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Switzerland to Reactivate FM
via Mike Terry WoR
The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR) plans to resume broadcasting its radio programs on FM radio. This has been known since the end of last year. It could be possible from July 1st. However, the public broadcaster anticipates reactivating the first FM transmitters only "during the third quarter of 2026."
This is according to a report in the SonntagsBlick newspaper, citing internal documents it claims to have obtained. The report states that up to 45 transmitters will be reactivated in the first phase, providing 85 percent population coverage. The main transport routes will be served. The SRG estimates annual costs of approximately 6.6 million Swiss francs for this initial phase.
A second phase will see 67 transmitter sites brought back into operation, increasing population coverage to around 90 percent. In addition to major transport routes, regionally important metropolitan areas would also be served. According to the report, this second phase could be reached no earlier than October. Annual costs would then rise to 8.1 million Swiss francs.
Final expansion only in 2028 or not at all?
According to the report, the third expansion phase would only be feasible by the end of 2028. It envisions 156 transmitter sites and approximately 95 percent population coverage. In addition to major transport links and metropolitan areas, the most important side valleys would also be served. However, the costs would rise to 14.8 million Swiss francs per year.
The report further states that each expansion phase is being reviewed individually. The SRG (
Swiss Broadcasting Corporation) wants to wait and see how the reactivation of the FM transmitters is received by listeners. The expansion phases no longer correspond to the current planning status, the SRG told SonntagsBlick. The umbrella organization of public broadcasters in Switzerland declined to comment on the current plans. However, the SRG will return to FM with its programs "as soon as possible." Several issues still need to be clarified, such as the granting of a new broadcasting license. There are also contractual and technical aspects to consider. www.srfssr.ch
(translated)
No explanation given, at least here.
- Jody Thornton
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Re: Switzerland to Reactivate FM
I wonder if they are losing listenership to neighbouring countries. Otherwise, why would one backtrack on so much progress?
Cheers,
Jody Thornton
- tvguy
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Re: Switzerland to Reactivate FM
probably someone went out and bought a calculator, ran some numbers and discovered that a tiny %age of cars are equipped to receive DAB, and an even smaller %age of Swiss have DAB radios in home or office. That's the reality of the situation. With car sales plunging, any broadcaster who banked on replacement of vehicles in a short period of time - equipped with DAB was out of touch. Add to that the push back from carmakers, on including radios as "standard" items. I travel to Europe regularly and have yet to ride in a vehicle equipped with DAB. When I ask people in Europe about DAB many people say "never heard of it". Perhaps it's just a demographic thing, but as we know from North America, younger people - some of whom embrace new technologies, want little to do with over-the-air radio. So another opportunity lost for the promoters of DAB.
Last edited by tvguy (May 5, 2026 5:39 pm)
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Re: Switzerland to Reactivate FM
tvguy wrote:
probably someone went out and bought a calculator, ran some numbers and discovered that a tiny %age of cars are equipped to receive DAB, and an even smaller %age of Swiss have DAB radios in home or office. That's the reality of the situation. With car sales plunging, any broadcaster who banked on replacement of vehicles in a short period of time - equipped with DAB was out of touch. Add to that the push back from carmakers, on including radios as "standard" items. I travel to Europe regularly and have yet to ride in a vehicle equipped with DAB. When I ask people in Europe about DAB many people say "never heard of it". Perhaps it's just a demographic thing, but as we know from North America, younger people - some of whom embrace new technologies, want little to do with over-the-air radio. So another opportunity lost for the promoters of DAB.
Or as they used to say at Brylcreem, "A little DAB won't do ya."
- RadioAaron
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Re: Switzerland to Reactivate FM
I wonder if they are losing listenership to neighbouring countries. Otherwise, why would one backtrack on so much progress?
Assuming people being upset that their otherwise perfectly working radios were suddenly useless. Especially older folks who VOTE
- andysradio
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Re: Switzerland to Reactivate FM
More from “Radio Magazine” (translated)
SWITZERLAND: End of FM, no date but not until 2034.
The main private radios have fought to keep the FM. The early stop of its use by the public broadcaster resulted in a major failure.
In December 2025, the Swiss Parliament had decided to allow the broadcasting of FM radio programs even after the expiration of the broadcasting licenses in 2026. The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) has just finalized the procedure for issuing FM licenses from 2027.
As a result, private radios can continue to use their current frequencies and not have to participate in a new tender. On the other hand, SRG can also recycle all the frequencies it used until the end of 2024
It remains to be seen what the public broadcaster plans to do. He plans to reactivate FM following a significant decline in its audience since the FM stopped. Will he reactivate all his networks, facing his financial situation and the cost involved?
All relevant stations are to file a request with the Federal Office of Communications and Audiovisual (OFCOM). Unclaimed frequencies at the end of 2026 may be subject to a tender call by OFCOM in 2027. All radio broadcasters can apply. OFCOM is expected to publish clusters on its website in spring 2026, applications will be open until the end of June. If several broadcasters are interested in a single cluster, OFCOM plans to hold an auction, likely in the fall of 2026.
Last edited by andysradio (May 5, 2026 6:59 pm)
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