Switzerland launches tender for 38 regional TV and radio licences

Switzerland’s Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) has opened the tendering process for 38 local radio and regional TV licences. The process will run until the end of April 2023. Awardees will fulfil a regional public service mandate as of January 1 2025 and in return receive money from the radio and television fee. The total amount available to successful licensees in 2025 should amount to CHF 86 million (€86m).

Bernard Maissen

The regulator, which is overseen by director general Bernard Maissen, defined the service areas for the new licences in September 2022, after a period of consultation during which stakeholders were able to express their views. One key characteristic of Switzerland is that it has three national languages – French, German and Italian, so some of the new licences up for grabs reflect that.

Interested stations can submit their application file via an eGovernment portal from mid-March 2023 until 30 April 2023. Then, OFCOM will publish the files on its website and will hold a hearing of the interested circles. Based on the files and opinions collected during the hearing, concessions will probably be granted during Q4 2023.

The decision may be appealed to the Federal Administrative Court. Assuming, however, that the licensing process passes without dispute, the new concessions will enter into force on January 1, 2025, for a period of 10 years.