SRG SSR is making sure listeners understand why the Swiss public broadcaster is moving quickly to end its FM broadcasts. Swiss lawmakers set a 2026 deadline for stations to transition to digital, but SRG SSR is ready to make the change at the end of the year.
In June 2024, the broadcaster announced it would leave the FM band at the end of 2024. Now, it is going into detail about the benefits of the full switchover, stating that “Analogue broadcasting modes, such as FM, which have been operational since 1952, have had their day.”
According to SRG SSR, ending its FM broadcasts will reduce energy demands by several gigawatt hours of energy each year, saving a significant amount of money. Savings are also expected from reduced maintenance and replacement of antennas and transmission systems.
The total expected saving are characterized by SRG SSR as “tens of millions of Swiss francs annually.”
SRG SSR plans to take these cost savings and redirect them toward new digital offerings, including applications and podcasts; new distribution options, such as voice control for smart speakers and in-car infotainment systems; new narrative forms targeting younger audiences; and more customizable content.
Although not a factor in the FM switch-off decision, SRG SSR is facing a reduction in the license fee households pay to support the service.
In November 2023, the Federal Council rejected the popular “200 Francs is Enough” campaign, which sought to reduce the annual 335 Swiss francs license fee by about 40%. However, in June, lawmakers proposed lowering the fee to 300 Swiss francs by 2029 and to expand exemptions.
Voters are expected to consider the proposals by 2026. The current SRG SSR concession runs through 2028, so any major changes are not expected until 2029.
