The Federal Council Extends FM Radio Licenses for the Last Time
Published: Wednesday, Oct 25th 2023, 10:30
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The Swiss Federal Council has extended the UKW radio broadcasting concessions for the radio industry until the end of 2026. This is the last time the concessions will be extended, after which radio programmes can no longer be broadcast via UKW and will only be available digitally. Originally, UKW was to be switched off by the end of 2024. With the last extension, the radio industry will have the flexibility to successfully complete the migration process from analogue to digital radio, according to the Federal Office of Communications (BAKOM).
The Federal Council has amended the Ordinance on the Use of the Radio Frequency Spectrum (VNF) to allow existing UKW radio broadcasting concessions to remain valid beyond their current expiry date until the end of 2026. Radio broadcasters can switch off analogue radio broadcasting earlier if they wish.
For over ten years, the radio industry and BAKOM have been preparing for the permanent switch-off of UKW in Switzerland. Since 2020, there has been no obligation to broadcast radio programmes via UKW. Radio usage is already predominantly digital (DAB+ and internet) today. In spring 2023, the share of digital radio usage was 81%. UKW usage has been reduced to 19%. At home and at work, more than 80% of usage is via digital channels, and two thirds in cars. Only 8% of the audience listens to radio exclusively via UKW.
In July 2021, radio entrepreneur and presenter Roger Schawinski submitted a petition with over 60,000 signatures against the planned switch-off of all UKW radio stations in Switzerland. The petition demanded that the planned switch-off of all UKW stations be reversed, as it would violate the reception freedom guaranteed in the Radio and Television Act.
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