"There is a clear upward trend in viewing numbers. On average, just under half a million people in Switzerland watch the contest, corresponding to an audience share of around 30%. With this in mind, Schweizer Fernsehen has revamped the process for selecting Switzerland's entry for the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest," the broadcaster said in a statement.
In the first round, all performers who would like to take part, will present their new and specially-written songs on a special website. The entry period runs from the 1st of October to the 30th of October.
From the beginning of November, users can then vote for their favourite songs. In parallel, the entries will also be rated by an expert jury, whose opinion carries a weighting of 50% in selecting the shortlist.
The winners of the preliminary round will present their songs in the Big Decider Show, a major production that will go out live from Kreuzlingen on the 11th of December.
Viewers will decide via televoting on the ultimate winner, who will go on to represent Switzerland at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest.
In 2010, Switzerland was represented by Michael von der Heide with the song Il Pleut de L'Or. He finished 17th in the second Semi-Final in Oslo.
