ex-pats living in Geneva (44.2% of people living in the city of Geneva in December 2003 were foreigners according to Statistique Genève).
- Workers for international organizations like the Red Cross and the United Nations.
- International visitors to Geneva.
- Finally (and this came as a surprise to the SBC), the local Genevois population who sometimes find the local stuff too bland.
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