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Switzerland

Last update: 27.06.2024 - older versions

On 27 June 2024, the Swiss public broadcaster, SRG SSR announced it would cease FM broadcasting by the end of the year. 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."

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

Regional multiplexes: 11 Regular
Local multiplexes: 17 Regular

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.

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:

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
Total	54	71	125

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

Bomio: "Around half of the members will reduce their FM capacity at the end of the year."

28.08.2024 - Switzerland

Nicola Bomio has been President of the Association of Swiss Private Radio Stations (VSP) since April. In an interview with persoenlich.com, the head of radio at CH Media explains where he wants to set the tone in future and how he sees the relationship with the SRG. When will private radio stations switch off FM? "This is a decision that every company and every member of our association can make for themselves. Around half of the members will reduce their FM capacity at the end of the year. And then there are others who will continue to broadcast on FM until the end of 2026, as permitted by the Federal Council."

(persoenlich.com) Read more

Switzerland to end 2024 with an analog FM broadcast-killing bang

02.07.2024 - Switzerland

Swiss radio listeners will soon have to toss out their old sets, as the country plans to end analog FM broadcasting on December 31, 2024, in favor of a total conversion to digital. The move has been a long time coming in Switzerland, which has largely already transitioned to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+, an evolution of standard DAB that was designed to address early issues). More than 99 percent of the country have access to a DAB+-compatible receiver and fewer than 10 percent of radio signals in the country still being broadcasted in analog FM, according to the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. FM receivers in automobiles are nearly completely gone in Switzerland, with 99 percent [PDF] of vehicles sold in the country shipping with DAB+ radios as of 2019.

(The Register) Read more

Switzerland to decommission FM antennas

01.07.2024 - Switzerland

SRG SSR, the Swiss public broadcaster and the nation’s largest, will decommission its obsolete FM antennas by the end of the year. The move is not unexpected. The Swiss are increasingly turning to DAB+ or internet broadcasting technology to listen to the news, music, weather or traffic announcements on the radio. Fewer and fewer FM receivers are still in use. Since 2020, Swiss radio stations have not been obligated to broadcast programs on FM. Given the shift in audio consumption and the cost of maintaining three parallel broadcasting technologies, the SRG SSR Board of Directors decided to stop broadcasting programs via the now obsolete FM antennas on 31 December 2024.

(RedTech) Read more

SRG to stop broadcasting FM radio by the end of the year

28.06.2024 - Switzerland

"Given the current economic climate, we fully understand SRG's decision, as it is playing a pioneering role," Philippe Zahno, President of the Association des radios régionales romandes (RRR), told Keystone-ATS. "At present, we are planning to cease FM broadcasting in November 2026," he adds. In his view, the French-speaking regional radio stations cannot afford to lose market share and advertising revenue, which are linked to the number of listeners. They want to take advantage of the extra time to reduce the number of listeners who listen exclusively to FM and who follow French radio stations. The Swiss Association of Private Radio (ASRP), which represents private radio stations in German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino, also welcomed the "important and courageous" decision taken by SSR. "This will advance the digital transformation of radio in Switzerland," said ASRP president Nicola Bomio.

(Le Temps) Read more

SRG SSR to cease FM broadcasting by the end of the year

27.06.2024 - SRG SSR WorldDAB Member - Switzerland

Today, to listen to the news, music, the weather or traffic announcements on the radio, people generally turn to DAB+ or IP (Internet) broadcasting technology. Fewer and fewer FM receivers are still in use in Switzerland. SSR will therefore be decommissioning its obsolete FM antennas by the end of the year. 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.

(SRG SSR) Read more

New campaign for Swiss DAB+. And for motorists.

13.05.2024 - Switzerland

With this new information campaign on DAB+, Swiss radio is targeting drivers in particular. And for good reason. At home, 8 out of 10 minutes of radio are listened to in digital mode. In the car, on the other hand, only two-thirds - the remaining third - are still tuned in to FM. But not for much longer. Even though FM radio licences have been extended until the end of 2026, after that date Swiss radio programmes will only be broadcast in digital format. That's why the current campaign is urging drivers to adapt their car radios. The people responsible for getting the message across are well versed in the subject matter and have their place right next to the radio: bobble-headed figures on the dashboard of a car. They embody the radio programmes and encourage listeners to update or replace their car radio. After all, it's the only way to continue listening to music, news or sports broadcasts from their favourite radio stations after FM has been switched off.

(dabplus.ch / Scholz & Friends) Read more

WorldDAB member focus: SwissMediaCast AG

03.04.2024 -

- SwissMediaCast AG WorldDAB Member - Switzerland

New WorldDAB member SwissMediaCast recently expanded the coverage of their DAB+ network in Switzerland. We learn more about their recent activities and goals in this interview with CEO, Bernhard Schmid. "DAB+ is a future-proof, secure and expandable technology," he says.

(WorldDAB) Read more

First multi-storey car park in Switzerland with complete DAB+ radio coverage via repeaters

23.02.2024 - Sumatronic AG WorldDAB Member - Switzerland

The Casino-Palace multi-storey car park is in a prominent location in Lucerne – directly on the lake between the casino and the 5-star Grand Hotel Mandarin Oriental (formerly The Palace). In order to remain one of the most innovative car parks in Switzerland, the management of the Casino-Palace car park decided to offer guests real added value with a high-quality audio system and comprehensive DAB+ radio reception. While in most car parks the radio goes silent shortly after passing through the barrier, visitors to the Casino Palace car park can now enjoy undisturbed and crystal-clear DAB+ reception right into the furthest corner on all five underground parking levels. Thanks to DAB repeaters, reception is not interrupted in the middle of the news or during your favourite song.

(Sumatronic AG) Read more

Le Bon Mix announces expansion in Switzerland on DAB+

22.02.2024 - digris AG WorldDAB Member - France - Switzerland

As part of a drive to broaden its horizons, Toulouse-based radio station Le Bon Mix, whose chairman is Pierre Denjean from Cadur, is announcing its expansion into Switzerland via DAB+ broadcasting in the cities of Geneva and Neuchâtel, covering an area of more than 1.3 million inhabitants. "The introduction of DAB+ in Switzerland is an important step for Le Bon Mix, but we're keeping a close eye on the reactions of our new audience and are ready to adapt," said Denjean. Broadcasting is entrusted to the Swiss company DIGRIS via two transmitters in Yverdon/Neuchâtel and two transmitters to cover Geneva, with outdoor listening possible as far as Annecy, as well as in the Arve Valley as far as Chamonix.

(Medialot) Read more

Bobbleheads advertise DAB+ in Switzerland

15.02.2024 - OFCOM Switzerland WorldDAB Member - Switzerland

The aim of the campaign is to sensitise drivers in Switzerland to the upcoming switchover to DAB+ and to support them in converting their vehicles. The campaign focuses on radio reception in the car and at the same time illustrates what would be lost without the changeover - such as music in various styles and editorial formats from news to sport. This is ensured by "Bobbleheads", which are attached directly to the car radio on the dashboard and address radio listeners directly. They symbolise radio content, give the abstract topic an emotional approach and do this in an entertaining way, in keeping with the medium of radio. The campaign is now on air throughout Switzerland on TV, radio, OOH, digital, social media and content. Partners from the radio, automotive and retail sectors also have access to advertising material via a portal.

(persönlich) Read more

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Key Information

Status:	regular
Population:	8.7 million
Population coverage:	99.5%
Services:	124 DAB+, 1 Data
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard:	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