Observed Signal · Oct 21, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
SRG to Return FM Radio in All Language Regions
The SRG is preparing to resume FM broadcasting after receiving a new FM concession from Bakom on September 18, which is set to become legally binding after a 30-day objection period expires. The SRG plans to broadcast three radio programs each in German-speaking Switzerland, French-speaking Switzerland, and Ticino. The first phase targets 85% population coverage at an estimated cost of 6.6 million Swiss francs per year, with plans to expand to 95% by end of 2028, potentially raising annual costs to 15 million francs. The decision reverses the SRG's earlier switch-off of FM at the end of 2024, which led to a loss of over half a million listeners. Parliament's December 2025 decision to continue FM beyond 2026 prompted the SRG's return.
Signals a reversal in radio distribution strategy by a major public broadcaster, potentially impacting FM radio advertising reach in Switzerland.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- SRG received a new FM concession from Bakom on September 18, valid until end of 2034.
- SRG plans to resume FM broadcasting with three programs in each language region after concession becomes legally binding.
- First phase targets 85% population coverage at an annual cost of CHF 6.6 million.
- Expansion to 95% coverage by end of 2028 could cost up to CHF 15 million annually.
- SRG had switched off FM at end of 2024, losing over half a million radio listeners in the following half-year.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“Tests are running with Swisscom Broadcast since end of July.”
“The SRG is preparing to resume FM radio broadcasting after receiving a new concession.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
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.
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.
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.
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