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Germany

Last update: 24.08.2023 - older versions

DAB+ in Germany in the first half of 2023: More use, more variety, more radio

DAB+ radio continued its successful course in the first half of 2023. The use of DAB+ stations is growing, while network expansion continues regionally and nationally. Broadcast launches in Lower Saxony, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein bring more choice for listeners. According to ma 2023 Audio II, 52 million people use radio services daily (Mon.-Fri.). In the current study published by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse (agma), DAB+ radio is holding its own with some growth: DAB+ is listened to by 28.6 per cent (ma 2023 Audio I: 28.5 per cent) in the "widest listener group" (WHK) segment. According to agma, it is also the services broadcast nationwide via DAB+ that are recording increases in listener numbers. For example, the "Absolute" radio programmes: With a growth rate of 21.4 per cent in listeners in the average hour, the stations are achieving new record values.

Read the Digitalradio Büro Deutschland press release

Launch of second national multiplex

In October 2020, Antenne Deutschland launched a second DAB+ multiplex that will host up to 16 new national commercial radio stations. In addition to distributing its own programs, Antenne Deutschland also plans to offer stations to third parties. The NRJ Group will be also be broadcasting its popular Nostalgie station on the multiplex from January 2020.

DAB+ regulation

According to Germany's Telecoms Law, all new car radios should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21th Dec 2020 – as required by the European Electronic Communications Code.

The law also requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example, DAB+ or IP) – from the same date. Read the press release on the new German national legislation here

An overview of the status of DAB+ digital radio in Germany is available at www.dabplus.de/sender

Last update: 08.10.2020 - older versions

Digital radio is available in all metropolitan areas. The total coverage (combined coverage of ARD multiplexes and the national multiplex) is 98% of the population.

The 1st level road coverage of the national network is 12,700 km which is equal to 98%.

Detailed information on the network coverage can be found on www.digitalradio.de/empfang.

Last update: 10.05.2023 - older versions

In this country there are

on air.

An up-to-date overview of the DAB+ digital radio services on air in Germany is available at www.dabplus.de/sender.

Please note:

(a) These web pages are updated regularly to reflect current services on air, however they may not be exactly up to date.

(b) The logos shown on these pages are for illustrative purposes only – manufacturers and broadcasters are directed here for information on implementing station logos.

	Simulcast on AM / FM	Exclusive on digital	Total of services
DAB+ programmes	200	70	270

Last update: 16.02.2022 - older versions

94% of new cars sold equipped with DAB+

In Germany, as of H2 2021, 94% of new cars were sold with digital radio as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2022).

Amendment to the Telecommunications Act, Section 48, para. 4 and 5

According to Germany's new national legislation on digital radio, all radios in new cars should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21 Dec 2020 – as required by the European Electronic Communications Code. The law also requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example,DAB+ or IP) – from the same date.

The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.

Last update: 04.03.2021 - older versions

Receiver sales and revenues

In 2020, over 1.83 million DAB+ receivers were sold in Germany - this represents a 15.2 percent growth compared to 2019.

Revenues from DAB+ receiver sales also grew by 13 percent, from €216 million in 2019 to the current record of €244 million in 2020.

As of Q2 2020, cumulative DAB/DAB+ receiver sales stood at 16,623,000 (including line fit automotive).

German Government mandates Digital Interface in most radios

In September 2019, the German federal parliament reiterated its commitment to DAB+ by passing a revision to its Telecoms Law. The law was approved, and made official in November 2019.

The law requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example, DAB+ or IP) – from the same date. The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.

Initiative Digital Radio Deutschland Product Finder

Overview list of the digital radio receivers available on the German market

The 2020 Digitisation Report carried out by Die Medienanstalten during IFA 2020 is available here (in German)

Digital Radio Germany's 2020 DAB+ report is available here (in German)

Last update: 18.07.2022 - older versions

There are currently no news available for this section.

Last update: 01.12.2022 - older versions

What about the radio button in the car?

