Beromünster helps DAB radio achieve a breakthrough
On December 28, the Beromünster regional station will go off the air. The end of medium-wave radio is helping digital radio gain traction, and DAB receivers are selling better than ever.
The Beromünster transmitter is switched off on December 28. The end of medium wave radio is helping digital radio to make a breakthrough, and DAB devices are selling better than ever. Almost half of the 340,000 listeners had previously received the radio station via the 531 kHz frequency and will now have to switch to cable, satellite, internet or DAB, says Manuela Schmid, spokesperson for Schweizer Radio DRS. For many, a digital radio set is likely to be the alternative.
Last but not least, the sale of DAB devices is being boosted by advertising from Radio DRS. The radio station is trying to make the digital wave appealing to listeners of the traditional medium wave. For example, it offers Home visits or organizes a digital radio day at the Zurich radio studio the day after the switch-off. DRS assumes that over 200,000 digital radio sets will be in use by the end of 2008, compared to 80,000 a year ago.
Founded in 1931, Radio Beromünster became a legend during the Second World War. Even if the old Swisscom Broadcast land transmitter is switched off, the 215-metre-high transmission tower will remain. Lucerne's monument preservation authorities have applied for it to be listed. However, the decision of the responsible department is still pending. It is also unclear how the facility will be used in the future. According to Swisscom spokesperson Myriam Ziesack, a decision will probably not be made until next year.
Last but not least, the sale of DAB devices is being boosted by advertising from Radio DRS. The radio station is trying to make the digital wave appealing to listeners of the traditional medium wave. For example, it offers Home visits or organizes a digital radio day at the Zurich radio studio the day after the switch-off. DRS assumes that over 200,000 digital radio sets will be in use by the end of 2008, compared to 80,000 a year ago.
Founded in 1931, Radio Beromünster became a legend during the Second World War. Even if the old Swisscom Broadcast land transmitter is switched off, the 215-metre-high transmission tower will remain. Lucerne's monument preservation authorities have applied for it to be listed. However, the decision of the responsible department is still pending. It is also unclear how the facility will be used in the future. According to Swisscom spokesperson Myriam Ziesack, a decision will probably not be made until next year.
