FM Radio Shutdown in Switzerland Likely to Be Postponed for Five Years

Dissatisfaction with public service broadcaster switch to DAB this year. The Norwegian trauma.

The Federal Council decided in 2023 to phase out FM channels by December 31, 2026. This decision is not supported by a narrow majority in the National Council's Transport and Telecommunications Committee. With the chairman's casting vote, the committee decided to submit a motion instructing the Federal Council to abandon the planned deactivation. Instead, the government must extend the current FM concessions or issue a new call for tenders for the award of FM concessions starting January 1, 2027.

Digital Radio Station in Vienna Expands with FM

Availability on all listening platforms a matter of survival.

In Europe, it was claimed for a few decades that the analog radio on FM would be closed and replaced by the digital DAB system. Today, however, FM remains in all countries around the world. It has been realized that DAB - like the Internet - has become more of a digital complement to FM. Since April 22, ROCK ANTENNE Österreich has been supplementing its existing DAB+, web and app offering and now offers listeners in Vienna even better reception quality with FM on 101.6 MHz in Vienna, Donaustadt and Floridsdorf. This in order to expand the station's technical reach in the region and ensure a stable rock sound over analog frequencies, writes Radiowoche.deFM

FM Radio Switch-Off Delayed for Another Decade In Belgium

DAB might be phased out before FM

The Flemish government has dropped its proposed 2031 target for ending FM radio broadcasts, opting instead for a gradual transition to digital radio with no cut-off date set before 2035. The decision follows concerns about potential economic impacts and the risk of excluding older audiences from radio services. Flemish media minister Cieltje Van Achter said the move reflects a more cautious approach to the transition. “We will take all radio listeners with us to the finish".

Swiss FM Switch-off: Public Broadcaster Lost Two-Thirds of Its Listeners

Sudden lack of FM radio in tunnels creates security havoc.

In the end of February 2025 the newspaper 20 minutes conducted a survey on the FM switch-off in Switzerland's three language regions. (After the extremely negative results, the charts disappeared). In Italian-speaking Switzerland, listeners dropped by 62%, and public broadcaster SRG minimized its participation.

Of the 27% with daily listening on radio 13% tune in on DAB and 36% on FM.  8% have given up over the air radio listening all together. There are still lots of cross-border FM broadcast from France, Italy, Germany and Austria reaching most Swiss homes and cars. -  62% are not listening to the Swiss public service channels any longer. In the survey  51% thought that the FM switch-off is a scandal.  Next year, Switzerland will vote on the 200 Fr initiative (media tax), and the people will express their opinion, which has not been taken into account so far.

Italy Will Retain FM Radio For At Least Another 10 Years

Broadcast stakeholders want to maintain coextstence between FM and DAB.

The regulator AGCOM of February 18, 2025 presented the results of a survey on the development of DAB+ in Italy launched on September 11, 2024. Stakeholders unanimously agree on the need to maintain the coexistence between FM, DAB+ and other radio service distribution platforms, such as IP-based, for at least the next decade. The transition from FM to DAB+ should be gradual and subject to the full development of DAB+, including the availability of adequate spectrum resources to ensure programming, coverage and capillarity equivalent to those currently offered by FM, in order to reach all users.

DAB Not Saving Radio. Norwegians Reducing Their Listening to Linear Radio

Local radio listeners increasingly abandoning DAB and returning to FM.

FM seems to be experiencing a renaissance in Norway. Fewer and fewer people are now using DAB to listen to local radio, while more are listening to FM radio, according to recent figures compiled by Kantar Media for the Norwegian Local Radio Association. Kantar asks not only which channel is listened to, but also which platform they use to listen to local radio. The figures do not apply to national channels that only broadcast digitally. - In the fourth quarter of 2024, 53.0% of those surveyed said that they use FM to listen to local radio on a daily basis, while 45.5% said that they listen to local radio on DAB. In the second quarter of 2024, 51.5% listened to local radio on FM and 47.7% on DAB. So it is no longer just a coincidence, it may seem that the trend has actually reversed.

