Observed Signal · Jun 17, 2026 · Regulatory Filing · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
SRG Files Application for FM (UKW) Frequencies
Swiss public broadcaster SRG has submitted an application to the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) for FM (UKW) frequencies as part of its planned return to FM radio. SRG media spokesperson Nik Leuenberger confirmed the filing and said the broadcaster intends to resume FM transmission "as quickly as possible," but noted that a new broadcasting concession and contractual and technical conditions still need to be met. Bakom documentation indicates that the new radio concessions are intended to take effect from 2027, though concessions for stations that previously held frequencies could be granted earlier. SRG had switched off FM distribution at the end of 2024 and decided to return after the Swiss parliament postponed the nationwide FM shutdown that had been planned for the end of 2026.
National-level regulatory filing affects radio broadcast availability and audio ad inventory in Switzerland; relevant to broadcasters, advertisers and agencies planning audio campaigns, but limited geographic scope.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- SRG submitted an application to the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) for FM (UKW) frequencies.
- SRG media spokesperson Nik Leuenberger confirmed the filing and said SRG aims to return to FM "as quickly as possible."
- A new broadcasting concession must be issued and contractual and technical aspects resolved before SRG can resume FM transmission.
- Bakom documentation indicates the new radio concessions are to take effect from 2027, though issuance for stations with prior frequencies could occur earlier.
- SRG had switched off FM distribution at the end of 2024 and opted to return after parliament delayed the planned end-2026 FM shutdown.
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SRG to Resume FM Broadcasting This Autumn
Switzerland’s public broadcaster SRG plans to restart analogue FM (UKW) radio transmissions in autumn 2026 after political pressure and a December parliamentary motion. FM technical tests have been running since 20 July 2026, with Swisscom Broadcast AG conducting function checks at multiple sites on SRG’s behalf. The Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) is expected to issue the required UKW concession in August 2026. SRG had switched distribution to DAB+ and shut down UKW in January, a move linked to about a 6% market-share loss in the first half of 2025. SRG says tests continue, older equipment remains in use and contractual details with Swisscom are still being clarified. Initial operating costs are estimated at about CHF 6.6 million per year, with potential expansion costs up to CHF 15 million.
Susanne Wille plans three-step UKW (FM) return
Swiss public broadcaster SRG plans a phased return to FM (UKW) radio rather than a full immediate relaunch. According to reporting in SonntagsBlick and an internal SRG paper, SRG will apply to the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) and implement three expansion steps: an initial rollout covering about 85% of the population (focused on major traffic routes) with estimated operating costs of CHF 6.6 million per year and an expected on-air target in Q3 2026; a second step to reach ~90% at CHF 8.1 million/year (earliest October 2026); and a final step to reach ~95% by end-2028 at CHF 14.8 million/year. SRG intends to restore all three radio programmes to FM, including Radio SRF 2 Kultur, but internal research warns it may be difficult to recover pre-shutdown audience levels.
No Auctions for FM Radio Licences
Switzerland's Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) will grant FM (UKW) radio licences in autumn 2026 after a tender of 20 frequency packages across 13 regions drew no competing applications. Nineteen valid applications were received from non-public-service commercial radios, but no frequency package had more than one applicant, so Bakom decided an auction is unnecessary and will directly award the requested concessions. Applications from SRG and other licensed broadcasters for their existing FM frequencies are being processed and will also be granted in autumn. Plans to switch off FM at the end of 2026 were reversed after parliament demanded continued FM availability; SRG announced it will resume FM broadcasting following that decision.
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