RSI La 2 is a Swiss Italian‑language public television channel operated by Radiotelevisione svizzera di lingua italiana (RSI), the Italian‑language division of the Swiss public broadcasting organization SRG SSR. The channel serves the Italian‑speaking population of Switzerland, primarily in the canton of Ticino and parts of the Grisons (Graubünden) region.
History
RSI La 2 was launched as a second channel to complement RSI’s primary service, RSI La 1. Its introduction expanded RSI’s broadcasting capacity, allowing for a broader range of programming and more extensive coverage of live events, particularly sports.
Programming and Content
The channel’s schedule includes a mix of news bulletins, sports coverage, cultural and entertainment programs, documentaries, and films. RSI La 2 is noted for providing live broadcasts of major sporting events, especially those of interest to the Italian‑speaking Swiss audience, such as ice hockey, football, and winter sports. It also airs reruns of popular series and locally produced content.
Distribution
RSI La 2 is available through various distribution platforms:
- Digital terrestrial television (DTT) in Swiss Italian-speaking regions.
- Cable and satellite services throughout Switzerland.
- Online streaming via RSI’s official website and mobile applications, subject to geographical restrictions in accordance with licensing agreements.
Ownership and Funding
As a component of SRG SSR, RSI La 2 is funded through a combination of licence fees, government subsidies, and limited advertising revenue, in line with the public service broadcasting model of Switzerland.
Language
All programming on RSI La 2 is broadcast in Italian, catering to the linguistic preferences of its target audience. Subtitles may be provided for certain foreign‑language content.
Relation to Other Services
RSI La 2 operates alongside RSI La 1, the main RSI television channel, and complements RSI’s radio services, including Radio RSI and RSI Rete Uno. Together, these services constitute the Italian‑language public media offerings of SRG SSR.