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Last update: 04.07.2024 - older versions

Arcom White Paper on Radio

The result of more than 30 hearings and consultations with the main players in radio, Arcom has published its White Paper on the future of radio in France, which provides a broad overview of the sector and its economic, legal and technical aspects, as well as changes in usage.

The White Paper on Radio was presented by Roch-Olivier Maistre, President of Arcom and by Hervé Godechot, Arcom member and chairman of the Radio and Digital Audio working group, at the Assises de la radio 2024 conference on Tuesday 18 June at the Arcom headquarters in Paris.

Arcom is proposing a two-phase trajectory, aiming to achieve predominantly digital broadcasting by the end of 2033 and requiring the mobilisation of the entire ecosystem:

• Phase 1: Preparation (2024-2027): Establishing a balanced radio ecosystem within a legislative and technological environment that facilitates continued digitisation under optimal conditions.

• Phase 2: Migration (2028-2033): Completing a market-initiated transition to a digital broadcasting model, six years after the preparation phase and nine years after the publication of the White Paper in 2024.

The transition will require regulation, metrics, planning, marketing and then resources.

Read more on the Arcom website.

Download the English-language summary.

 

DAB+ : a structural choice for the radio industry

Launched in 2014 in Paris, Nice and Marseille, DAB+ is now seen as critical to contribute to the future of radio and to address the saturation of FM. It is a means to preserve diversity and plurality. As DAB+ is reaching a turning point, the regulator, Arcom, is launching in 2023 a consultation with the radio industry which will include the switchover from FM to DAB+ both in the metropolitan area and overseas. The economics of radio are a key element of the expected white paper, as well as the potential acceleration of the deployment.

Deployment of DAB+

On 12 October 2021, France launched two new national multiplexes broadcasting 26 DAB+ stations, including national services from Radio France, leading private broadcasters and four new national services. The new multiplexes are broadcast along the major motorway corridors of Paris-Lyon-Marseille. The 26 services include four new DAB+ only stations and 22 stations that are also broadcast in FM. Extension to more main roads and highly populated areas is planned for the end of 2023. These 26 radios are in addition to the hundreds of radio stations already available regionally and locally on DAB+

The CSA rollout plan, the so-called "nodes and arcs strategy" described in 2017, which also includes continued regional and local rollouts alongside the launch of national services, was updated in 2021. 

Arcom says that "In total, it is expected that 17 multiplexes, extended or local, will have started broadcasting during the summer of 2023. At the end of these start-ups, the coverage of the metropolitan population by DAB+ will exceed 50%."

French DAB+ Broadcast Networks Factsheet

A new factsheet on DAB+ digital radio in France has been produced for automotive manufacturers, as the country achieves over 50% DAB+ population coverage.

The factsheet from WorldDAB - the global industry forum for DAB digital radio - was produced as part of the work of its Automotive Working Group, in partnership with network operator TDF, and RadioDNS which promotes hybrid radio.   

France DAB+ Broadcast Networks

Receiver legislation

Older pieces of legislation in France related to DAB+ in cars have been superseded by the transposition in November 2020 of the EECC into French legislation. This law passed the last stage and was made official in December 2020, with the transposition of the EECC into French law officially published on 28 May 2021. Domestic receivers, for which the reception function of radio services broadcast is not purely incidental, and have an alphanumeric screen, must be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio. Discussions are ongoing to make DAB+ mandatory in all receivers. 

Last update: 06.01.2026 - older versions

DAB+ digital terrestrial radio continues to roll out across France. At the end of 2025, population coverage has reached 66%, and is planned to reach 80% by the end of 2026

With its arrival in 2023 in towns such as Bayonne, Besançon, Brest, Clermont-Ferrand, Metz, Nancy and Pau, in summer 2023 DAB+ passed the symbolic milestone of covering 50% of the French population. A trial has also been underway in Martinique since January 2023, and La Réunion since March 2024. 

In December 2021, the French media regulator CSA, published an updated DAB+ roadmap highlighting DAB+ developments plans for the 2022-2024 period.

According to the new roadmap, calls for applications will be launched for 50 local allotments in that period of time – these primarily concerned the cities of Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, Caen, Nancy, Paris, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Poitiers and Toulouse. 

Last update: 24.09.2025 - older versions

In this country there are

  • National multiplexes: 2 Regular
  • Regional multiplexes: 37 Regular
  • Local multiplexes: 65 Regular
on air.

An up-to-date overview of the DAB+ digital radio services on air in France is available on the Ensemble pour le DAB+ website.