Are audio systems and voice assistants in car user interfaces within the meaning of the State Media Treaty? This question is the subject of a legal opinion commissioned by the Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia. On 23 November 2022, the expert opinion by Prof. Dr. Ralf Müller-Terpitz entitled "Rechtliche Einordnung von Audiosystemen und Sprachassistenten mit dem Fokus Auto" (Legal classification of audio systems and voice assistants with a focus on cars) was published and can now be downloaded from the Authority's website.

The conclusion of the expert opinion is that integrated audio systems represent a user interface for linear radio reception in the car. The same applies to the manufacturers' own voice assistants which are responsible for the navigation of the audio system. Thus, car manufacturers fall under the Treaty and must in future comply with the regulations for linear radio reception in the integrated audio system. "The result of the expert opinion is essentially: What looks like a user interface and is operated like a user interface is a user interface. This is good news for radio, for journalism and for users," said Dr. Tobias Schmid, Director of the Landesanstalt für Medien NRW, commenting on the results of the expert opinion.

Read the full press release from Landesanstalt für Medien NRW

DAB+ regulation in Germany

In September 2019, the German federal parliament reiterated its commitment to DAB+ by passing a revision to its Telecoms Law.

The law was approved, and made official in November 2019. According to the revised law, all radios in new cars should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21st Dec 2020 – as required by the European Electronic Communications Code.

The obligation only applies to new cars, and does not apply to quads, trucks or other vehicles for goods transport. The law also requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example, DAB+ or IP) – from the same date.

The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.

Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions

The following websites provide information on all available services, the latest marketing and receivers for home and on the move.

dabplus.de

Rundfunk Forum

DAB+ promotion campaigns

In this 3-minute DAB+ promotional video published by German broadcaster ARD Digital, media personality Anni Dunkelmann explains to consumers the various benefits of DAB+, such as improved sound quality, a wider choice of listening and the ability of certain receivers to show visual displays.

YouTube tip: to see video subtitles in your local language, click on the settings icon located at the bottom right of the video, select settings, then auto translate, then your preferred language option.

Summer 2019

The German digital radio industry (public and commercial radio) organised a DAB+ promotion week from 13-24 May 2019. Cross-media activities included on-air radio spots, consumer and B2B print advertisements and advertorials, social media and on www.dabplus.de. The week included also training and promotion within the retail sector.

Summer 2018

A new German multimedia campaign promoting DAB+ will launch on 27 August, with the slogan "DAB+. Mehr Radio" (DAB+, More Radio) to be branded across TV, radio, print and online. On 30 August, an "Editorial Theme Day" will be held at IFA Berlin by German broadcaster ARD and other commercial radio stations to discuss the benefits of DAB+. The initiative is a collaboration between German broadcaster ARD and other commercial radio stations, as part of a nationwide rebrand of DAB+.

Christmas 2017

Christmas promotion "Give a DAB + Radio" Starting November 27th, in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, radio and TV spots will once again be broadcasting spots and actions about the DAB + listening experience at ARD, Deutschlandradio, private radio stations and other partners.

May 2017

ARD and Deutschlandradio started a cross-media nationwide marketing campaign for DAB+ radio from 2 May 2017. The campaign will include radio, television and internet, as well as images for print and online use. DAB+ has also received an eye-catching new logo, with which broadcasters, manufacturers and retailers can promote the new radio standard.

Examples of the implementation of new DAB+ logo can be viewed here: http://www.digitalradio.de/index.php/de/haendlerbereich. Download the Press Release.

Under the motto "As clear as if I were there", the ARD has a nationwide marketing campaign for DAB+ together with Deutschlandradio and other partners. This includes TV commercials as well as on numerous online channels. In the ARD, with Deutschlandradio and private broadcasters are broadcasting various radio adspots. In addition, there are print and online motifs on the new website www.dabplus.de.

Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions

There are currently no news available for this section.

