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Switzerland

Last update: 21.01.2025 - older versions

On 31 December 2024, the Swiss public broadcaster, SRG SSR ceased FM broadcasting. In announcing this plan in June 2024, it noted that "Around ten years ago, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM), private radio stations and the SRG began working closely together to plan the transition from FM to DAB+. The predictions made at the time - that DAB+ would become the new radio standard - have been borne out: the proportion of people who listen to radio exclusively via FM has now stagnated at less than 10%. From 2020, the industry will no longer be obliged to broadcast radio programmes using this technology, and maintaining three parallel broadcasting technologies is costly. The SRG Board of Directors has therefore decided to stop broadcasting SRG radio programmes via the now obsolete FM antennas on 31 December 2024."

For private radio stations, depending on the radio station, individual FM transmitters in a broadcasting area will be switched off in stages from 1 January 2025 (fade-out process) or in their entirety at the end of 2026. The Association of Swiss Private Radios (VSP) has more details on its website. It is understood that as of January 2025, three local stations have switched FM off completely: Radio Stadtfilter, Radio 3fach, and Radio GOAT. Most stations in German-speaking areas have turned off some FM transmitters, especially smaller ones, while they plan to keep one or two high-power transmitters on until 2026, to keep urban areas covered. In French-speaking areas, most radio stations plan to continue until the end of 2026.

Digital radio use in Switzerland has grown steadily since 2015: radio use via IP has increased from 26% in 2015 to 39% in 2023, while use via DAB+ has almost doubled in this period (2015: 23%, 2023: 41%). In German-speaking Switzerland, DAB+ is the most frequently used reception channel at 43%, while IP is ahead in French-speaking Switzerland at 41%. Half of radio listeners, or 45% of the population, only use digital reception channels, compared to 10% of the population who only listen to radio via FM. Around 31% use both. The proportion of people who do not use radio at all is 12%. This means that digital radio use has stabilised at a high level. As new cars are equipped with DAB+ as standard, in-car use will also become increasingly digital.

Read the Ofcom Switzerland press release

 
Swiss DAB+ Broadcast Networks Factsheet

A new factsheet on DAB+ digital radio in Switzerland has been produced for automotive manufacturers as the country prepares for FM switch-off. 

The factsheet from WorldDAB - the global industry forum for digital radio - was produced as part of the work of its Automotive Working Group, in partnership with DIGIMIG, the Swiss body for DAB digital radio, and RadioDNS which promotes hybrid radio.   

Swiss DAB+ Broadcast Networks

 

Last extension of FM licenses by two years

Radio programmes can be broadcast on FM until the end of 2026. At its meeting on 25 October 2023, the Federal Council extended the FM licences due to expire in 2024 for another two years. This will give broadcasters more flexibility to successfully migrate from analogue to digital radio.

By revising the Ordinance on the Use of the Radio Frequency Spectrum (RFSO), the Federal Council has made it possible for existing FM radio licences to remain valid beyond their current expiry date until the end of 2026. Radio broadcasters can also choose to discontinue analogue broadcasting before then; they have not been required to broadcast on FM since 2020. Radio broadcasters had originally planned to discontinue FM broadcasting by the end of 2024 at the latest. This last extension to the end of 2026 gives them the opportunity to find individual solutions to successfully complete their migration from FM to digital radio.

Read the OFCOM press release

 

Last update: 15.04.2020 - older versions

Digital radio on DAB+ in Switzerland reaches over 99% of the population (outdoor 99%, indoor over 96%). 99% of the roads are covered, including high way tunnels.  

The latest commissioning is published as news on www.broadcast.ch.

Further resources on DAB+ coverage in Switzerland

Broadcast.ch Reception Card

Reception in Switzerland

SwissMediaCast Coverage Maps

 

 

Last update: 21.06.2022 - older versions

In this country there are

on air.

Swiss DAB+ Broadcast Networks Factsheet

A new factsheet on DAB+ digital radio in Switzerland has been produced for automotive manufacturers as the country prepares for FM switch-off in 2024. 

The factsheet from WorldDAB - the global industry forum for digital radio - was produced as part of the work of its Automotive Working Group, in partnership with DIGIMIG, the Swiss body for DAB digital radio, and RadioDNS which promotes hybrid radio.   

Swiss DAB+ Broadcast Networks

 

Please note:

(a)    These web pages are updated regularly to reflect current services on air, however they may not be exactly up to date.

(b)    The logos shown on these pages are for illustrative purposes only – manufacturers and broadcasters are directed here for information on implementing station logos.

