Last extension of FM licenses by two years
Bern, 25.10.2023 - Radio programmes can still 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.
Switch to digital radio on track
The majority of radio listeners already use digital channels (DAB+ and the internet): in the spring of 2023, overall radio usage was 81% digital, while FM use dropped to 19%. At home and at work, more than 80% of usage is digital; in cars, this proportion amounts to two thirds. Only 8% of listeners exclusively use FM radio. The EU regulation on the DAB+ standard for new cars will also contribute to the continued increase of digital radio use in the coming years.
Address for enquiries
Federal Office of Communications OFCOM
Press service
+41 58 460 55 50, media@bakom.admin.ch
Publisher
General Secretariat of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications; General Secretariat DETEC
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The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html
Federal Office of Communications
http://www.ofcom.admin.ch
