Click to return to the index page
You are not currently logged in. Member Login
Become a member | Forgot your password? | Activate account
Select Country:

Switzerland

Last update: 23.04.2026 - older versions

In December 2025, the Council of States narrowly supported a motion from the National Council calling on the Federal Council to abandon the planned deactivation of FM. The National Council motion called on the Federal Council to extend the current FM licences or to launch a new tender for the allocation of FM licences from 1 January 2027.

Accordingly, in April 2026, media regulator OFCOM set out the procedure for awarding FM radio licences for the broadcasting of radio programming from 2027 onwards. SRG SSR and private radio stations with a public service mandate may continue to use their existing frequencies upon application. The remaining frequencies will be reallocated. FM broadcasting remains voluntary. If several interested parties apply for the same frequencies, an auction will take place.

Prior to this, 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.

In autumn 2024, just before SSR's FM switch-off, the Digital Migration working group once again collected figures on radio usage. The results show that the majority of the Swiss population has already switched over to digital radio: at the last measurement in autumn 2024, only 8% of listeners listened to the radio exclusively via FM, while 83 out of every 100 minutes were listened to via DAB+ or the internet. Digital usage has reached a new peak since the start of the study. Digital broadcast channels were used to a similar extent (DAB+: 42%; IP: 41%). The majority of radio use still takes place at home: 60% of minutes listened to are spent at home, 20% at work and almost 14% in the car. This breakdown has remained stable over the years.

2025 audience data is available here:

FM-DAB-IP Study: Radio usage in Switzerland, spring 2025.

Radio Station listening: https://www.mediapulse.ch/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Berichtband-Semesterpublikation-Radio-1-25-update-August-25.pdf.

 
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: 26.08.2021 - 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: Massive increase in coverage thanks to DAB+ expansion in Switzerland
19.02.2026 - Germany Germany - Switzerland Switzerland
German electronics broadcaster SUNSHINE LIVE is consolidating its presence in the Swiss audio market and reporting significant growth for the second half of 2025. By tripling its digital broadcasting area, the programme can now be received throughout German-speaking Switzerland via DAB+. This technical expansion is directly reflected in listener figures, which have risen by 34 per cent compared to the first half of the year. This step is of central importance for strategic development in the DACH region. With a total daily reach of around two million people in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the brand is increasingly positioning itself as a cross-border platform for electronic music.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

Sunshine Live expands DAB+ coverage in Switzerland
02.02.2026 - Switzerland Switzerland
The digital broadcaster Sunshine Live is expanding its presence in the Swiss radio market. Since January 2026, the electronic music programme has also been available in the Bern-Fribourg area via the digital terrestrial network. It is broadcast via the SwissMediaCast multiplex on the regional DAB+ channel SMC D03 BE-FR, which operates on the 8B frequency. Technically, the station is broadcast at a data rate of 64 kbit/s. Within the multiplex, the programme occupies a capacity of 48 capacity units. With this step, Sunshine Live is further consolidating its broadcasting network in western and central Switzerland and using the existing infrastructure of regional digital packages to increase its technical reach.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

Radio audience in Switzerland remains strong despite partial deactivation of FM band
16.01.2026 - Switzerland Switzerland
In the second half of 2025, people aged 15 and over listened to live broadcasts from Swiss and foreign radio stations for an average of 76 minutes per day. Radio audiences in Switzerland remained strong in the second half of the year following the partial deactivation of the FM band in early 2025. This is according to radio audience data for the second half of 2025 collected on behalf of the Mediapulse Foundation. This stability is worth noting, as it indicates that although the switch-off of FM broadcasting for SRG radio stations in early January 2025 had an impact on the audience of the stations concerned, the overall radio audience has not suffered as a result.

(Mediapulse) Read more

The SSR plans return to FM, "digital transformation is inevitable"
11.12.2025 - SRG SSR WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland
Following the National Council, the Council of States also decided last Tuesday to maintain FM broadcasting in Switzerland. The framework conditions on the basis of which the SSR had planned to abandon FM at the end of 2024 have therefore changed. The media company considers this a mandate to restore the broadcasting of its radio programmes on FM waves. Furthermore, digital transformation is inevitable in the field of radio broadcasting as well. Already today, nine out of ten minutes of radio listening are via a digital medium. This is why the SSR will continue to be present mainly on digital channels and via DAB+ – especially for the large proportion of listeners who have already made the switch.

