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SRG radio stations return to FM broadcasting from mid-November
SRG will bring its SRF radio stations back to FM from mid-November in Switzerland, after stopping FM broadcasts at the end of 2024.
FM, also called VHF, is an analogue way to receive radio, while DAB+ and internet are digital options.
The return follows a change in policy: Switzerland’s parliament decided that FM broadcasting licences should be extended beyond 2026.
The first restored FM sites are expected to reach about 80% of the population.
But nine out of ten radio listening minutes are already on DAB+ or the internet, according to SRG figures.
The restart is expected to cost 6.5 million francs a year, even as SRG faces pressure to cut spending; full FM coverage previously cost 15 million francs annually.
SRG says the return is a bridge to digital listening and will give audiences more time to switch.
It will consider further expansion based on listener use and financial and operational factors.
SRG will resume FM broadcasts for SRF radio stations from mid-November 2026.
The first reactivated FM sites are expected to reach about 80 percent of the population.
The return follows a parliamentary decision to extend FM licences beyond 2026.
SRG says the change will give listeners more time to move to digital reception.
The reactivation is expected to cost 6.5 million Swiss francs per year.
- Who
- SRG will restore FM broadcasts for its SRF radio stations.
- What
- The stations will broadcast on FM as well as through digital channels.
- When
- From mid-November 2026.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- SRG says it is responding to changed conditions after Parliament decided FM licences could continue beyond 2026.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
SRF stopped broadcasting its radio stations on FM.
Parliament reversed its earlier position and decided FM licences should be extended beyond 2026.
SRG announced it would resume broadcasting its stations on FM.
The first FM sites are due to resume carrying radio programmes.
- First broadcasts
- From mid-November 2026
- Population reach
- About 80 percent
- Annual reactivation cost
- 6.5 million Swiss francs
- Previous full-coverage cost
- 15 million Swiss francs per year
- Digital listening
- Nine out of ten radio minutes are heard via DAB+ or the internet
4 sources
What people are saying
With this first step, around 80 percent of the population can again be served via FM.
bridge to the digital future
Our listeners are at the centre. The Parliament’s decision to continue FM distribution was understood by SRG as a mandate.