Digital transmission

Shortly after the SRG switched off FM, radio usage via FM has already declined significantly across Switzerland and now accounts for only 13% of total radio usage. Radio is now mainly consumed digitally in all regions of Switzerland, with 87% of all radio usage now via digital reception.

In autumn 2024, shortly before the SRG’s FM switch-off, the Digital Migration working group once again collected figures on radio usage.

SRG SSR ceased radio broadcasting on FM throughout Switzerland on 31 December 2024. SRG SSR programmes continue to be available on DAB+ and the internet. Local radio stations decide themselves when to stop broadcasting on FM.

Radio is largely consumed at home (63% of usage) and most frequently via digital reception channels - 80% of all radio usage is digital. In terms of share, FM is still most frequently used in the car (33%), but here too digital use predominates.

Digital use of radio continues to increase in all regions, age groups and listening locations. Almost 70% of radio listened to in the car is now via digital channels. This was announced by the Digital Migration working group (DigiMig WG) at Swiss Radio Day on 31 August 2023.

Digital radio use is increasing across all regions, age groups and places of use, while FM continues to decline. Radio listening via the internet is becoming increasingly popular, although DAB+ remains the most widely used platform for radio listening. Last year, almost half a million new DAB+ radios came into use.

DAB+ and internet radio make up three quarters of overall radio use, with young people preferring IP radio and older listeners tuning in via DAB+. For every 100 minutes of radio listened to in cars, 62 are transmitted digitally.

In Switzerland more than 120 radio stations can be received in digital form by antenna. Several companies are responsible for preparing this programming in the DAB+ format and for broadcasting it over their transmitter networks.

Brief overview of digital terms.