Groundbreaking ZAK decision: In-car entertainment systems are the subject of a media law decision for the first time

04.04.2024 - Germany

At its March meeting, the Commission for Licensing and Supervision (ZAK) categorised the in-car entertainment systems from Audi, BMW/Mini and Tesla as user interfaces. The ZAK also categorised the "Tesla Media Player" as a media platform. In doing so, the ZAK has set a milestone, as this is the first time that the Commission has exercised its duty of supervision over the media offerings of car manufacturers. Dr Thorsten Schmiege, Coordinator of the Infrastructure and Innovation Committee: "Radio plays a central role in the car. It's about access to local news or current alerts, but also about users who expect to be able to easily find radio and content worth listening to in the car. With the displays, car manufacturers are acknowledging their responsibility to implement media diversity in the car in practice. We assume that other car manufacturers will follow suit in the near future and will also insist on this."

(die medienanstalten) Read more

BR enables reception of all its regional programmes throughout Bavaria

02.04.2024 - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Germany

On 10 April, Bayerischer Rundfunk is reorganising the distribution of its radio programmes in its own DAB+ networks. This changeover to DAB+ means that unlike FM, listeners throughout Bavaria can choose from any of the five Bayern 1 regional programmes: Bayern 1 Mainfranken, Bayern 1 Mittel- und Oberfranken, Bayern 1 Niederbayern/Oberpfalz, Bayern 1 Oberbayern and Bayern 1 Schwaben. This will also please car drivers: they will then be able to listen to "their" Bayern 1 regional programme continuously on their DAB+ car radio, even if they are travelling across Bavaria. The basis for this changeover is the major expansion of the DAB+ transmitter network with 88 locations, and coverage of well over 90 per cent of Bavaria's population with the DAB+ signal.

(Bayerischer Rundfunk) Read more

DAB+: Several new stations at the turn of the month

02.04.2024 - Germany

There were a number of changes to DAB+ terrestrial digital radio on 1 April. New programmes were launched or existing radio stations expanded their broadcasting area. There is a new service from Star FM. The rock station was previously available terrestrially in Berlin, Franconia and Saxony. Since 1 April, it has also been offering a separate service for North Rhine-Westphalia. The station took over the capacity of Femotion Radio in the state-wide multiplex on channel 9D. The country station The WOLF has been available in three more federal states since Easter Monday: Bremen (channel 6A), Hamburg (channel 12C) and Hesse (channel 6A and 12C). Last year, the station already expanded to Rheinhessen.

(teltarif.de) Read more

DAB+: The WOLF expands to Hesse, Bremen and Hamburg

26.03.2024 - Germany

Following the successful launch on 13 July 2023 via the Lower Saxony DAB+ platform and the launch on the Rheinhessen Mux, The WOLF - Deutschlands Country Radio is further expanding its broadcasting area. On 1 April, the programme will be launched via DAB+ in Hesse, Bremen and Hamburg under the slogan "New Country and the Legends". "We are delighted that the country station has received a very positive response following its launch in Lower Saxony. We have therefore decided to continuously expand The WOLF's coverage area," says Managing Director Steffen Müller.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

ENERGY Stuttgart to be broadcast via DAB+ throughout Baden-Württemberg from April

21.03.2024 - Germany

The Landesanstalt für Kommunikation Baden-Württemberg (LFK) has allocated ENERGY Stuttgart a slot in the state-wide DAB+ multiplex on channel 11B from 1 April. Matthias Spang, Managing Director of ENERGY Region Stuttgart: "We are very pleased with the LFK's decision. It allows us to expand our reach, reach even more young listeners in Germany's most beautiful federal state and secure our competitiveness. Every third household in Baden-Württemberg already has at least one DAB+ device in their home or car, and the trend is rising". "Our digitalisation strategy has thus reached another milestone. We can now offer all of ENERGY's local, state-wide and national programmes via DAB+," adds Olaf Hopp, Managing Director of ENERGY Deutschland. "We will continue to listen to radio via all three distribution channels FM, DAB+ and IP for some time to come, but DAB+ is steadily gaining ground and is the radio transmission channel of the future."

