After several years of political controversy, Switzerland has decided to cancel the planned closure of FM radio. Large parts of the commercial radio industry - especially local radio stations - judged DAB+ to be an insufficient alternative to reach audiences and thus profitability. - ”For economic reasons," broadcasting company SwissMediaCast (SMC) has now returned its DAB+ license in Ticino. The provider applied for the Ticino DAB+ license in 2020 at the request of radio companies in German-speaking Switzerland. They were guaranteed continuous coverage from Basel to Chiasso. The first six of a total of eight transmitters went into operation in 2020. "The Ticino mux was initially able to fill 15 of the 18 available slots," the company said.
It was only a matter of time, and now SMC has given up the DAB concession for Italian-speaking Switzerland. The persistently low occupancy of the Ticino multiplex (around 50%) made it simply uneconomical to operate. The desperate attempt to attract Italian radio stations failed. The prices simply do not allow for cost-effective operation, but that was clear from the start.
"For economic reasons" SMC has now returned the DAB+ license in Ticino. The provider applied for the Ticino DAB+ license in 2020 at the request of radio companies in German-speaking Switzerland. They were guaranteed continuous coverage from Basel to Chiasso. The first six of a total of eight transmitters went into operation in 2020. "The Ticino multiplex was initially able to fill 15 of the 18 available slots," the company stated.
Despite a promising start, with most of the slots occupied, the project has gradually declined commercially. Several broadcasters have abandoned the platform due to lack of profitability and insufficient coverage. Some time slots became available through bankruptcies. An effective solution is now being sought for the remaining radio companies to ensure continued broadcasting in Ticino.
At the same time, the company is evaluating optimizations in other Swiss regions with better potential. The role of public service radio (SRG) is crucial, as any capacity reductions could create new market opportunities. SRG, which ceased FM broadcasting in January 2025, is now planning to restart later this year.
Despite the fact that DAB+ transmitter networks are well developed in Switzerland, FM listening to Swiss and neighboring radio is still extensive, while a large proportion listens to radio online. A similar situation prevails in Germany. There is much to suggest that the European radio audience has not found sufficient added value with DAB+ to justify a switch from FM to online.
So far, only Norway in the world has closed its national FM network in favor of DAB+. However, Norwegian local radio continues to broadcast on FM.
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