Because of the structure of four languages, in Switzerland, there are no national multiplexes. Four of the seven language regional multiplexes are run by the public broadcaster SRG SSR since 1999. The first commercial DAB+ multiplex was launched by SMC in October 2009 in the German part of the country, the second one (ROM) at the end of 2013 in the French speaking part. Since December 2020 SMC runs a second language regional multiplex in the italian speaking part of Switzerland (Ticino). SMC also runs four regional multiplexes since December 2012. The first local multiplex (Geneva region) started in May 2014 in particular for non-profit radios. Today 17 so-called “local DAB+ islands” are on air in bigger agglomerations of the whole country, all run by Digris.

For an up to date list of services on air please visit: 

SRG Broadcast

SwissMediaCast (SMC)

Romandie Médias

Digris

DABPlus 

For further information about DAB+ in Switzerland, please visit:

Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM)

DABPlus, the Communication Campaign

All programs are distributed on internet as well, and in addition, there are 78 internet only services.

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB+ programmes 54 70 124
Data services 0 1 1
Total5471125

Last update: 26.02.2021 - older versions

99% of new cars in Switzerland now with DAB+ as standard

99 percent of all new cars are now equipped with a DAB+ radio as standard. Despite the pandemic-related slump in car sales, in 2020 the number of passenger cars equipped with DAB+ increased by 275,000 to just under 2 million vehicles.

DAB+ usage in cars

DAB+ could be received in 42 per cent of all vehicles at the end of 2020; at 47 per cent, reception via DAB+ is higher than via FM (45%), and overall digital use (including the internet) stands at 55 per cent.

 

 

Last update: 01.11.2021 - older versions

5.7 million DAB+ radios sold

In 2020, just under 600,000 DAB+ radios (including car radios) were sold.

According to the six-monthly surveys of electronics stores conducted by the market research institute GfK, a total of 5.7 million DAB+ devices have been sold since 2000. This indicates coverage of about one and a half devices per household.

There is also a clear upward trend in DAB+ equipment in vehicles: 99 percent of all new cars are now equipped with a DAB+ radio as standard. 

Last update: 26.08.2021 - older versions

Digital switchover

Swiss radio broadcasters will shut down FM as originally planned on 31 December 2024, according to a press release published by Digimig, the Swiss broadcaster working group on digital migration, on 26 August 2021. On the same date, FM radio licences expire. From that date onwards, radio programmes will no longer be broadcast via FM. With the return to the original switch-off date, consumers have more time to switch technology.

In 2014, Swiss radio broadcasters agreed to stop broadcasting on FM by 2024 at the latest. At the end of 2020, almost three quarters of radio listening was digital, and the radio industry decided that an early and staggered shutdown of the FM stations in August 2022 (SRG) and in January 2023 (private radio) would be responsible. 42 out of 44 of Switzerland's radio broadcasters and the public broadcaster SRG agreed on this.

A public debate on FM switch off took place in 2021. In the German-speaking and Italian speaking regions of Switzerland, the vast majority of radio broadcasters remained in favour of the early shutdown of VHF, however not in French-speaking Switzerland. Since a nationwide solution is needed, radio broadcasters returned to their original plan of switching off the FM stations by 31 December 2024.

Key features of regulation for digital radio in Switzerland are:

  • Band III
  • National multiplexes
  • All stations are on DAB+
  • In 2013 stand-alone Band III ensembles were authorised by the regulator in the main conurbations, intended as a DAB+ platform for the smaller, non-commercial broadcasters
  • On December 1st 2014 radio market players presented to the regulator a detailed digital switch over plan
  • In 2016, it was decided that all services in the future should be DAB+
  • OFCOM holds the spectrum licence
  • In mid-February 2012, OFCOM awarded a broadcast licence to Romandie Médias SA to operate a further DAB+ network in French-speaking Switzerland. The new platform, which has a capacity of up to 18 DAB+ stations, went on air in April 2014.
  • The SRG licence includes the operation of a DAB multiplex and transmission network in Band III. The transmitter sites are operated by Swisscom Broadcast, but SRG is responsible for the planning of the network, signal generating and multiplexing.

 

 

Last update: 03.10.2024 - older versions

Over the past few years, a number of campaigns have launched in Switzerland on national TV and radio, to help promote DAB+ and inform listeners, drivers and consumers of the benefits of digital radio.

