SRG begins restoring FM radio broadcasts

Swiss broadcaster SRG has begun restoring its radio broadcasts on FM, with about 30 transmitter sites planned across the country, SRF reports. The rollout has so far proceeded without problems, SRG said.

The sites are expected to make SRG stations available on FM to about 80 per cent of Switzerland’s population. The broadcaster is focusing on urban areas, suburbs and motorways. Stations will use the same frequencies as before the network was switched off nearly two years ago.

The original shutdown at the end of 2024 followed an agreement made a decade earlier between the radio industry and the federal government. Parliament voted at the end of 2025 to allow FM use to continue for longer. The Federal Office of Communications then reopened the frequencies for applications, and SRG received a licence to broadcast on FM again.

The renewed broadcasts are expected to cost about 6.5 million Swiss francs a year. Full coverage previously cost around 15 million francs annually. SRG will consider listener use and operational and financial conditions before deciding on any further expansion.

Listeners who have switched to digital reception will not be affected. SRG says its DAB+ coverage and internet audio services are available nationwide. FM is intended as a bridge, giving listeners more time to move to digital reception. FM broadcasting has not been compulsory since 2020.