France DAB+ Broadcast Networks

An interactive map showing all services currently on air in France, as well as those licensed to go on air, can be found at: Ma radio DAB Plus - CSA - Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel.

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB+ programmes 409 183 592

Last update: 07.07.2026 - older versions

In France, 98% of new cars sold in 2025 are equipped with DAB+ as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2025).

Based on Ensemble pour le DAB+ and Arcom data, at July 2026, it is estimated that around 25% of all individuals in France have DAB+ in one or more of their cars. 

 

French DAB+ Broadcast Networks Factsheet

A new factsheet on DAB+ digital radio in France has been produced for automotive manufacturers, as the country achieves over 50% DAB+ population coverage.

The factsheet from WorldDAB - the global industry forum for DAB digital radio - was produced as part of the work of its Automotive Working Group, in partnership with network operator TDF, and RadioDNS which promotes hybrid radio.   

Last update: 05.02.2021 - older versions

Receiver legislation 

In December 2018 DAB+ coverage reached 21.3% of the French population, which triggered a law requiring that all radio receivers (including in-car) sold in France be compatible with the broadcasting standards (ie DAB+). This 2018 law was amended in June 2020 to align with the EECC deadline of 20 December 2020.

In November 2020, the French parliament voted in favour of a law to transpose the EECC into French legislation. This law passed the last stage and was made official in December 2020, enabling the government to take a final decree which is expected by early 2021. The decree will confirm that new passenger cars in France will be required to include digital terrestrial radio from 20 December 2020, in line with the EECC. Additional obligations regarding consumer receivers have yet to be agreed and may also be included in that decree enacting the EECC.

More detailed information is in the WorldDAB EECC Factsheet. 

Last update: 04.07.2024 - older versions

  • La Réunion: Arcom has authorised two trials of DAB+ radio broadcasting in Saint-Denis from March 1, 2024.
  • La Martinique: trial authorised since January 2023 ; three sites in Martinique and 11 stations: Radio Fusion, Fusion 100 % Infos, Fusion Compas, Fusion Salsa Kl@moson, Fusion Gold, Maknet Jazz, Mixx FM Martinique, Radio Évangile Martinique, Radio Actif Martinique, Identité Radio and Martinique La 1ère.

Last update: 04.07.2024 - older versions

DAB+ regulation in France is outlined on the French Media regulator's website. 

Arcom's annual report

Arcom's White Paper on the future of radio

Last update: 04.07.2024 - older versions

Ensemble pour le DAB+

“Ensemble pour le DAB+” is an association created in 2022 on the instigation of the Bureau de la Radio, Radio France and SIRTI, with the aim of setting up and coordinating communication and marketing actions around the development of DAB+, both nationally and locally. The French Ministry of Culture is a partner of the Association.

The first global campaign took place in January 2024. The objective was to raise awareness of DAB+; the reach was 70% of the French population over 13 years old with a 1000 audio spots played during a week. It was completed by a social media campaign and a billboard campaign in the Paris metro, outdoors in the Ile-de-France region and in Nantes, Strasbourg, Lyon and Lille.

DABplus.fr

The website DABplus.fr was set up to summarise the deployment of DAB+ in France. It is paid by and for stakeholders of DAB+ in France. www.DABplus.fr

During the night of 21 to 22 July, Radio France’s FM frequencies will change
08.07.2026 - Top story - Radio France WorldDAB Member - France France
Announced in April 2025 and approved by the Government and ARCOM, Radio France’s plan to reorganise its FM frequencies will come into effect on 22 July 2026. Decided in the wake of the vote on the 2026 budget, which provided for an additional €4.1 million in savings for Radio France, this change involves seizing the opportunity presented by the roll-out of DAB+ in France to reduce the historic FM network by 12 per cent and thereby achieve annual savings of €3.9 million. It has also been designed to further certain objectives of the public service broadcasting sector, namely to encourage listeners to adopt DAB+ for radio listening, to improve access to information in crisis situations, and to ensure wider access to children’s programmes for families.

(Radio France) Read more

TDF is accelerating the roll-out of DAB+ with 26 new transmitters in several regions of France
30.06.2026 - TDF WorldDAB Member - France France
This Tuesday, TDF is bringing 26 new DAB+ transmitters into service across 24 sites to ensure the broadcast of national radio stations, via the M1 and M2 multiplexes, in digital quality. This new phase of the roll-out enhances coverage along several major roads and motorways, as well as in numerous urban areas, and helps to improve access to DAB+ throughout the country. This wave of roll-outs involves TDF sites located in several regions, notably in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Centre-Val de Loire. These roll-outs demonstrate TDF’s operational expertise and its ability to mobilise its teams across France to support the development of DAB+.