Catastrophic Start for Transition to DAB in Switzerland

Public broadcaster exclusive FM switch-offl advantage for commercial radio

After FM is switched off, public broadcaster lose half a million listeners

The switch-off led to an almost one quarter drop in listener numbers. Commercial  stations are recording growth as they continue to broadcast via FM. Compared to the second half of 2024, the three major German-language radio stations of the SRG - SRF 1, SRF 2 and SRF 3 - lost an average of almost half a million listeners per day in the first two weeks of January 2025.  Overall, the net daily reach of these three stations fell by 490.700 people, which represents a decline of 23.5 percent.The loss of listeners coincides exactly with the shutdown of the SRF FM transmitters. The SRG stopped broadcasting its radio programs on FM at the end of 2024.

Dramatic Decline in Listening to Linear Radio in Sweden

Can national commercial radio survive in the new media landscape? 

Linear radio (FM and DAB) continues to decline and has a reach of 5,176,000 listeners per day in 2024, in the target group 12–79 years old, according to Kantar Sifo. Ten years ago, radio had 5,275,000 daily listeners with a reach of 68 percent. Since then, Sweden's population has increased by 7.5 percent.

The two oligopolies for commercial radio has declined the most and the 10 year downward trend continues. A decisive factor is competition from public broadcaster Sveriges Radio, which now has a market share of 78.8% compared to commercial radio's 21.2%. The increasing listening to streaming audio media such as Spotify and podcasts is also important. Read more about this and our analysis:

Radio Industry Urges Indian Government to Opt for DRM For Digital Radio

The world's most populous country first with digital radio on both FM and medium wave.

During an open house discussion, radio broadcast operators urged the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to adopt a single open standard for digital terrestrial radio broadcasting, considering its cost-effectiveness. Industry stakeholders further noted that a technology like DRM will foster innovation and competition. Uday Chawla, general secretary, Association of Radio Operators for India, highlighting how profitability is the real challenge for radio broadcasters, urged technology providers to be proactive in creating the digital ecosystem, have an alliance with mobile and automobile manufacturers and bring down the cost of digital radio adoption.

DRM Advantage for Terrestrial Digital Radio in Italy and India

DRM30 considered for medium wave broadcasters in Italy. 

On the occasion of the centenary of Italian radio, OMItaliane , the association representing Italian mediumwave broadcasters, has announced its intention to use the advanced DRM technology for broadcasting in the AM bands. Currently, local Italian broadcasters transmitting in analogue mode are using medium- and low-power AM transmitters for broadcasting to specific regional communities. According to Italian statistics cited by OMItaliane, 75% of radio listening takes place in cars, with about 25 million vehicles in Italy equipped with AM radios. - Thanks to the intervention of OMItaliane, medium waves usage opportunities are being discussed in the technical committee convened by the Italian Communications Authority.  In these meetings OMItaliane is recommending AM broadcasting using the DRM standard.  This is particularly relevant for all those Italian radio stakeholders focused on the enhancement of medium waves through the use of a global, green and energy efficient standard as DRM. 

FM Radio Winner In Public Service Consultation

Requirement for DAB expansion for public radio is not supported in Sweden. Mandatory FM receivers in new cars are welcomed.

Although the proposal to replace FM with DAB was firmly rejected by the parliament in 2016 the issue is still on the agenda in Sweden. However, the analogue FM network consolidates its continued strong position in the media landscape according to the now concluded consultation regarding public service broadcasting. 

The government's expert authority, the Post and Telecommunications Board (PTS), agrees with the committee's conclusion that no requirement should be introduced for public radio Sveriges Radio’s to expand DAB broadcasting. Civil society organizations for local radio and television see serious consequences for community radio if SR abandons the FM band for DAB. It is only commercial broadcaster Viaplay that wants SR to expand and broadcast in the DAB network. In several opinions, it is welcomed that, as in Finland, requirements for FM receivers in new cars should be introduced.

- Here is an overview of the consultation responses regarding FM and DAB:

DRM Becoming the Major Digital Radio Platform in Asia

(picture: Redtech.pro)

China reaffirms need for digital audio in all domestic cars

After securing the huge Indian broadcasting market the digital terrestrial radio system DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) now is strongly positioning itself  in the Chinese domestic market. This will leave DAB  -the other European system - further far behind on the global market.  

According to RedTech.pro the Chinese National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) jointly met specifically on the provision of audio and video in cars. NRTA and MIIT promoted the inclusion of digital receivers with DRM (and the domestic system CDR) in all domestically produced and imported vehicles to be sold on the domestic market. Last year in their joint letter the Chinese authorities also expressed the intention to accelerate the construction of digital radio broadcasting coverage networks with digital AM broadcasting (DRM) transmission systems at local medium wave transmission stations. 