Current campaign

In order to encourage listeners to switch to digital reception at home and in the car, a multi-year information campaign was launched on 4 May 2020. It is intended to support the audience with information and assistance during the upcoming FM phase-out. The campaign will include TV and radio spots, social media activities, out-of-home advertising, measures for equipment dealers and car dealerships, plus a helpdesk to advise the public. The campaign will run until the final FM switch-off.

 

 

 

Last update: 08.04.2019 - older versions

Switzerland is also a pioneer in DAB/DAB+ tunnel rebroadcast systems. There are currently eight tunnels equipped and the plan is to cover up to 200 tunnels using 100 head ends and 1,000 transmitting sites. Emergency voice break-in, signal levels, system design and interfaces are also going to be specified. 

The emergency alerting system in Switzerland for disasters today primarily relies on sirens (for “wake-up”) and Swiss Radio (for delivering the information). Swiss Radio currently broadcasts via VHF as well as via DAB+. Information can also be displayed on TV on banners and teletext, although this was only used once so far. In addition to this, cantons and municipalities are free to add their own channels for their official information (e.g., Twitter or Facebook).

In the next years, additional channels will be added. As of 2018, emergency alerts, warnings and information will also be published via the smartphone App “Alertswiss”, and the Website www.alertswiss.ch . As of 2019, further channels shall be added.

Regarding DAB+ in particular, the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) has undertaken different technical assessments and studies. Swiss Post, in collaboration with FOCP, has developed and successfully tested a prototype of a smart letterbox display that can show governmental information in case of an emergency. This information can be transmitted via DAB+. See also: https://youtu.be/kfTu4C7G3-Y

SUNSHINE LIVE changes DAB+ frequency in Switzerland
16.01.2025 - Switzerland Switzerland
We are expanding our DAB+ broadcasting area in Switzerland and switching to a new frequency. From 16 January you will be able to listen to us in even more cities in the best DAB+ quality. If you suddenly can't find us on the DAB+ frequency you were used to from 16 January, just start a new search on your radio and you'll have the best electronic music tracks again for at home, on the road or at work. Since the beginning of 2023, we have had a SUNSHINE LIVE programme specially tailored to Switzerland. Thanks to the frequency change, we will be covering northern Switzerland from Basel to Chur from Thursday and bringing the best from the world of electronic music even closer to you.

(SUNSHINE LIVE) Read more

SRG mux from another location
16.01.2025 - Switzerland Switzerland
The SRG SSR DAB+ multiplex for German-speaking Switzerland on channel 12C is now also being broadcast from the Melchtal Dorf site. The radiation power is 270 watts.

(SatelliFax) Read more

DAB+ makes it possible
16.01.2025 - Switzerland Switzerland
News, stock exchange, sport, culture, regional reports - the programme summarises all this and more. Some of it is produced by the programme's own editorial team, but much of it also comes from other SRG stations. The voices on SRF 4 News are exceptionally professional and likeable. Factual, cleverly formulated, perfectly spoken. Many people will now discover how good this station is on DAB+. When people talk about the SRG's performance mandate, this station is proof that it is being realised around the clock. Despite all the discussions about DAB+ - the station was never heard on FM or medium wave - you can see that many stations can now be heard on retrofitted or new radio sets that offer clear added value.

(persönlich) Read more

Swiss adapt to digital-only state broadcaster
07.01.2025 - Switzerland Switzerland
The Swiss appear to have swiftly adapted to their state broadcaster’s decision to transmit exclusively on digital platforms. On New Year’s Eve, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR) turned off connections to its analog FM transmitters at 11:59 p.m. As RedTech reported last year, Switzerland’s transition to digital-only radio broadcasting has been years in the making. Planning began about a decade ago when the Swiss Federal Office of Communications, private radio stations and SRG SSR collaborated to establish DAB+ as the new standard. Predictions of its success have largely been validated, solidifying digital platforms as the future of Swiss broadcasting. In 2020, Swiss radio stations were no longer obligated to broadcast on FM. Confronted with the high costs of maintaining three broadcasting technologies and shifting audience habits, SRG SSR’s board of directors opted to phase out FM transmission by 31 December 2024.

(RedTech) Read more

Switzerland: SRG SSR transition from FM to DAB+ on 31 December
02.01.2025 - SRG SSR WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland
Radio is increasingly listened to via digital reception modes. Analogue broadcasting methods, such as FM, which have been in operation since 1952, are a thing of the past. DAB+ is the new international standard that is taking over from FM. In Switzerland, over 99% of the population already receives DAB+. The change in technology has been underway for several years, and sales of DAB+ radios are booming in Switzerland. DAB+ is now the new standard; remaining FM usage is stagnating at under 10%. SRG SSR has therefore decided to stop broadcasting its radio programmes via obsolete FM antennas from 31 December 2024.