(TDF) Read more

Radio Nova is joining forces with Ensemble pour le DAB+
25.06.2026 - France France
The ‘Ensemble pour le DAB+’ association has announced that Radio Nova has joined its ranks. As a key player in the French radio sector, Radio Nova has been committed to the roll-out of DAB+ for several years. The station shares a common objective with the other members of the association: to support the evolution of radio listening habits and to promote public access to a diverse range of programmes via digital terrestrial radio. This move forms part of the DAB+ development strategy championed by the various players in the sector. According to Frédéric Antelme, deputy director of Radio Nova, “DAB+ represents a major step forward for radio. Joining ‘Ensemble pour le DAB+’ is a natural step in line with our commitment to this technology and our desire to support new ways of listening.”

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

In a world of uncertainty, radio is always there, Radio France CEO says
18.06.2026 - WorldDAB News - Radio France WorldDAB Member - France France
When the daily news cycle consists of natural disasters, economic disruptions and military conflicts, Sibyle Veil believes that keeping radio accessible — particularly in cars — is of the utmost importance. That was the message the Radio France CEO and chair of the EBU Radio Committee delivered during her keynote address at WorldDAB Automotive 2026. The annual event, hosted by the global organization that promotes the DAB+ broadcast radio standard, was held in Frankfurt, Germany, on June 11. “The discussions you are having today go far beyond the radio and automotive sectors alone because the connected car is becoming one of the main gateways to information, culture, and public debate,” Veil explained.

(Radio World) Read more

From resistance to resilience: why France is turning broadcast radio into a pillar of national security
12.06.2026 - France France
WorldDAB's Program Manager for France, Jean-Marc Dubreuil, reports from the 2026 Assises de la Radio in Paris. "Organised by the French regulator (Arcom), the symposium marked a historic, structural shift in state policy," he writes. "France is moving away from a passive, "natural" digital transition (that was one of the conclusions of the 2024 “Livre Blanc de la Radio”). Instead, the government and the regulator are launching a proactive modernisation roadmap consultation. A core argument is driving this shift: broadcast radio is no longer just a commercial or public media market—it is a vital pillar of national sovereignty, democratic cohesion, and emergency resilience."

(WorldDAB) Read more

DAB+ digital radio continues to be rolled out across Occitanie
08.06.2026 - France France
Digital terrestrial radio continues to be rolled out across Occitanie, with several transmitters now operational along the A64. Today, the roll-out is accelerating dramatically with operators Towercast and TDF (Télédiffusion de France). Along the A64, new transmitters have just been brought into service by TDF in Toulouse, Noé, Boussens and Lannemezan. Thanks to these installations, network coverage for national radio stations has increased from 50% to 70% across all of France’s motorways. Generally, DAB+ antennas are installed on existing masts. But to make the most of the space and avoid a “forest” of antennas, TDF is breaking new ground. Sophie Saffores, regional director, explains that it is now possible to use a single physical structure to broadcast both FM and DAB+.

(Radio France) Read more

Radio presenters gather to celebrate DAB+ at the 2026 Fête de la radio
05.06.2026 - France France
For Fête de la radio, your favourite presenters are rallying behind DAB+. You listen to them every morning, every evening, in the car or in the kitchen. To mark Radio Day, your favourite presenters are coming together with a shared goal: to introduce you to DAB+, the new way to listen to the radio. All these familiar voices have come together in a series of videos to explain, in simple terms, what DAB+ means for you. A rare show of unity, befitting the revolution currently underway: across France, radio is switching to DAB+. Radio stations, united under the banner of ‘Ensemble pour le DAB+’, are launching one of the largest campaigns ever undertaken to raise awareness of this new way of listening.

(Ensemble pour le DAB+) Read more

Assises de la radio: Opening remarks by Martin Ajdari
04.06.2026 - France France
Martin Ajdari, President of Arcom, spoke at Assises de la radio. "Resistance is good, but resilience is even better. This is the challenge facing the transformation and modernisation of the sector and its distribution, starting with DAB+, the benefits of which need no detailed elaboration: sound quality, a wide range of services, and, above all, the absence of a technical intermediary between broadcaster and listener, which is important in a world of proprietary interfaces... Today, 80% of the population is covered, including all towns with over 50,000 inhabitants, as well as 10,000 km of motorway and virtually all of Brittany’s dual carriageways. This is a remarkable achievement, but it is not enough, as demonstrated by the fact that awareness and ownership rates have plateaued at around 35%, which is insufficient."

