News

Good news for all Schlager fans: Schlager Radio can finally be heard throughout the state of Brandenburg and in Berlin via antenna – on DAB+ channel 10B. Until now, our programme was only available in parts of Brandenburg, but since June we have had an official licence from the Berlin-Brandenburg Media Authority (mabb). This means we can now reach all listeners in Berlin and throughout the state of Brandenburg. Programme director Normen Sträche: ‘We are delighted to now be available to everyone in Brandenburg – with the best Schlager music, the latest news from the state and reporters who report directly from the scene.’

On 1 October 2025, the expansion of the DAB+ network in Lower Saxony was further advanced with the commissioning of three new transmission sites. The measure affects the private multiplexes NI EMSLAND K10C, NI OSNABRCK K8B and NI Nordsee K11A and significantly improves digital radio coverage in several regions. One prominent new addition is NIUS – Das Radio. The programme, which is headed by former Bild editor-in-chief Julian Reichelt, went on air on 1 October in several multiplexes in Lower Saxony. NIUS Radio combines pop music with opinionated contributions and news under the slogan ‘The voice of the majority’. The launch in Lower Saxony is part of a nationwide expansion that will soon also include Berlin, Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Coimisiún na Meán is currently undertaking a review of its Broadcasting Services Strategy (“BSS”). A key element of this work will be the undertaking of research and consultation activities, including a comprehensive environmental and economic present-day and future-looking analysis of the Irish broadcasting, as well as audience research. "To support this analysis, we are now inviting submissions from parties interested in providing new commercial or community sound broadcasting (audio and audiovisual) services. We are open to suggestions regarding the nature of the service(s) to be provided, the basis/models upon which such services might be licensed (e.g., FM, DAB+), and the areas and audiences to be served by such additional services."

‘The purpose of this royal decree is to adopt measures (to) promote DAB+ technology in terrestrial digital audio broadcasting audiovisual communication services.’ This is how the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Administration, through its Secretariat of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, establishes the main objective of this royal decree. The project grants leadership of the introduction and development of digital radio in the DAB+ standard to Corporación Radio Televisión Española, through Radio Nacional de España, as it did in our country in the 1960s with frequency modulation. RNE is once again taking on the responsibility of developing a new radio broadcasting technology, transmitted via radio waves and not dependent on the internet.

Radio futurologist James Cridland interviewed by Italy's NL NewsLinet: "FM switch-off vs DAB+/IP for private broadcasters in Switzerland after 31/12/2026? I don't think 80-year-olds should be talking about the future of radio... Car manufacturers are making radios harder to find. This is a mistake, as it has been proven that radios are one of the most important features in a car and that people would not buy a car if it did not come with a tuner as standard. However, many cars are now manufactured in China, a country where radios are not as important as they are in Europe. Gone are the days when we only listened to FM; now radio is everywhere, on different platforms. But broadcasting must remain central (in the interests of publishers and users)."

In this blog post, Sibyle Veil, CEO of Radio France, reflects on the vital role of radio. It remains one of the most reliable tools in times of crisis, often functioning when all else fails. It provides trusted, accessible, and immediate information, as seen in the 2025 blackout in Spain and Portugal and during the war in Ukraine. Safeguarding radio is essential for democracy, security, and public safety. Without it, Europeans risk losing a vital lifeline when disasters strike. The EU’s upcoming Digital Networks Act (DNA) focuses on digital infrastructure but risks neglecting radio. To strengthen resilience, the DNA must protect broadcast services and ensure all new vehicles include radios.

In Lower Saxony, private DAB+ ensembles are getting additional transmission sites. On 1 October, three transmission stations are scheduled to go online. The NI EMSLAND K10C ensemble will receive an additional location in Lingen-Damaschke with an output of 5 kW. Until now, transmissions have only been made from Molbergen, also with 5 kW. For the NI OSNABRCK K8B bouquet, an additional location in Damme with an output of 2.5 kW is planned. This will supplement the main transmitter in Osnabrück/Schleptruper Egge, which transmits at a power of 10 kW. For the NI Nordsee K11A ensemble, the existing transmitter in Aurich with a transmission power of 8 kW will be supplemented by the additional location in Wilhelmshaven with a transmission power of 200 watts.

Radio group Bay Broadcasting is set to launch a brand-new dance music station, Energy Dance, on the DAB platform. The station is expected to launch imminently and will make history as the first ever licensed dance music radio station in Ireland. Broadcasting 24 hours a day from Bay's headquarters at Castleforbes House in Dublin 1, Energy Dance will deliver back-to-back club classics – from early 90s classics to today’s biggest anthems – providing the ultimate soundtrack for Irish dance fans. Energy Dance will be aimed at listeners aged 25 to 60, initially serving audiences in the Greater Dublin area, before expanding nationwide in line with the rollout of DAB across Ireland.

As of today, Sky Radio Xmas can once again be heard on digital radio (DAB+). The station will temporarily replace Sky 00s&10s Hits (channel 7D). With its special themed station “Sky Radio Xmas”, the feel-good station brings you the best Christmas hits, especially for Christmas fans who want to get into the spirit early. The radio station can now be listened to via DAB+ (channel 7D) and also via skyradio.nl. The radio station Sky Radio 101 FM will be renamed The Christmas Station later this year. Fans who can't wait until then can tune in to the special themed station “Sky Christmas” from today.

Soul Radio can now be heard in a larger part of the Randstad via digital radio (DAB+). The radio station can now be heard in large parts of South Holland via channel 12D. Soul Radio plays a mix of soul, funk, R&B and disco music. In the Almere region, the radio station was already available via DAB+ (channel 10C). As of today, the radio station can also be listened to in the region around Zoetermeer, Lansingerland and Capelle aan den IJssel via digital terrestrial broadcasting on channel 12D.