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Digital transition postponed, another public consultation scheduled
don't forget 5G

Swiss local broadcasters have been given an automatic five-year license extension by the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), according to the official announcement (October 2). The 49 privately-owned local radio and regional television stations are now secure in their current licensing through the end of 2024. What happens after that remains up for debate.

DETEC, and media regulator OFCOM, have made clear that FM radio broadcasting is on the way out. That was announced two years ago; same deadline. What has happened in this interim has been growing unease among broadcasters over the efficacy of digital audio broadcasting (DAB, now DAB+) amidst the looming reality of 5G mobile service. Broadcasters in western Switzerland, bordering France, have lobbied to push-back FM switch-off due to competitive threats from powerful French stations. (See more about digital radio here)

With the license extension, privately-owned local radio and regional TV broadcasters will operate on slightly different rules, mostly regarding local news and local language origination. While these content requirements remain absolute minimums have been removed in favor of individual station mandates. This was adopted in concert with extending financial support through the Swiss household broadcasting license fee revenue for very small broadcasters.

Nearly all private local radio stations have adopted distribution through DAB+ multiplexes or cable services and there are a few digital-only radio channels. In addition, six local radio broadcasters have dropped FM distribution in favor of DAB+ to separate from the official concession mandates. The DETEC statement noted that yet another pubic consultation period will take place in 2023 ahead of any further decision on switching off the FM band.

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