Observed Signal · May 3, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
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.
SRG's phased FM relaunch affects radio reach, operating costs and the availability of linear audio inventory—relevant to audio advertising, regional audience measurement and broadcaster distribution strategies, but the change is national and incremental rather than industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- SRG will file an application with the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) to resume FM (UKW) broadcasts.
- First rollout: ~85% population coverage, operating costs ~CHF 6.6 million per year, targeted on-air in Q3 2026.
- Second rollout: ~90% coverage, ~CHF 8.1 million per year, earliest October 2026; third rollout: ~95% coverage by end-2028, ~CHF 14.8 million per year.
- SRG plans to broadcast all three radio programmes on FM again, including niche station Radio SRF 2 Kultur.
- SRG had shut off FM distribution end of 2024 and reversed course after parliament delayed the planned UKW 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.
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.
No FM Re‑equipment of Tunnels Planned
Switzerland's Federal Roads Office (Astra) does not plan to re‑equip road tunnels with FM (UKW) radio, citing high costs, despite the public broadcaster SRG deciding to resume FM transmissions after having stopped them at the end of 2024. Astra spokesperson Jérôme Jacky said tunnel users are primarily informed via visual systems (e.g., blinking signals, lighted emergency exits). The Swiss parliament passed a motion last December requesting a longer availability of FM, prompting SRG to announce a return to FM broadcasting, possibly as early as autumn 2026; exact timing remains unclear.
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