RTS vs Semafor

RTS News Staff Warns of Overload Since Move

More than 200 employees at Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS), including journalists, technicians, and external staff, have signed an open letter to RTS management and SRG, warning of exhaustion, technical failures, and burnout since the newsroom's move to Ecublens. The letter cites a recent on-air incident on La Première where a news bulletin was interrupted by music and silence, which they say is the culmination of three years of decline. They demand a moratorium on the planned merger of radio and TV newsrooms and on new digital formats until TV teams are also settled, as well as a review of transferred technical duties. The RTS spokesperson says the situation is taken seriously and a task force has been set up, while discussions with the journalists' association continue.

• Over 200 RTS employees signed a letter to management complaining of burnout and technical failures since the move to Ecublens.
• A recent on-air incident on La Première interrupted a news bulletin with music and silence for 11 minutes.
• Employees demand a moratorium on the merger of radio and TV newsrooms and on new digital formats.

RTS faces recurring technical glitches at new Ecublens headquarters

Since moving its radio operations to the new headquarters in Ecublens, Swiss public broadcaster RTS has been experiencing recurring technical issues, including a notable 11-minute disruption of the morning news flash on October 1, 2026. The move from Lausanne began in November 2025, with full relocation by late June 2026. The new studios feature advanced technology, including self-production capabilities, but teething problems have persisted. Management has now established a task force to stabilize systems in cooperation with equipment manufacturers. RTS downplays the severity, noting the normal challenges of commissioning new infrastructure, but internal dissatisfaction is reportedly high. The public reaction has been limited, with only a few dozen listener complaints.

• RTS moved its radio operations to a new headquarters in Ecublens, with the full relocation completed by late June 2026.
• A technical glitch on October 1, 2026 caused an 11-minute disruption of the morning news flash on RTS La Première.
• RTS management established a task force to address recurring technical issues and stabilize systems with manufacturers.

Jodie Whittaker to star in new media law drama In Contempt

ITV has commissioned In Contempt, a legal drama starring Jodie Whittaker (Doctor…). Also: RTS Television Journalism Awards 2027 open for entries; new trailers for The Celebrity Traitors, Break Clause, Bookish, The Split Up; and more.

Semafor's Tech Summit Signs 24 Partners, Eight-Figure Revenue

Semafor, the global business and economy publisher, has secured 24 commercial partners for its inaugural 'Silicon Valley & The World' event, a two-day conference focused on the AI economy, scheduled for November. The deals have pushed first-year event revenue "well into the eight figures," according to Chief Commercial Officer Rachel Oppenheim. Eight founding partners include Boston Consulting Group, Cisco, Cognizant, Deloitte, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Genesis, Infosys, and the Solana Foundation. Oppenheim highlighted that these brands are convinced by the unique nature of the event. This development underscores the growing importance of events as a revenue stream for publishers. The event marks Semafor's expansion into the conference business, capitalizing on the AI economy's significance.

• Semafor has secured 24 commercial partners for its upcoming 'Silicon Valley & The World' event.
• The event is scheduled for November and focuses on the AI economy.
• First-year event revenue has reached "well into the eight figures."

Semafor Redefines Head of Video Role

Semafor has appointed Adam Banicki as its new head of video, a role that now spans both editorial and commercial operations. Banicki reports to co-founder and editor-in-chief Ben Smith, with a dotted line to chief commercial officer Rachel Oppenheim. His responsibilities include developing video programming ideas with the newsroom and collaborating with the commercial team on go-to-market strategy, pricing, and closing video-related deals. Semafor plans to launch a new tech-focused show in October, hosted by tech editor Reed Albergotti, bringing its portfolio to four shows, with a daily news show in development. Banicki emphasizes collaboration between the newsroom and sales team to ensure commercial interests do not dictate editorial content. He previously held a similar role at Fortune, where he was general manager of video. The appointment reflects a broader industry trend of integrating video leadership across editorial and business functions.

• Semafor appointed Adam Banicki as head of video, a role spanning editorial and commercial operations.
• Banicki reports to co-founder and editor-in-chief Ben Smith, with a dotted line to chief commercial officer Rachel Oppenheim.
• Semafor will launch a new tech-focused show in October, hosted by Reed Albergotti, bringing its portfolio to four shows.