3+ is a Swiss German-language private television channel that launched on 31 August 2006 and is owned by CH Media. It is the first major private television channel in Switzerland since the closure of TV3 in 2001. Its founder is Dominik Kaiser, who led the network until the CH Media acquisition in 2019.
History The idea of a private TV channel in Switzerland at a national scale in German was first attempted with TV3 between 1999 and 2001, but due to high costs for producing programs, the channel had to close due to high debts.
On 11 January 2006, the Federal Council granted a national license to Dominik Kaiser as Elevator TV (tentative name).New TV offering for Switzerland: Federal Council grants a transmission licence to Elevator-TV, The Federal Council, 11 January 2006, retrieved 27 August 2026 On 31 May, the channel was presented to the public under the new name 3+. Due for a September launch, it already sealed an agreement with Cablecom to distribute it over both its analog and digital cable networks, whereas on analog cable, it was set to take over ORF 2's frequency. From the beginning, it planned to create Swiss versions of international formats, as well as local sitcoms and a documentary program akin to Welt der Wunder. It also acquired a raft of Hollywood titles. It would also launch a second channel in early 2007 on digital providers.Der neue Schweizer Privatsender heisst 3+, Persoenlich, 31 May 2006, retrieved 27 August 2026
3+ launched at 8pm on 31 August 2006.3+ goes on air on August 31 at 8 p.m., M&K, 10 August 2006, retrieved 27 August 2026 In order not to commit the same mistakes as the defunct private channels Tele 24 (1998–2001) and TV3 (1999–2001), most of the line-up consisted of American films and TV series. This strategy worked as it gained more ratings and, subsequently, ad revenue. Within its first ten years on air, it would spawn the creation of two sister channels (4+ and 5+) and would have 2,9 million viewers tuning in every month on average.Fabian Sommer 3+ feiert 10-jahr Jubilüm, Berner Zeitung, 31 August 2016, retrieved 27 August 2026 In October 2019, CH Media acquired 3+, thus becoming Switzerland's largest private television group.CH Media rachète le groupe 3+, Swissinfo, 18 October 2019, retrieved 27 October 2026
On 31 August 2026 (date of its twentieth anniversary), 3+ changed its logo and adopted it as an umbrella brand for CH Media's eight national TV channels.3+ wird Dachmarke für acht sender, Persoenlich, 27 August 2026, retrieved 31 August 2026
See also Television in Switzerland
References