News

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB +) or digital radio has arrived in the Hauts-de-France . Since 19 June, 51 stations are now available, including 17 brand new stations.

Dutch broadcasting supplier Broadcast Partners has appealed to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) and the Radiocommunications Agency (AT) to enable local and regional broadcasters to access DAB+, pending final permits being issued.

The Citroen Berlingo comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, manual air conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen with Mirror Screen for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink, Bluetooth and DAB Radio, along with USB and 12V sockets.

DAB+ has been launched in Hauts-de-France, with 17 stations to begin broadcasting in the format in Valenciennes.

Five new stations will begin airing on DAB+ in Bremen from 27 June, with the launch of a new regional mux.

The SCSA plans to launch an application process for DAB+ tenders relating to a single zone: Metropolitan France. This follows the publication of an impact study on the effect of DAB+ in the region, with public comments open until 10 July.

Next week at Broadcast Asia 2018, the ‘Radio’s New Wave’ session will bring together senior level speakers from broadcasters and industry experts to discuss the present and future of radio in Asia Pacific. Commercial Radio Australia CEO and WorldDAB Vice-President Joan Warner explains how the session will closely examine how radio is continuing to evolve and transition to new technology in the face of greater competition.

The tech bits in the car are good, with the head-up display being quite helpful, which includes the navigation as well. The screen is easy to navigate around, and the Apple CarPlay is a massive bonus, as well as the DAB+ radio.

"Today is a day of celebration," said CSA commissioner Nicolas Curien at the official launch of DAB+ in Hauts-de-France on Tuesday 19 June. 51 radio stations will receive DAB+, of which 24 are brand new stations that previously did not receive FM coverage, and are so new to the radio landscape in the region.

The quality of Kyiv's new DAB+ multiplex was put to the test on Tuesday, as NRADA chairman Yuri Artemenko and member Sergei Kostinsky found several stations available without using the in-built antenna on their receiver. Nine stations are broadcasting in DAB+ following a tender process conducted in March.