(Arcom) Read more

Assises de la radio 2026: ‘Radio and digital audio: time for decisions?’
03.06.2026 - France France
On Tuesday 2 June, Arcom hosted a new edition of the “Assises de la radio” at the Authority’s headquarters to discuss the current challenges facing the radio industry and to identify the future developments and challenges that will shape its landscape in the long term. “What is needed today is a more proactive collective approach involving the entire sector, public authorities and the regulator. It is with this in mind that, in the autumn, we will launch a process of consultation and scenario modelling to define, by early 2027, a common platform for the future of radio,” emphasised Martin Ajdari, President of Arcom, during his opening speech.

(Arcom) Read more

Ensemble pour le DAB+ is stepping up its promotion of DAB+ in partnership with Fnac-Darty
29.05.2026 - France France
The Ensemble pour le DAB+ association has announced a partnership with Fnac-Darty to promote DAB+ digital radio receivers. Until 31 May, nearly 300 Fnac and Darty stores are showcasing DAB+ compatible radios with discounts of up to 20%. This initiative forms part of the ongoing roll-out of DAB+ in France, which currently covers 70% of the population and is set to reach 80% by the end of 2026. The promotion began on 15 May and will run until 31 May in nearly 300 Fnac and Darty stores, as well as on both retailers’ online platforms. DAB+ receivers are available with discounts of up to 20%. The association notes that this is a first in France for the digital terrestrial radio sector. The campaign is led by Ensemble pour le DAB+.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

  • Paris_radio_show_600

    Retrouvez le WorldDAB au Paris Radio Show 2025

    14.01.2025

    Le 28 janvier, le Paris Radio Show, le seul événement professionnel en France dédié à l'industrie de la radio, ouvrira ses portes. Le WorldDAB propose d’échanger sur les tendances qui façonnent l’avenir de la radiodiffusion numérique mais aussi de partager les meilleures pratiques dans le déploiement du DAB+.

    Read more

  • Paris_radio_show_600

    WorldDAB at Paris Radio Show 2025

    13.01.2025

    On 28 January, the Paris Radio Show, France's only trade event dedicated to the radio industry, will open its doors. The Show covers major issues for the future development of radio, including the deployment of DAB+. WorldDAB will discuss the trends shaping the future of digital broadcasting, and to share best practices.

    Read more

  • Arcom_livre_blanc_600

    Radio in France looks to a digital future

    19.07.2024

    Arcom has recently published its “White Paper of the future of radio”. WorldDAB's Programme Manager in France, Jean-Marc Dubreuil looks at the country's radio sector and how DAB+ is at the heart of Arcom's proposals for the digital future.

    Read more

  • Logo-prs-generique-fnoir_600x400

    WorldDAB centre stage at events in 2024

    31.01.2024

    It’s another packed year of amazing industry events around the world. We start this year with Paris Radio Show, from 6 February. Plus we hope to see you at our own WorldDAB Automotive 2024, which we’re delighted to announce this year will be in the beautiful city of Prague on 13 June.

    Read more

  • Rendez-vous-les-2-et-3-juin-pour-celebrer-partout-en-dans-toute-la-france-la-fete-de-la-radio-2022

    Paris Radio Show highlights DAB+ growth

    16.06.2022

    All parts of the French radio industry came together to celebrate the medium at the second edition of the Fete de la Radio during the Paris Radio Show, held at La Seine Musicale earlier this month. Will Jackson & Jean-Marc Dubreuil look back at the digital radio highlights of the event.

    Read more

  • Dab__major_launch_12_october_2021_%282%29

    Major new milestone for DAB+ in France on 12 October

    06.10.2021

    Seven years after the commercial launch of DAB+ in Paris, Nice and Marseille, a major step change in the deployment of DAB+ in France takes place on 12 October 2021. 25 national radios stations (19 commercial, 6 public) will launch, covering the major motorway corridors of Paris-Lyon-Marseille.

    Read more

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Key Information

Status: regular
Population: 65.2 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 80%
Services: 592 DAB+
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard: Sparkline Graph 98%
Total Sales (cumulative): 14,500,000 devices
Penetration by household: Sparkline Graph 35%
Last update: 02.06.2026

Useful Links

DAB+ services on air in France
Annuaire des radios Françaises en AM, FM et RNT
Regulator - ARCOM
Call for application for 2 multiplexes covering main roads
DAB+ in France - interactive map
DAB+ regulation in France
DABplus.fr
Ensemble pour le DAB+