Swiss Radio Stations to Receive Frequencies in Autumn 2026
Federal Office Plans Allocation of FM Licences
The Swiss radio landscape is reorganising its FM distribution: The Federal Office of Communications (BAKOM) will issue FM radio licences in autumn 2026 for the period starting in 2027. The new licences will come into effect in January 2027 and will be valid until 2034 – parallel to existing broadcaster licences.
Allocation Process
The procedure distinguishes between two groups. SRG and the 25 licensed radio stations with a public service mandate may continue to use their existing frequencies within their own broadcast areas; they submit a separate application to BAKOM for this. All other FM frequencies, which were previously allocated to radio stations without a public service mandate, have been grouped into frequency packages ("clusters") and re-tendered.
On May 28, 2026, BAKOM released 20 such frequency packages in 13 regions. Their configuration largely corresponds to the coverage areas before 2020. Broadcasters already receivable via DAB+ in the desired region could apply; the application deadline was the end of July 2026.
No Auction Required
Originally, it was planned to decide competing applications for the same frequency package via an auction. This is now not necessary: By the deadline, 19 valid applications were received from radio stations without a public service mandate, and no package received more than one application. BAKOM will therefore grant the requested radio licences directly, without an auction. The applications from SRG and the radio stations with a public service mandate are being processed continuously.
Significance for the Radio Landscape
FM distribution remains voluntary. For smaller regional radio stations, access to a frequency can still be economically important, while larger broadcasters usually have multiple distribution channels and are less dependent on a single technology. Radio stations with a public service mandate also receive a share from the radio and television fee and, in return, meet programming requirements – an instrument for promoting media diversity.
Digital Distribution Gains Importance
Parallel to FM, Switzerland is increasingly relying on DAB+. The digital method offers better sound quality and allows more programmes on fewer frequencies. Some neighbouring countries have already decided on or initiated the FM phase-out; in Switzerland, there is no fixed switch-off date yet.
Online streaming is also increasing: Many younger listeners use radio programmes via apps and websites. Classic FM distribution is therefore losing reach in the long term, but remains an important channel for now – especially for older listeners and in cars.
