Federal Council expands private radio horizon

On June 15, the Federal Council signed off on two new principles recommended by the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) for policy toward private radio stations:On the one hand, programs broadcast via VHF which are not already provided for in the 1996 transmitter network planning will definitely not receive a license because of the frequency shortage. Consequently, the Federal Council rejected a VHF-distributed youth radio station from Radio ExtraBern. At the same time, it also makes it clear to Virus and Radio 105 that they have no chance with their FM petitions and "Fights for Frequency".The Federal Council also turns away from the philosophy according to which private radio areas outside Zurich should not overlap if possible. Based on applications from several broadcasters who wanted this, it concludes that a moderate adjustment of existing coverage areas makes sense and that a certain area size is necessary for a broadcaster to be attractive to the advertising market.
As a result, Central Switzerland's Sunshine and Central radios were the first to receive approval for expansion. Radio Sunshine will be extended to the Sursee and Schwyz districts. Radio Central is now allowed to broadcast its program in the city of Zug and in the Aegeri valley. Further applications from the Zurich area, central and eastern Switzerland are still pending (mk).