Swiss Public Broadcaster SSR Threatened with Lawsuit Over FM Return

Why the FM vs. DAB+ Debate Is Heating Up in Swiss Radio

Switzerland’s radio landscape is at a crossroads. The public broadcaster (SSR) wants to re‑enter the FM band, while private stations are fighting to protect the digital‑only future promised by DAB+. The clash is about more than nostalgia – it touches spectrum policy, legal precedent, and multi‑million‑franc investment decisions.

Legal fireworks: “No preferential treatment”

Private‑owner Reto Wettstein of Radio2GO has publicly warned that any early FM concession for SSR will be challenged in court. He argues that, under Swiss law, the Federal Office of Communications (Ofcom) must treat public and private broadcasters equally. Key takeaway: a legal battle could delay any FM return for up to two years.

Technical hurdles – rebuilding a dismantled network

All former SSR FM transmitters were taken offline in 2026. Restarting the analog chain would require new construction permits, tower refurbishments, and an estimated CHF 3–5 million per transmitter. Did you know? The cost of installing a single 10 kW FM transmitter in the Alpine region can surpass CHF 1 million due to terrain‑specific engineering.

Audience dynamics: The digital shift and its limits

When SSR switched to DAB+ in early 2025, it lost roughly 250 000 listeners in the German‑speaking cantons, according to the Swiss Radio Audience Survey 2025. Yet DAB+ adoption is climbing 12 % annually, driven by car manufacturers pre‑installing DAB+ chips. Private stations that remain FM‑only risk marginalisation unless they invest in hybrid broadcast‑internet models.

Economic impact on private broadcasters

The Swiss Private Radio Association (UPI) warns that a revived public FM service could siphon ad revenue from stations that have already transitioned to DAB+. A 2024 European Media Market Report shows that each percentage point of FM audience share is linked to roughly CHF 150 000 in local advertising revenue. Pro tip: Private stations are now exploring “programmatic DAB+ advertising” to offset potential FM losses.

What the Future Could Look Like

Three plausible scenarios are emerging:

• Full FM Revival: Ofcom grants an exceptional FM licence to SSR, prompting a costly rebuild of transmitters and a hybrid FM/DAB+ schedule.
• Digital‑Only Path: Legal challenges stall the FM comeback, and SSR consolidates its DAB+ network, investing in nationwide mul‑ticast upgrades and online streaming.
• Hybrid Compromise: A limited FM “simulcast” for flagship news programs, while most content stays on DAB+ and digital platforms.

Case study: Germany’s “FM‑DAB+ Dual‑Mode” model

Germany’s public broadcaster ARD maintains a selective FM presence for regional news while expanding DAB+ coverage to 95 % of the population. The model generated a 7 % uplift in overall audience share within two years, proving that a strategic FM footprint can coexist with digital growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the SSR be able to broadcast on FM again?

Only if Ofcom issues a special concession, which is currently contested by private radio owners.

What are the costs of re‑launching FM transmitters?

Estimates range from CHF 3 million to CHF 5 million per transmitter, including construction, equipment, and regulatory fees.

How does DAB+ compare to FM in terms of audio quality?

DAB+ offers higher fidelity, more stations per frequency, and data services (e.g., song info, traffic updates) that FM cannot provide.

Can listeners still access FM‑only stations on smartphones?

Only through external FM hardware (e.g., dongles) or via internet streaming; most modern smartphones lack built‑in FM tuners.

What This Means for Listeners and Advertisers

For listeners, the outcome will dictate whether they need a DAB+‑compatible device or can rely on legacy FM radios. Advertisers should monitor regulatory developments closely; a shift back to FM could open new local ad slots, while a DAB+‑only market will favor data‑rich, programmatic ad campaigns.

Stay updated with our ongoing coverage of the Swiss radio spectrum debate. Read more about digital radio trends in Europe or visit the European Broadcasting Union for broader industry insights.