Switzerland

Last update: 12.02.2024 - older versions

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: 05.05.2020 - 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.

Previous campaigns

 

 

 

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

WorldDAB member focus: Sumatronic AG
01.02.2023 - WorldDAB News - Sumatronic AG WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland - Martinique Martinique
New WorldDAB member Sumatronic has brought DAB+ to Martinique and hopes to support other regions of the world where the population has few or no DAB+ receivers. In our first ‘member focus’ article of 2023, we learn how Sumatronic recently launched its "DAB4all" campaign, in our interview with CEO Peter Matter.

(WorldDAB) Read more


Local radio and regional TV: Tender for new licences opened
30.01.2023 - OFCOM Switzerland WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland
38 local radio and regional television licences will be put out to tender by the end of April 2023. Whoever is awarded the licence will fulfil a regional public service mandate from 1 January 2025 and receive money from the radio and television levy in return. Licences for 15 commercial local radio stations, 10 complementary non-profit local radio stations and 13 regional television stations with a performance mandate and fee share will be put out to tender. The broadcaster licences for local radio and regional television include a binding performance mandate. In return, the broadcasters receive the right to broadcast their programmes in their coverage area via DAB+ (radio) or via cable (television).

(OFCOM Switzerland) Read more


TopCC Radio launched in Zurich via DAB+
10.01.2023 - Switzerland Switzerland
Since the start of the year, Swiss TopCC Radio can also be heard in Zurich via DAB+. It is broadcast on the Digris multiplex on channel 9D. The station is backed by the Swiss large-scale supermarket chain TopCC, which belongs to SPAR Holding. The branded radio station is produced and marketed by Silverspot from Uster. "It's like a dream that has become reality. Or to put it another way: we actually did the right thing at the right time," Remo Civatti, Managing Director at Silverspot AG, said. The radio customers who can already be heard on the station through successful marketing include established brands such as Unilever, Feldschlösschen, Rivella and many more.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more


RADIO R now on DAB+ throughout French-speaking Switzerland
27.12.2022 - Switzerland Switzerland
The Christian music radio station RADIO R is taking its broadcasting in French-speaking Switzerland a step further. "Radio Réveil has decided to join Romandie Médias SA, the company responsible for the DAB+ broadcasting of private radio stations in French-speaking Switzerland", explains Emmanuel Ziehli, the director of RADIO R. A network of 55 and soon 60 transmitters spread over the whole of French-speaking Switzerland will broadcast the radio's signal between Visp, Fribourg, Bienne, Boncourt and Geneva.

(RADIO R) Read more


Switzerland prepares to cut FM
23.12.2022 - Switzerland Switzerland
After multiple postponements, Switzerland’s FM switch off is planned for Dec. 31, 2024. The main reasons for the digital migration are to minimise operational costs and increase diversity through a more extensive frequency offer. DAB+ allows more radio stations to operate, which is currently difficult given the saturated FM band. Local radio stations can also broadcast over a much larger area than that limited by their FM signal. Moving completely away from FM will minimise costs for stations, which will no longer need to fund two broadcast technologies. In addition, digital broadcasting, whether via DAB+ or the internet, offers listeners better listening quality and associated services.

(RedTech) Read more


Huber+Suhner designs DAB+ train antenna
20.12.2022 - Germany Germany - Switzerland Switzerland
Swiss fibre optic and communications technology company Huber+Suhner has developed a new rooftop antenna for use by the Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn GmbH trains operating throughout Germany to enable DAB+ radio broadcasts throughout train carriages. The project was in conjunction with German company Paxlife Innovations GmbH, which specialises in passenger information, content and digital services onboard delivery for transport operators.

(RedTech) Read more


SUNSHINE LIVE adds Switzerland from 2023
19.12.2022 - Switzerland Switzerland
From 2023, SUNSHINE LIVE will also be broadcast in Switzerland. As in Germany, a distribution strategy via DAB+ and IP will also be pursued here. A station adapted for Switzerland will be broadcast, and SUNSHINE LIVE will also cooperate locally with strong and established partners.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more


Radio for Albanians launched on DAB+
19.12.2022 - Switzerland Switzerland
Last Friday, 16 December, a new era began for Albanians in Switzerland. The broadcasting of the first and only Albanian radio station in Switzerland "albradio" began. "albradio" broadcasts via DAB+ on the multiplexes of digris AG: Schaffhausen-Winterthur, Aarau-Olten, Bernese Oberland, Lausanne and Central Switzerland. In addition, the station can also be received via the internet.

(radioWOCHE) Read more


GatesAir DAB transmitter supports radio Scout project
16.12.2022 - GatesAir WorldDAB Member - Switzerland Switzerland
GatesAir has helped a Swiss scout project to run an amateur radio station. Part of the 2022 Mova/BuLa Federal Scout Camp, which drew 30,000 boys and girls to an elaborate camping site in the Alps town of Goms, Valais, Switzerland, involved building and operating an amateur radio station. The project — Radio Sonar — used a low-power GatesAir Maxiva transmitter to broadcast live DAB+ radio coverage of Mova/BuLa events.

(RedTech) Read more


Tomorrowland One World Radio now also on DAB+ in German-speaking Switzerland
08.12.2022 - Switzerland Switzerland - Belgium Belgium
Belgium's Tomorrowland One World Radio is slowly but surely continuing its international conquest. New since this month is a major DAB+ 'deal' for German-speaking Switzerland, which means the radio service can now be listened to across almost all of Switzerland via digital airwaves. The latest jewel in the crown, since 1 December, is a licence for German-speaking Switzerland through Zurich-based My105 DJ Radio from Giuseppe Scaglione (founder and managing director) and Paola Libera (co-owner and marketing manager).

(RadioVisie.eu) 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