Televisione svizzera di lingua italiana (TSI), Swiss television’s Italian-language service, is not just aimed at the Swiss-Italian Switzerland. Also to be counted amongst its viewers are Italian speakers in the mainly German and French-speaking parts of the country. In 2004, TSI registered an average of more than 380 000 daily contacts north of the Alps, which means than more than 380 000 people living in the non-Italian-speaking areas of Switzerland tuned in daily to one of the TSI channels for at least 30 seconds. TSI is also popular with many Italian viewers (Lombardy and Piedmont). In the Swiss-Italian Switzerland, TSI is the leading broadcaster throughout the day. Its average market share over the 24-hour period is in excess of 34%, rising to 41% during prime time (6-11 pm).

TSI 1, the primary television channel, is aimed at a mainstream audience and features news, current affairs and documentaries, the arts, movies and TV films, and programmes of regional interest. TSI 1 provides an overview of the rising tide of information and occupies a distinctive position where global and local issues meet, making an important contribution to strengthening the sense of national identity.

TSI 2 is a complementary channel with the focus on sport, altough “2” also offers children’s programming and repeats of major TSI 1 current affairs and arts programmes. During the morning, before the regular service begins, TSI 2 hosts an information package.