Press Release

From left to right: Guillaume Regnier & Nelson Harris of Cedra Ventures representing the new owners, followed by Katt Cullen & Mark Butcher of SwissVille Broadcasting Sàrl, who handover the reigns of English-language radio in Switzerland.

World Radio Switzerland finds a new owner with Cedra Ventures

One step forward for WRS, a giant leap for Swiss English-language radio.

World Radio Switzerland announces its acquisition by Cedra Ventures GmbH (through Aube Ondes SA), marking a new chapter of growth, investment, and continued service to Switzerland’s international and local communities.

Switzerland is home to approximately 2.2 million foreign residents - nearly 25% of the population (source: Federal Statistics Office) - making it one of Europe’s most internationally diverse countries. With an average of 72,000 monthly listeners, WRS continues to play a key role in connecting this community with Swiss culture, news, and everyday life.

As Switzerland’s only English-language commercial radio station, World Radio Switzerland is a proudly Swiss station with an international voice. It will continue to broadcast a curated mix of contemporary chart music, international hits, and emerging local Swiss talent. It remains firmly rooted in its mission to spotlight Swiss culture while serving its diverse international audience.

World Radio Switzerland will also continue as the official Swiss partner of the BBC World Service, reinforcing its role as a trusted source of international news and strengthening its position as a bridge between Swiss and global perspectives.

The station will maintain its strong editorial focus on Swiss news, politics, culture, interviews, and community-driven content that helps listeners engage with life in Switzerland.

The new ownership group at Cedra Ventures is led by Rodrigo Aguirre, Sahand Hagi, Nelson Harris, Guillaume Regnier and Jenghiz von Streng, with a focus on expansion, sustainability, and community impact.

“World Radio Switzerland is an essential cultural bridge. Our goal is to keep and strengthen its identity as a proudly Swiss station while investing in its future growth, talent, and reach across the country. Looking forward to serving the community and keeping the legacy,” said Rodrigo Aguirre.

“I am delighted to be able to shape the future of WRS, a station I listened to as a kid in my mom’s car driving around Geneva. Having run a college radio station in the US in the now distant past, I know how essential a vibrant and unique station like WRS is to the community. Looking forward to build on Mark and Katt’s strong foundation,” said Nelson Harris.

Operational leadership will be taken on by Station Manager Aurelien Chupin, who brings extensive experience in English and French-language broadcasting in Western Switzerland, including his work at World Radio Geneva, ONE FM & LFM: “Our vision is to build on WRS’s strong legacy, grow its audience, and strengthen its role as a cultural connector,” said Aurelien Chupin. “This station is about community - bringing expats and locals together through Switzerland’s stories, culture, and music.”

The station has been owned and operated by SwissVille Broadcasting Sàrl since 2021, co-owned equally by WRS Breakfast Show presenters, Mark Butcher and Katt Cullen. Both will remain involved with WRS during a lengthy transition period to ensure continuity for listeners and partners. Following this, Mark Butcher will step into retirement after three decades with the station, while Katt Cullen plans to continue pursuing creative projects in podcasting and radio, including continuing the popular Local Talent segment, showcasing Swiss musical talent on-air.

“After 30 incredible years as Breakfast Show host, I couldn’t be prouder of what WRS has become. Now, I’m looking forward to a well-earned lie-in and to watching the station continue to thrive in its next chapter,” said Mark Butcher.

Katt Cullen added: “It has been an absolute honour to serve our listeners and wake-up Switzerland each morning on the Breakfast Show with Mark for the last 12 of those years. I’m confident that WRS has a bright future ahead in Cedra’s hands.”

WRS remains committed to being a trusted English-language source of Swiss news and culture, a platform for local artists, a companion for international residents, and a promoter of Swiss businesses and events.

With renewed investment and expanded staffing plans, Cedra Ventures aims to ensure World Radio Switzerland continues to thrive as a proudly Swiss voice with a global outlook.

Contact :

info@worldradio.ch

grow@cedraventures.com

Katt Cullen and Mark Butcher, Founders of SwissVille Broadcasting who have owned WRS between 2021-2026. They continue to participate in a full handover with the new owners, Cedra Ventures.