(SRG SSR) Read more

FM channels will continue to exist after 2026, Swiss Parliament decides
09.12.2025 - SRG SSR WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland
FM channels will be able to continue operating after 2026. On Tuesday, the Council of States narrowly supported a motion from the National Council calling on the Federal Council to abandon the planned deactivation. The National Council motion calls on the Federal Council to extend the current FM licences or to launch a new tender for the allocation of FM licences from 1 January 2027. The deadline for deactivation should be postponed until at least the end of 2031 and set in consultation with private radio stations. Extending FM temporarily does not prevent the gradual migration to DAB+, Isabelle Chassot (Centre/FR) pointed out. In the vote, the Chamber made its decision by 21 votes to 18, with 5 abstentions.

(RTS Radio Télévision Suisse) Read more

‘Clearly a step in the wrong direction’
22.09.2025 - SRG SSR WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland
The SRG criticises private radio stations for their U-turn in deciding to stick with FM after all. Six answers to six questions following the National Council's decision to delay the switch-off. Does the SRG feel confused by private radio stations, which are pushing for FM to continue operating contrary to the original agreement? "The SRG clearly believes that the demand made by some private radio stations on politicians is a step in the wrong direction and does not correspond to the framework conditions originally agreed and confirmed by the federal government, on the basis of which we made our decisions."

(persönlich) Read more

Hello Switzerland! RADIO BOLLERWAGEN will be on air on DAB+ from 1 September
02.09.2025 - digris AG WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland
RADIO BOLLERWAGEN is now expanding its programme offering in Switzerland on digris AG's DAB+ network. The number one party station has been on the market since 2017 and proves that they still exist: real success stories in the radio industry. At this year's report card day for German radio stations, RADIO BOLLERWAGEN more than doubled its reach: more than half a million people now listen to the station's “Xtreme Party Music” every day. Harald Gehrung, CEO of ffn-mediengruppe: "I am delighted that RADIO BOLLERWAGEN is now completing its coverage of the D-A-CH region with its market entry in Switzerland: from Winterthur-Schaffhausen to St. Gallen and south-eastern Switzerland, the station is now broadcasting “Xtreme Party Music”. The biggest party hits can also be received on DAB+ across a large area around Basel."

(ffn-mediengruppe) Read more

CH Media spearheads Switzerland’s digital radio transformation
28.08.2025 - Switzerland Switzerland
RedTech talks to Nicola Bomio of CH Media. RedTech: "What surprises or challenges emerged during the FM-to-DAB+ transition, and how do the results compare to expectations?" Bomio: "In Switzerland, the complete FM switch-off is planned for the end of 2026. Preparations have been underway for 10 years. During this transition phase, it was a major surprise how quickly listeners adapted, especially in urban areas. Technically, the infrastructure rollout went smoothly, but educating the public required more effort than expected. Overall, early results exceeded expectations in terms of reach and engagement. It confirmed that, with the right communication, even big changes can be accepted by the public."

(RedTech) Read more

No question of extending FM, warns the Federal Council
27.08.2025 - Switzerland Switzerland
The Federal Council is turning a deaf ear to the National Council's Transport and Telecommunications Committee. On 1 July, the committee submitted a motion asking the government to abandon plans to switch off FM radio on 31 December 2026 and instead extend the current licences or even launch a new call for tenders for 2027. Bern has just responded with a resounding ‘no’. It points out that the industry itself is behind the planned end of FM. " More than ten years ago, private radio stations agreed on a migration plan with the SSR and decided to abandon FM by the end of 2024 at the latest,‘ it points out. It emphasises that it has already extended FM until the end of 2026. ’Between now and then, broadcasters have the opportunity to find individual solutions to successfully migrate to digital."

(20 minutes) Read more

SwissRadioDay asks "FM switch-off – what next?"
18.08.2025 - SRG SSR WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland
SwissRadioDay, on 28 August, will spotlight DAB+ in its session: "DigiMig Update: FM switch-off – what next?". The expert panel features Marco Derighetti, COO, SRG, Philippe Zahno, President, RRR, Peter Scheurer, Managing Director, VSP, Jürg Morgenegg, Board Member, CORALL, and Juan Widmer, Board Member, UNIKOM. Organisers say the session will cover: "How is the FM switch-off going in the four language regions? What lessons can be learned – and what does this mean for private broadcasters, who will follow suit in 2026? Voices from SRG, associations and the industry with facts, plain language and an outlook." SwissRadioDay is the largest and leading industry meeting of the Swiss radio industry, and takes place on Thursday 28 August in Zürich and online.

(SwissRadioDay) Read more

Select Country:

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: 28.08.2025

Useful Links

https://dabplus.ch/
SwissMediaCast (SMC)
Romandie Médias
Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM)
SRG Broadcast
Digris