Swiss Satellite Radios: SRG Sells Music Station to Two Buyers
SRG is divesting itself of Swiss Satellite Radios: CH Media is taking over Radio Swiss Pop, while Digris AG will continue to operate Radio Swiss Classic and Radio Swiss Jazz. Both buyers have committed to maintaining the stations’ musical programming for at least two years.
Following an open and thorough selection process, the SRG has found two new owners for Swiss Satellite Radios. CH Media is taking over Radio Swiss Pop, while Digris AG will continue to operate Radio Swiss Classic and Radio Swiss Jazz. Both buyers have committed to maintaining the stations’ musical and content focus for at least two years.
The SRG's Reorientation as Background
SRG is currently implementing the Enavant transformation project, which is making it more digital, agile, and efficient. At the same time, it is realigning itself in light of changing financial conditions and responding, among other things, to the reduction in the media license fee decided by the Federal Council. As part of this realignment, SRG is also reviewing its programming strategy. According to the press release, it is against this backdrop that the SRG has decided to sell Swiss Satellite Radio. The stations could also be operated by private media companies, and as stations dedicated exclusively to music, they do not fall within the SRG’s mandate as defined by its license.
Following an open and thorough selection process, SRG has identified two suitable buyers: CH Media will take over Radio Swiss Pop starting in January 2027, and Digris AG will operate the stations Radio Swiss Classic and Swiss Jazz starting in July 2027. The SRG Board of Directors approved the sale on September 16, 2026. The parties have agreed not to disclose the sale price.
Continuity Guaranteed for the Audience
According to the press release, the SRG worked during the sale process to ensure that the music stations—which have proven their worth and are popular with the public—retain their current character. The stations will maintain their current musical focus and will continue to be broadcast without hosts and with limited advertising. The proportion of Swiss music will remain at a minimum of fifty percent, as before. In addition, distribution via DAB+, streaming, and third-party platforms, as well as through cable network operators, is guaranteed.
The sales requirements defined by the SRG are valid for two years. Once this period has expired, the new owners will independently decide on future programming as well as on the distribution and marketing of their programs.
SRG Continues to Support Swiss Music
According to the SRG, the sale of the music channels will not affect its commitment to Swiss music. Through the «Charter for Swiss Music,» the SRG remains committed to promoting Swiss music and artists in its programming and to continuing to give Swiss music appropriate representation in its offerings.
The new owners of Swiss Satellite Radio
CH Media is one of Switzerland's largest private media companies and brings together leading offerings in the areas of radio, TV, print, and digital media. As the country's largest private radio group, the company states that it has many years of experience and well-established structures for the operation and distribution of music programming.
Digris operates DAB+ networks in Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom. According to the company, Digris broadcasts more than fifty percent of all Swiss DAB radio stations. Digris has also been operating Radio Open Broadcast since 2011.
