News

According to the "Digitisation Concept 2017", which will enter into force on 1 May 2017 , KommAustria is deepening its frequency planning in the establishment and expansion of digital audio broadcasting on the basis of DAB+ and is preparing the field for further calls.

The entry-level SZ3 model is offered as standard with aircon, a leather steering wheel, DAB radio with Bluetooth, rear privacy glass, LED daytime running lights and front electric windows.

The Swift is now five-door only and has DAB digital radio with Bluetooth connectivity as standard.

At RadioAsia 2017, Joan Warner from Commercial Radio Australia discussed the success of radio in Australia, focusing on innovative radio content creation, and commented: “Radio businesses need to continue moving forward while keeping their deep connections with their audiences,” she said, but warned that broadcasting needs to remain free to air and “not be controlled by gatekeepers such as internet providers... Radio’s future is multi-platform but the core business model for the foreseeable future is in free to air broadcasting.”

Speaking at the RadioAsia 2017 Conference in Thailand, the Chairman of the country's regulator NBTC, Colonel Sukonrat outlined some the problems currently being experienced by the Thai radio industry. "There are too many stations, especially the trial stations; there is frequency interference; and there are delays in technological development... Radio is a crucial means of communication in Thailand," he said, telling delegates there are 193 AM stations on air, 313 FM stations and 5418 FM trial stations.

Ole Jørgen Torvmark, CEO of Digitalradio Norway commented, "Today, it was historically quiet on NRK's FM broadcasts in the inland and mountain ranges. Now, digital radio is taking over. The listeners will find a larger radio offering on DAB or via apps, PC and TV".  

From 11.11 on 26th April 2017 there was silence on NRK's ​​FM broadcasting frequencies in Hedmark, Oppland, Buskerud and Telemark. Commuters and cabin owners in other counties may also notice that NRK has now stopped transmitting on FM.

Fix Radio, the new London DAB station aimed at tradespeople, has been launched by Charlie Mullins, the world’s richest plumber. The station went on air at 7am on 26th April with breakfast show presenters Trev and Ben.

The Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA) has published a report on television and radio equipment in French households. The results for radio are positive, as 99.2% of individuals have at least one medium to listen to the radio, with 12% of French households having a DAB receiver.

Forever FM, launched just last week, has announced that it has been pulled after an objection to the use of the name “Forever FM”. Owner of the station, Steve Penk, confirmed that his other station Radio Dead will be taking the DAB spot previously occupied by Forever FM in Manchester.