Fourth FM frequency possible for Zurich-Glarus
A study by Bakom states that a fourth FM frequency for Zurich is possible. This would allow Radio Energy to continue broadcasting despite losing its license. The study thus contradicts statements made by Federal Councilor Leuenberger, who had claimed as recently as November that there would be «no fourth frequency for another private broadcaster in the Zurich-Glarus area.».
According to a study by Bakom that has not yet been published, contrary to previous statements by Federal Councilor Moritz Leuenberger, «a fourth FM coverage area» in Zurich is «in principle technically feasible.» This would allow Radio Energy to remain on the air; the station did not receive any of the three licenses awarded at the end of the year and therefore filed an appeal.
As early as Friday, the Department of Communication (UVEK), headed by Leuenberger, reported on the study in a press release titled: «No Immediately Available FM Frequencies in the Greater Zurich Area.» The Sonntagszeitung, which apparently had access to the study, then took up the issue and wrote that the press release bordered on being misleading, since the study clearly showed that additional private radio frequencies could be set up in the Zurich area with minimal technical effort.
Ringier is «extremely annoyed»
Furthermore, according to the Sonntagszeitung, the study contradicts what Federal Councilor Moritz Leuenberger said as recently as November had said in an interview with the *Tages-Anzeiger*: There is «no fourth frequency available for another private broadcaster in the Zurich-Glarus area.» He had «had this thoroughly verified once again by experts.» The station Energy, whose license he had revoked, will likely have to cease operations for good.
Broadcasting expert Peter Matter, one of the study’s authors, expressed surprise that the DETEC interpreted the study so one-sidedly in its press release. And at the Ringier media group, which owns Energy, officials are «extremely irritated that DETEC has presented an expert report in such a biased manner.» The study was initiated by Mario Fehr (SP), Filippo Leutenegger (FDP), and Natalie Rickli (SVP). Leutenegger is now calling for Energy to be allowed to use a fourth frequency until DAB is introduced.
As early as Friday, the Department of Communication (UVEK), headed by Leuenberger, reported on the study in a press release titled: «No Immediately Available FM Frequencies in the Greater Zurich Area.» The Sonntagszeitung, which apparently had access to the study, then took up the issue and wrote that the press release bordered on being misleading, since the study clearly showed that additional private radio frequencies could be set up in the Zurich area with minimal technical effort.
Ringier is «extremely annoyed»
Furthermore, according to the Sonntagszeitung, the study contradicts what Federal Councilor Moritz Leuenberger said as recently as November had said in an interview with the *Tages-Anzeiger*: There is «no fourth frequency available for another private broadcaster in the Zurich-Glarus area.» He had «had this thoroughly verified once again by experts.» The station Energy, whose license he had revoked, will likely have to cease operations for good.
Broadcasting expert Peter Matter, one of the study’s authors, expressed surprise that the DETEC interpreted the study so one-sidedly in its press release. And at the Ringier media group, which owns Energy, officials are «extremely irritated that DETEC has presented an expert report in such a biased manner.» The study was initiated by Mario Fehr (SP), Filippo Leutenegger (FDP), and Natalie Rickli (SVP). Leutenegger is now calling for Energy to be allowed to use a fourth frequency until DAB is introduced.
