After consultation with the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Council determines the number and extent of the coverage in which fee-sharing licences are awarded, as well as the technical means of broadcasting in the coverage area concerned. When it does so, it distinguishes between coverage areas for radio and for television.
Coverage areas in accordance with Article 38 paragraph 1 letter a must be defined so that:
they constitute a political and geographical unit or are marked by especially close cultural or economic contacts; and
their existing funding options together with an appropriate proportion of the revenue from radio and television fees allow the broadcaster to fulfil its performance mandate.
Exceptions may be made for regional programme services which are broadcast in at least two national languages in a multilingual area.
The number and extent of the coverage areas are examined by the Federal Council periodically but after ten years at the latest. DETEC may make minor adjustments to the extent.
Before defining the coverage areas and before significant changes, the cantons and the licensed broadcasters directly concerned shall be consulted.
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