Observed Signal · Aug 26, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Swiss FM (UKW) Revival Reverses DAB+ Switch
A commentary reflects on a 2025 Swiss debate over switching off FM (UKW) in favour of DAB+, noting that parliament reversed the planned shutdown after public pressure and activism by media figure Roger Schawinski. The Swiss public broadcaster SRG had already decommissioned many FM transmitters and now faces costly rebuilding of its FM network. The piece argues radio remains emotionally powerful and resilient despite digital competitors like Spotify and podcasts. It also notes SRF's radio talk show "Persönlich" is celebrating its 50th anniversary and that longtime presenter Ralph Wicki is retiring. The column is authored by Matthias Ackeret, publisher and editor-in-chief of persoenlich.com.
A national policy reversal on FM (UKW) affects broadcast infrastructure, SRG's capital costs and the distribution/monetization landscape for audio content in Switzerland; limited broader AdTech impact.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- In 2025, the Swiss parliament reversed the planned shutdown of UKW (FM) frequencies.
- Media pioneer Roger Schawinski played a prominent role in the public campaign that contributed to the reversal.
- SRG had already switched off its UKW transmitters and now must rebuild its FM network at significant cost.
- SRF's radio talk show "Persönlich" is celebrating its 50th anniversary; host Ralph Wicki is giving his farewell.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“Matthias Ackeret ist Verleger und Chefredaktor von persoenlich.com....”
“Im Regen stand dabei lediglich die SRG, die ihre UKW-Sender bereits abgestellt hatte und nun für teures Geld ihr UKW-Netz erneut aufbauen mu...”
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.
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 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.
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