DAB Radio Without Any Government Support in Sweden

Politicians reject demands for DAB expansion for public broadcaster.  FM will remain as the major platform for radio.

The Public Service Committee, with representatives from all eight parties in the parliament, has now submitted its final report to the Minister of Culture. On many issues there was disagreement between the government side and the opposition, however, not regarding the question of a DAB expansion for public broadcaster Sveriges Radio (SR). All parties remained cold-hearted to break a 30-year stalemate regarding the DAB system as an alternative to terrestrial FM radio. Now, this might be the beginning of an end for DAB in Sweden. The public service channels have more than a 65 percent share of the radio audience. 

5G Broadcast - Ready For Global Launch 2024

The Universal Radio and Television Mobility Platform 

 The LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast System or ”5G Broadcast” might soon disrupt and replace terrestrial digital broadcasting models as DVB-T2 and DAB writes the Public Service Council (Sweden) in a report.

In 2024 there are 7 billion smartphones in the world. Global 5G mobile subscriptions are projected to reach 1.6 billion by the end of 2023. The smartphone is a versatile communication tool. More than previously anticipated it is now becoming the most important platform for radio and television listening and viewing. Video and audio streaming (including radio and television channels) is now taking approximately 75% of the global Internet capacity.

Media content is increasingly being delivered on Internet via fixed line and mobile IP networks. Audiences on the move will consume OTT (Over-the-top) broadband media. OTT as a platform for radio and television already is outpacing DTT (DVB-T2) and DAB-radio via smartphones and Connected Cars via fixed and mobile broadband as well WiFi access. 

DAB+ in an Old DAB Radio, Forget It!

Millions of UK DAB radio listeners to be locked out 

DAB radio listeners are facing the possibility of being locked out of popular stations, including Classic FM, as major channels are abandoning older DAB radio system in favor of the new DAB+ technology. This move is forcing listeners to purchase more modern radios in order to continue accessing their favorite stations.

The shift to digital radio was initially prompted by the government’s plan to turn off the FM signal, but with this delay until at least 2030, many DAB radios are becoming obsolete as they can only pick up the DAB signal and not the modern DAB+. Classic FM, which boasts around 4.5 million listeners, is among the popular stations that have announced their switch to DAB+. However, this change will leave behind around one-third of DAB radio owners who do not have DAB+ capacity.

DAB Will Never Replace FM In Australia

For commercial radio digital radio will play a "complementary and supporting role"

DAB is a great digital radio platform. But it will never replace analog FM broadcasting in Australia. So said Ford Ennals, CEO of Australia’s Commercial Radio & Audio, during his “DAB Down Under” talk at the WorldDAB Summit 2023 in Munich, Germany. He is drawing the same conclusions as the government made already in 2015.

In Australia, we were a relative early adopter of DAB, said Ennals. 2009 I think we started. And it’s important, but it will never take the place of FM. I think there will be markets where DAB has an important role to play, but it’s a complementary and supporting role.

Digital Terrestrial Radio To Reach Billions In Asia

DRM becoming the choice for major countries. 

New analog/digital portable receivers unveiled.
In connection with the IBC Show in Amsterdam three major Asian countries - Pakistan, Indonesia and China - have made announcements indicating DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) now is becoming the standard system for digital terrestrial broadcasting. This will probably put an end to the efforts by competing systems as DAB and HD Radio to get a major market foothold in Asia. Especially since India, world’s most populous nation, already has established nationwide DRM broadcasting. Together the population of the four countries is 3,2 billion.

The digital system DRM is used in the present frequency bands FM, medium wave and shortwave with a better geo coverage than DAB. The DAB system is not compatible with DRM.

Mandatory Digital In-Car Radio Proposal. DAB Lobby Coup in Brussels

However, consumer and eurolegal backlash is looming.
The European Electronics Communications Code (EECC) will include a new provision that any radio equipment integrated in a new car which is put on the market for sale or rent in the Union shall be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio broadcasting. The political agreement on the EECC had been reached in June 2018 . This might be a step forward for the DAB system, but technical developments for mobile broadband might kill the whole setup.