A non-regulated but structured profession
No degree is required by law to work as a journalist in Switzerland. In practice, newsrooms in Lausanne, Geneva, Sion or Neuchâtel recruit interns holding a bachelor or master degree, then train them on the job for two years.
The newsroom internship and the CFJM
Interns in French-speaking Switzerland also attend courses at the Centre for Journalism and Media Training (CFJM) in Lausanne. Largely funded by publishers, the programme mixes theory modules, supervised reporting and assessments, and often determines access to professional status.
The master at the Neuchâtel Academy
The Academy of Journalism and Media at the University of Neuchâtel offers a master that combines university teaching with newsroom placements. It appeals to candidates from other disciplines, notably law, economics or political science, who want to work in the French-language press.
The professional register and the press card
At the end of the internship, journalists can be entered in the professional register, known by the initials RP, which is managed by industry associations such as impressum. The resulting press card eases access to press conferences, courts and parliamentary sessions.
Public broadcasters, private newsrooms and agencies
The main employers in French-speaking Switzerland are RTS in Geneva and Lausanne, Keystone-ATS, the Tamedia dailies, Le Temps, the ESH Médias group with Le Nouvelliste and Arcinfo, plus regional TV and radio stations funded by the licence fee.
impressum 2026 pay scales for registered journalists
The 2026 scales published by impressum, applied notably at Tamedia Publications romandes, set 5863 francs a month for an RP journalist in the first and second year, 6970 francs from the fifth year and 8304 francs from the nineteenth year.
How newsroom interns are paid
Under the same scales, an intern earns about 4060 francs during the probation period, around 4365 francs for the rest of the first year and about 4981 francs in the second year. Other publishers apply their own scales, so check at interview.
Freelance journalism and self-employed status
The 2026 scale for external contributors sets about 598 francs per multimedia day and 121 francs per hour. Freelancers must register with an AVS (old-age insurance) fund as self-employed; many combine freelancing with part-time work in Switzerland in teaching or communications.
Switching from journalism to communications
Job cuts in the print press have pushed many journalists towards the press offices of cantons, university hospitals or multinationals. Openings in the field are described on our page on communications jobs in Switzerland, together with the usual bridges between the two professions.
Bilingualism and German-language newsrooms
A journalist able to work in German finds jobs in Bern, Biel or Fribourg, notably at the Federal Palace, Keystone-ATS or bilingual media. Understanding spoken Swiss German helps with interviews in eastern Switzerland.
Knowing Swiss institutions before the interview
Editors-in-chief often test knowledge of federalism: the role of the cantons, direct democracy, popular votes and the Federal Council. A candidate from France must master these basics before the interview, as political coverage follows the calendar of quarterly votes.
Ethics and the Swiss Press Council
The Declaration of the Duties and Rights of Journalists governs the profession, and the Swiss Press Council examines complaints from the public. Newsrooms also expect a sound grasp of personality rights and the rules protecting sources.
Steps to land a journalism job in Switzerland
- Track the internship offers published each year by RTS, Tamedia, ESH Médias, Le Temps and regional radio stations, often several months in advance.
- Build a portfolio of published articles, audio or video reports, ideally on Swiss or cross-border topics.
- If needed, request a SEFRI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation) level certificate to position a foreign journalism degree with a publisher.
- Complete the CFJM training or the Neuchâtel master during the internship, then apply for entry in the professional register.
- Check your L, B or G permit with the cantonal population office before any regular collaboration.
- Register with an AVS compensation fund as self-employed if you freelance for several titles.
Press pay scales and expenses to plan for
| Item | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Intern, second year | About 4981 CHF gross per month | impressum 2026 scale, depending on publisher |
| RP journalist, years 1 and 2 | 5863 CHF gross per month | impressum 2026 scale, Tamedia French-speaking titles |
| RP journalist with 19 years of experience or more | 8304 CHF gross per month | Same scale, other publishers vary |
| Freelance, multimedia day | About 598 CHF | 2026 scale for external contributors |
| SEFRI level certificate | 350 CHF | Optional, non-regulated profession |
| LAMal and rent | Variable | Depends on canton, deductible and city, Geneva costs more |
What goes into a newsroom application
- Swiss CV with photo and references from editors-in-chief
- Cover letter written in the newsroom's language
- Portfolio of published work with links to articles or audio and video excerpts
- University or journalism degrees
- Employment references and internship certificates
- Foreign press card or certificate from a journalists' association
- Passport or residence permit
Missteps by journalists applying in Switzerland
- Pitching stories centred on French politics without showing any knowledge of the cantons, popular votes or local news in French-speaking Switzerland.
- Sending an unproofread portfolio with mistakes or turns of phrase typical of France, when newsrooms judge the quality of written French first.
- Accepting regular freelance work without registering with the AVS or clarifying copyright and the multimedia rights transfer set out in the scale.
- Freelancing from France for a Swiss outlet without checking the applicable tax and social security status, which can lead to double contributions.
- Neglecting German, even though federal coverage in Bern and German-language economic sources are essential for many positions.
Questions from journalists targeting French-speaking Switzerland
Is my French press card recognised in Switzerland?
It does not automatically give access to the Swiss professional register. Associations such as impressum look at your main activity, your employer and your experience. A foreign card helps with one-off accreditations, but newsrooms mainly look at your published work and local knowledge.
Do I have to go through the CFJM to work in French-language Swiss media?
It is not a legal requirement, but most interns hired by publishers in French-speaking Switzerland follow this training during their two-year internship. An experienced journalist from abroad can be hired directly, especially in a specialist field such as economics or health.
Do the impressum pay scales apply to every newsroom?
No, the 2026 scales published by impressum apply notably to Tamedia Publications romandes. RTS, small regional newsrooms and online media may use other scales or contracts. Always ask which reference scale applies and how many monthly salaries are paid per year.
Can a freelance journalist make a living in Switzerland?
It is hard with a single client. Freelancers in French-speaking Switzerland usually combine several titles, writing assignments for institutions and sometimes teaching. The daily rate in the scale is a benchmark, but many outlets pay per page or a flat fee per story.