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

DAB+ in NRW: egoFM successor confirmed

21.03.2024 - Germany

For many weeks, there has been speculation in the radio landscape as to who will be the successor to egoFM in North Rhine-Westphalia. According to information from radioWOCHE, the successor will be the pop programme Radio Paloma. In response to an enquiry from radioWOCHE, the NRW Media Authority stated that it had been notified of the change. The other stations in the multiplex were also informed that Radio Paloma will succeed egoFM in April. In addition, another programme change was announced this week in the state-wide multiplex on channel 9D. STAR FM will replace FEMOTION Radio from 1 April.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

Maison FG: FG CHIC selected for DAB+ in Berlin

21.03.2024 - Germany

FG CHIC has been selected by MABB, Berlin's media regulator, to broadcast its programme in Berlin on DAB+. FG CHIC, "the haute-couture radio", offers eclectic lounge, chill and future disco programming. This is FG CHIC's 4th DAB+ frequency after Paris, Monaco-Nice-Côte d'Azur and Hamburg in Germany. Maison FG is developing its brands and network internationally by focusing on DAB+.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

NOSTALGIE included in ma 2024 Audio I for first time

21.03.2024 - Germany

NOSTALGIE has been recognised for the first time in the Media-Analyse ma 2024 Audio I published today by agma with 172,000 listeners per day. "NOSTALGIE - nur die grössten Songs" has been available nationwide via DAB+, stream and app since January 2021. The programme is aimed primarily at the core target group between the ages of 35 and 49 with a music format that combines the biggest songs of the 80s with those from the 70s and 90s. Olaf Hopp, Managing Director of ENERGY Deutschland: "The ENERGY Group's programmes in Germany are now not only a guarantee for high reach in the young target group, but we are now also being shown individually for the first time with the NOSTALGIE brand. We have already seen this positive development in the current results of ma IP Audio and in our own surveys and now this is also underpinned by valid figures in the media analysis relevant for marketing".

(ENERGY Deutschland) Read more

Absolut Radio's DAB+ stations one of the fastest growing groups in Germany

21.03.2024 - Germany

In the ma 2024 Audio I published today, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse (agma) announced that the DAB+ programmes of the national Absolut Radio family of stations have once again achieved some of the strongest growth in the whole of Germany, particularly in the 14 to 49 age group, which is important for marketing. In terms of average hourly listeners, Absolut Radio achieved growth of 18 per cent, making it one of the clear winners of the market survey for Germany-wide programmes. "We often deliberately take unusual paths for radio with our stations, try out a lot and sometimes realise so-called radio no-goes," says Mirko Drenger, CEO of Antenne Deutschland. "The new figures show us that we are on the right track to reach new and fresh target groups. What's more, our programme seems to be turning these target groups into long-term listeners," Mirko Drenger continues.

(Antenne Deutschland) Read more

Germany's ma 2024 Audio I: "DAB+ continues to be a trend"

20.03.2024 - Germany

The key data on audio usage confirms the unchanged high overall performance of the radio/audio genre. In the widest group of listeners (WHK), 93.7 per cent (ma 2023 Audio II: 94.1 per cent) of the German-speaking population aged 14 and over use at least one traditional and/or online audio offering (Audio Total). Listeners remain loyal to their stations at a high level with more than four hours of daily usage (duration: 245 minutes) (ma 2022 Audio II: 242 minutes). Distribution via DAB+ continues to be a trend: DAB+ is listened to by 28.5 per cent in the WHK (ma 2023 Audio II: 28.6 per cent) and is used particularly heavily in the target group of 30 to 59-year-olds (WHK: 34.0 per cent - ma 2023 Audio II: 33.6 per cent).

(Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse e.V. (agma)) Read more

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Key Information

Status:	regular
Population:	83.8 million
Population coverage:	98%
Services:	270 DAB+
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard:	95%
Total Sales (cumulative):	25,800,000 devices
Penetration by household:	34%
Last update: 26.02.2024