News

Nine more radio stations are set to join the Manchester small-scale multiplex from the end of May. This will bring the number of services available to 28, on what is believed to be the most populated DAB multiplex anywhere in the World.

SVS new DAB+ radios have been launched promising perfect reception and also convincing design fans at first glance. Compact and lighter than a bar of chocolate, they are presented as the perfect companion for outdoor excursions.

In Part II of a four-part focus of the European Broadcasting Union's Media Intelligence Service Digital Radio Report 2017, Radio World looks at the continent's DAB digital radio “Embracers.”

For some drivers, in-car digital radio is a must. Having grown steadily over a number of years, there is now a drive to get more standard fitment – as well as retrofit technology being added. “Across Europe, we listen to the radio for almost two and a half hours daily, and about 85% of people listen every week. Last year WorldDAB set up a group to look at the automotive user experience – delivering the best possible experience for drivers, now and in future. Smartphones are of course an alternative, but data is expensive, mobile coverage for streaming is patchy – and it can’t be relied upon in emergencies or for driver safety,” said Patrick Hannon, President of WorldDAB.

In the UK, over-the-air DAB radio listening has grown by 11% to a record 33.8% of all radio listening and 71.5% of all digital listening. Q1 2017 saw the highest-ever recorded proportion of in-car radio listening, accounting for 23.5% of all radio listening, with growth supported by the increase of in-car digital radio. 87% of new cars now come with DAB as standard equipment (Q1 2017 CAP/SMMT).

Following on from ASBU Arab Festival for Radio and Television, the EBU's Director General Ingrid Deltenre and the Technology & Innovation department's Marcello Lombardo were part of a high level delegation hosting the EBU Radio Days 15-16 May in Tunis where DAB radio was discussed.

The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs is planning to auction off 31 new DAB+ digital radio licenses. The government will in the coming years also continue with its digitalisation policy for commercial radio broadcasting. All current licenses will be renewed for five years, in-line with the wishes of the Lower House of Parliament.

At a meeting on 15 May 2017, the Media Council of the Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg (MABB) agreed to put out to tender DAB+ transmission capacities in Berlin and Brandenburg. "The interest in DAB+ is increasing," said MABB Director Dr. Anja Zimmer. "Since it is to be expected that the number of prospects for a DAB+ spread in Berlin and in the state of Brandenburg will exceed the number of available programs, MABB has proposed the DAB+ capacities be put out to tender." Applications must be submitted to the MABB by 14:00 on Friday, 23 June 2017.

The latest RAJAR figures paint a very positive picture for radio listenership in the UK. Almost 60% of us are tuning in on digital platforms as DAB radio penetration continues to make its way through the North of England. The UK is creeping ever closer to the government’s goal of digital radio accounting for 50% of all radio listening – almost half of all consumption now takes place on a digital platform.

Sony has just released the XDR-V20D clock radio and the XDR-S41D portable radio, both with DAB+.