Partial success for Schawinski against the shutdown of FM radio stations
The end of FM radio stations from 2022 is not yet sealed. Following a meeting with media pioneer Roger Schawinski, the National Council committee responsible is demanding that the administration examine the consequences of a marching halt.
The Commission for Transport and Telecommunications of the National Council (KVF-N) demands that the Confederation examine in depth what the consequences would be of abandoning the shutdown of FM radio stations. This was announced by the parliamentary services on Tuesday.
Previously, the commission had heard representatives of the radio industry and the responsible Federal Office of Communications Bakom. The commission will discuss the shutdown again at the end of August, according to the statement. Schawinski had mobilized against the end of FM radio.
SRG plans to switch off FM in one year
In the course of the transition from analog to digital wireless terrestrial radio broadcasting, the FM frequencies are to end by January 2023 at the latest, according to an agreement of the private radio operators. SRG plans to switch off its FM stations in August 2022 and broadcast only via DAB+.
At the end of July, Schawinski submitted a petition with more than 60,000 signatures against the shutdown to the federal government. A premature shutdown of all FM transmitters would violate the freedom of reception guaranteed in the Radio and Television Act, Schawinski argues.
In recent years, the Federal Council created the legal basis for the switch from FM to DAB+. During a transition phase, the stations are to receive financial support. FM radio licenses expire at the end of 2024. (SDA)
