Energy: Bakom open to FM transitional solution
The Federal Office of Communications is open to discussion regarding the future of Radio Energy. A temporary FM solution is a possibility—but only if the other private radio stations in the greater Zurich area agree to it.
The Federal Office of Communications is open to discussions regarding the future of Radio Energy. A VHF transitional solution is being considered - but only if the other private radio stations in the greater Zurich area agree. The Office met with Ringier on Monday and exchanged ideas, said Caroline Sauser, spokesperson for Bakom, on Wednesday at the request of SDA. Energy once again argued in favor of a VHF transitional solution. For the Federal Office, however, the case has actually been decided: "The rules of the game were clear", Sauser continued. Radio 1, Radio 24 and Radio Zürisee had received a license for the Zurich/Glarus broadcasting area with around 1.5 million potential listeners. What matters now is the opinion of the other private radio stations in Zurich. If they all agreed, there would be no objections from OFCOM. However, the question is whether the other players are prepared to share the advertising pie with a fourth participant. Ringier must hold these talks now.
With the transitional solution, Ringier would like an FM frequency for Energy until a seamless switch to DAB+ digital technology is possible one day. For a fourth FM frequency in the Zurich area, SRG would have to move DRS 2, for example - which Ringier says it would be prepared to do.
Other private radio stations show little interest
The other Zurich radio broadcasters show little interest in a transitional solution for Radio Energy. The licensing procedure has now been completed after almost two long years, said Radio 1 boss Roger Schawinski on request. To question the result now would degrade it to a farce. Tamedia, owner of Radio 24, did not wish to comment further on the matter on Wednesday. Spokesman Christoph Zimmer referred to statements already made, for example in the NZZ on Wednesday. There, Tamedia points out that there are already a dozen radio stations in the Zurich area. Further segmentation is not acceptable, according to Zimmer. "We are clearly against it", Tony Immer, head of Radio Zürisee, also told SDA. They are not prepared to change the rules of the game retrospectively.
With the transitional solution, Ringier would like an FM frequency for Energy until a seamless switch to DAB+ digital technology is possible one day. For a fourth FM frequency in the Zurich area, SRG would have to move DRS 2, for example - which Ringier says it would be prepared to do.
Other private radio stations show little interest
The other Zurich radio broadcasters show little interest in a transitional solution for Radio Energy. The licensing procedure has now been completed after almost two long years, said Radio 1 boss Roger Schawinski on request. To question the result now would degrade it to a farce. Tamedia, owner of Radio 24, did not wish to comment further on the matter on Wednesday. Spokesman Christoph Zimmer referred to statements already made, for example in the NZZ on Wednesday. There, Tamedia points out that there are already a dozen radio stations in the Zurich area. Further segmentation is not acceptable, according to Zimmer. "We are clearly against it", Tony Immer, head of Radio Zürisee, also told SDA. They are not prepared to change the rules of the game retrospectively.
