driftFM is becoming The Stage
To mark its sixth anniversary, radio station driftFM is rebranding itself as THE STAGE: with a modern look, its own app, a print magazine, and live stage events—as a comprehensive media platform for country, rock, and Americana in Switzerland.
Just in time for the Swiss niche station’s sixth birthday on May 20, 2026, Radio driftFM is undergoing a comprehensive rebranding: driftFM is becoming THE STAGE—the new home for country, rock, and Americana in Switzerland. With a new name, a modern look, updated technology, and its own app, THE STAGE is set to embark on a new era.
What began six years ago as an ambitious radio project is, according to the organization, evolving into a comprehensive media platform for music lovers. In addition to the radio station, THE STAGE will in the future include a significantly expanded online presence featuring news and reports from the music scene, as well as its own events and live performance formats.
«THE STAGE is set to become the go-to destination for country, rock, and Americana in Switzerland—a place for music, stories, scene news, and genuine passion,» explains program director Thomas Hobi.
A modernized studio and our own print magazine
The studio in Chur is currently undergoing extensive modernization and expansion. In the future, it will not only be used to produce radio programs but also to host live podcasts and smaller events. The studio is also being designed so that visitors can watch the hosts at work live.
The new concept also includes its own print magazine. It will not only cover the country, rock, and Americana scenes in Switzerland, but will also explore topics related to lifestyle, travel, and freedom, as well as the stories of fascinating people.
driftFM Radio Rebranding: Keeping What Works
Radio driftFM’s established shows will remain on the air, and the programming lineup will continue to evolve. THE STAGE will continue to be produced by a team of ten hosts. The range of genres spans singer-songwriter, country, rock, and blues, all the way to Americana and New Country. Since early May, the new rockabilly show «Rock’n’Roll Train» with DJ Leo has also been part of the lineup.
THE STAGE has now added more news to its daily lineup: Starting immediately, Radio SRF news segments will be broadcast at 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. This means fans of country, rock, and Americana can get concise news updates right within the program—without having to switch stations.
Partnerships with festivals and international contacts
THE STAGE is a partner of numerous festivals and events, including the Albisgütli Country Music Festival, Albi’s Country Festival, the Interlaken Trucker and Country Festival, Country Night Gstaad, the Kandertal Country Festival, and the Buckle & Boots Festival in Aarau—which is being held in Switzerland for the first time. «We’re thrilled to be part of the action wherever country and rock are celebrated,» says Marco Ritzmann, who is responsible for partnerships at THE STAGE. «We’re also in contact with other partners, including international ones, regarding potential partnerships.»
New Technology for a More Stable Listening Experience
A lot has changed behind the scenes in recent months as well. The entire technical infrastructure and the stream have been updated and modernized. The result should be significantly improved music and programming, as well as a more stable and reliable stream for listeners. The new app has already been released, and further updates will be implemented in the coming days. «THE STAGE will be fully ready by the official launch on May 20, 2026,» Ritzmann and Hobi are convinced.
With THE STAGE, a new chapter begins for the Swiss broadcaster—more modern, bigger, and closer to the scene. The goal: to become Switzerland’s go-to platform for country, rock, and Americana—on the air, online, and live on stage.
For more information and to download the app, visit www.thestage.one available.
