Swiss Radio Day: New division of roles between Bakom and private radio stations
The division of roles between the Federal Office of Communications and private radio stations is being turned upside down. Bakom is withdrawing as the planning authority.
Radio stations are now playing a "planning, shaping role". In the future, they will take care of frequencies and reception quality themselves, as Nancy Wayland Bigler said on Thursday at the Swiss Radio Day 2012 in Zurich. The new Bakom deputy director spoke of a paradigm shift.
Bakom devotes itself to core tasks
In the future, Bakom will concentrate on its core tasks: It is the arbiter and guardian of Swiss interests vis-à-vis foreign countries. And it will continue to be responsible for processing applications. Here, an acceleration in the process is planned.
Bakom examines applications for compatibility with the existing frequency network and the applicable media policy requirements. If an application is approved, the radio license is granted immediately. This innovation is effective immediately, according to Wayland. If the application shows deficiencies, the applicant is now only allowed to make one more improvement. If necessary, however, a new application can be submitted, Wayland said.
Opening of frequency database
As part of the new role allocation, Bakom will open its frequency database to the public by the end of the year. It will be made available on the Bakom website, Wayland told the SDA news agency. Bakom, on the other hand, will keep its planning tools for itself. These will not be made available to third parties. However, Bakom will continue to be available for consultation.
Only the change in the awarding of concessions will take effect immediately. The other changes - "moderate, planned adjustments" - would be introduced gradually at the beginning of 2013. Towards 2019, when the current licenses expire, thought would have to be given to the future of FM. (sda)
