Radio Night 2025: An industry celebrates the power of audio
Radio Night at Zurich’s Carlton Hotel clearly demonstrated that radio remains a powerful medium even in the digital age. Around 180 guests celebrated the relevance of audio, honored influential figures, and discussed the future of the industry.
The traditional event, which has been a fixed date in the industry calendar for years, transformed the Carlton Restaurant & Bar in Zurich into a lively meeting place for the Swiss radio and audio industry. In late summer temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere, the invited guests enjoyed culinary highlights, refreshing drinks and a music program that created an exuberant atmosphere. The Radio Night provided an important platform for exchange, inspiration and networking, where passion and the continued relevance of radio in the digital age were emphasized.
Audio is everywhere: focus on reach and transformation
Ralf Brachat, Managing Director of Swiss Radioworld AG and host of the evening, emphasized the medium’s resilience: «Despite the steady shift toward digitalization over the past decade, radio remains a medium with a very wide reach that resonates with people because of its local news and entertainment value.» He highlighted that audio as a whole—including digital distribution channels such as podcasts—continues to enjoy growing popularity. Brachat sees this development as an enormous opportunity: «Audio is simply everywhere and reaches everyone.» He cites impressive figures showing that, across all distribution channels—whether landline, cell phone, TV, traditional radio, or, not least, podcasts—a total of 99% of the population is reached.
According to Brachat, the industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, marked by a generational shift and the consolidation of many stations. However, radio station management has become more flexible and has introduced many new formats to the market. Collaboration within the industry is better than ever today: «I’m overjoyed—we have extremely good partnerships, and we’re finding more and more common ground. We’re working together to create products and find solutions. The industry is very, very united,» said Brachat.
Hans Lackner: A "radio man of the first hour" and indispensable advisor
A special moment of the evening was the tribute to Hans Lackner, a longtime planner at Swiss Radioworld. Hans Lackner, who describes himself as a „radio veteran from the very beginning“ and has been working in radio for over 25 years, was honored for his outstanding contributions. Even though he is officially retiring, he will continue to serve as a consultant to Swiss Radioworld and thus remain active in the industry. His mission has always been to generate as much revenue as possible for private radio stations.
Swiss Radioworld: A rock in the surf thanks to innovation and a broad spectrum
Swiss Radioworld, a subsidiary of the Goldbach Group, positions itself as a key partner in this area. Hans Lackner highlights the company’s USP: «Our size gives us the necessary capabilities. We have all the tools we need, and we have the resources required not only to handle what we have now, but also to tackle what the future will bring.».
Particularly noteworthy is the industry’s pioneering role in programmatic radio and digital audio, where Swiss Radioworld has been active for two years now. This demonstrates the industry’s capacity for innovation. Swiss Radioworld offers a wide range of services: from traditional or event-based radio advertising to advertising on digital audio platforms such as SoundCloud or the digital audio channels of Swiss private radio stations—Swiss Radioworld delivers audio advertising through direct booking or programmatically. Its services include consulting, planning, and execution of both traditional radio and digital audio campaigns in Switzerland.
Hans Lackner looks back with pride on the industry’s development: «The industry has developed very, very quickly and successfully over the past five years. Broadcasters have shown themselves to be open-minded and, thanks to their flexibility—not only when it comes to discounts but also to new ideas—have implemented tailor-made solutions for their customers.» This adaptability makes the audio medium a rock-solid pillar in a dynamic media landscape.
Radio Night 2025 was therefore not only a celebration of encounters and exchange, but also a commitment to the future-oriented strength and innovative power of the entire audio market.
Experience more impressions and voices from the evening in our Radio Night 2025 video.