(SRG SSR) Read more

Swiss Private Radio Association: FM switch-off plan
31.12.2024 - Switzerland Switzerland
The switch-off of FM will begin at the end of the year. Unlike the SRG, which will switch off its FM broadcasting as early as 31 December 2024, the private radio stations will follow a different timing. The Association of Swiss Private Radio Stations (VSP) is providing information on the planned switch-off of FM broadcasting by its radio stations. Some private radio stations will gradually switch off individual FM transmitters in their broadcasting area from 1 January 2025 as part of a so-called ‘fadeout process’, while others will not cease their entire FM broadcasting until the end of 2026 directly. The different timing of FM switch-off for private radio stations is due to the specific circumstances in the respective broadcasting areas. Some FM sites of Radio 32 were switched off on 31 December 2024.

(Association of Swiss Private Radio Stations (VSP) ) Read more

Marco Derighetti: "DAB+, an agreed choice to look to the future"
22.12.2024 - SRG SSR WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland
Marco Derighetti, Operations Director, SRG SSR, writes: "More than twenty years ago, the need arose in Switzerland for a radio broadcasting technology that would allow an expansion of the radio programmes available on the territory with free-to-air reception. DAB technology, later refined into DAB+, was able to satisfy this need. In fact, DAB+ made it possible to significantly increase the number of channels available to the population. The FM band could only accommodate around 20 channels. Depending on where you are in Switzerland, you can now pick up between 100 and 200 radio stations. Moreover, the development of DAB+ coverage in Switzerland has reached great maturity and is technically superior to that offered by FM."

(Corriere del Ticino) Read more

SRG to switch off FM signal at the end of 2024
22.12.2024 - SRG SSR WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland
As the end of 2024 approaches, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG) will also switch off its FM transmission. However, around two dozen private radio stations in Switzerland will continue to broadcast via FM and will not switch off the service until the end of 2026 at the latest. The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG) is switching off its 850 VHF broadcasting antennas at midnight on 31 December 2024. According to its own figures, this will save around CHF 15 million per year. According to the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom), around 10 per cent of the population in Switzerland still listen to the radio exclusively via FM. Meanwhile, the use of DAB+ and internet radio has risen continuously since 2015: for DAB+ from 23 to 41 per cent in 2023 and for internet radio from 26 to 39 per cent.

(Blick) Read more

WorldDAB Summit: FM shutdowns in Germany and Switzerland
11.12.2024 - WorldDAB News - Switzerland Switzerland - Germany Germany
As DAB+ continues gaining traction in Europe, analog FM stations are set to be shutdown entirely in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein and all of Switzerland. The details of these “FM switch-offs” were discussed during the WorldDAB Summit 2024 session, “Switchover is Happening Here and Now.” WorldDAB, the industry group promoting the DAB+ digital radio standard, hosted the summit on Nov. 14 in Zagreb, Croatia. Dirk Schrödter, head of the state chancellery of Schleswig-Holstein, opened the session by declaring his state home to the happiest people in Germany. “This is surely due to the great radio stations we have in the north,” Schrödter proclaimed. “And now,” he added, “we are making people even happier: Schleswig-Holstein will be the first in Germany to fully switch to the new, more convenient DAB+ standard.”

(Radio World) Read more

Questions and answers on the end of FM
28.11.2024 - SRG SSR WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland
SRG will switch off the FM frequencies of its radio stations at the end of 2024. Radio SRF 1, Radio SRF 2 Kultur and Radio SRF 3 can then also only be received via digital radio (e.g. DAB+, internet radio or cable). The SRG Customer Centre has received several hundred emails and calls on this topic in recent weeks. Here are the four most frequently asked questions - and the answers. 1. how can the stereo system be made DAB+-ready? Although newer stereo systems are equipped with DAB+, older models often are not. In most cases, they can be retrofitted with DAB+ using an adapter. It is important that the stereo system has an aux-in or line-in input.

(SRG SSR) Read more

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Key Information

Status: regular
Population: 8.7 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 99.5%
Services: 124 DAB+, 1 Data
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard: Sparkline Graph 99%
Total Sales (cumulative): 5,694,000 devices
Last update: 01.11.2021

Useful Links

DABPlus
SwissMediaCast (SMC)
Romandie Médias
Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM)
SRG Broadcast
Digris