Digital FM broadcasting approved for local radio stations
On Wednesday, the Federal Council approved an amendment to the ordinance governing radio and television. Starting on New Year’s Day, local radio stations will be able to broadcast additional programs digitally on these frequencies, in addition to the programs they already broadcast analogically. This applies to both their own additional programs and programs from other broadcasters or additional services.
Digital technologies such as HD radio, which is already in operation in the USA, or the DRM+ system developed in Germany considerably increase the capacity of the FM band. According to them, they enable the broadcasting of up to four radio stations on one analog frequency. The Federal Council now wants to improve the framework conditions for local radio stations by approving these new types of broadcasting. According to the Federal Office of Communications OFCOM, digital use of the VHF band is suitable for broadcasting radio stations in smaller coverage areas. Some time ago, the Federal Council considered DAB+ to be a more suitable digital technology for broadcasting radio stations at regional level.
The Federal Council has also decided to exempt telecommunications service providers that only broadcast radio and television program services via cable and have fewer than 5,000 customers from the obligation to register. Municipalities which operate their own cable television network are affected by this measure.
The Federal Council has also decided to exempt telecommunications service providers that only broadcast radio and television program services via cable and have fewer than 5,000 customers from the obligation to register. Municipalities which operate their own cable television network are affected by this measure.
