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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.

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: 06.01.2025 - older versions

DAB+ digital terrestrial radio continues to roll out across France. 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.

Regulator Arcom announced that "In December 2024, more than 62% of the population of mainland France was covered by DAB+, compared with 50% at the end of 2023."

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: 22.09.2023 - older versions

In this country there are

on air.

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.

France DAB+ Broadcast Networks

Please note:

(a) These web pages are updated regularly to reflect current services on air, however they may not be exactly up to date.

(b) The logos shown on these pages are for illustrative purposes only – manufacturers and broadcasters are directed here for information on implementing station logos.

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	358	102	460

Last update: 18.07.2024 - older versions

In France, as of H2 2023, 98% of new cars sold are equipped with DAB+ as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2023).

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

Radio Grand Lac enters a new era: the DAB+ adventure begins!

19.05.2025 - France

Since 12 May 2025, Radio Grand Lac has been broadcasting on DAB+, terrestrial digital radio. This is a historic date for the local independent station, marking a new stage in its development, three years after its arrival on FM. Officially authorised by ARCOM (Autorité de Régulation de la Communication Audiovisuelle et Numérique), this step forward was published in the Journal Officiel de la République Française on 16 April. It rewards years of commitment, rigour and enthusiasm in the service of the region. Thanks to DAB+, Radio Grand Lac is greatly extending its broadcasting area - the radio can now be listened to across a large part of Savoie, Haute-Savoie and Isère, using a simple DAB+ radio.

(Hebdo des Savoie) Read more

Audio: WorldDAB on Des Ondes Vocast podcast

14.05.2025 - France - Spain

WorldDAB's Jean-Marc Dubreuil featured in the latest "Des Ondes Vocast" podcast. "In the May issue, we start with a round-up of radio news. Then Rémy Bertholon looks back at Cauet's return to Europe 2. He listened in and tells you what he thought. Spain and Portugal faced a giant power cut, and radio made the headlines as the only medium capable of informing the population when TV and 3G networks were inaccessible. Rémy welcomes Jean-Marc Dubreuil from WorldDAB to explain why radio is the medium of choice in emergency situations."

(Des Ondes Vocast) Read more

NRJ Group annual report: plans further DAB+ roll-out

04.04.2025 - France

NRJ Group has published its annual results for 2024. The report states: "The Broadcasting division had an excellent year in 2024. Its revenue rose by +6.5% (+5.8% on a like-for-like basis) to €79.9 million. This growth is mainly due to the continued roll-out of DAB+ and the integration of RadioKing, which was taken over in June 2023." In the outlook for its radio division, it adds: "Internationally, the Group will focus on developing its positions, in particular through rolling out DAB+ and the Nostalgie brand in Germany and Austria." The report notes: "In 2024, NRJ Group cemented its dominant commercial position among individuals aged 25 to 49 in France, with an audience share of 19.6%... NRJ also cemented its position as France’s number one in-car radio station."

(NRJ Group) Read more

Phare FM prepares for a new phase of DAB+ expansion

02.04.2025 - France

Since 3 March 2025, Phare FM has been running a fund-raising campaign to support a new phase in its development. Already present on DAB+ in several French conurbations and Geneva, the community radio station is preparing to extend its broadcasting to new areas, including Alsace and several medium-sized towns. The Phare FM teams are announcing the station's imminent arrival in Montélimar, Évreux, Chartres, Laval, Belfort-Montbéliard and Alsace. These new listening areas will make it possible to reach a potential population estimated at 22 million by 2025.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

RFI expands DAB+ presence in Paris and surrounds

14.03.2025 - France

Radio France Internationale France’s state-owned international public broadcaster, has expanded its reach in Paris and Île-de-France, the region surrounding the capital, with its launch on DAB+. The station, which has long been available on 89 FM, can now be accessed by listeners with DAB+ receivers across the French capital and its suburbs. France’s media regulator, Arcom, granted France Médias Monde — RFI’s parent organization — permission to broadcast the station via the Paris Intermediate 6A multiplex, operated by TDF through its transmission sites in Romainville and Meudon. The addition of DAB+ provides broader coverage and improved audio quality for listeners.

(Red Tech) Read more

RFI extends its presence in Paris and the Ile-de-France region with its arrival on DAB+

12.03.2025 - France

RFI is boosting its accessibility in Paris and the Ile-de-France region by being broadcast on DAB+ in addition to its historic frequency 89FM. The international public radio station is now accessible to listeners with DAB+ compatible reception equipment in and around the French capital. Arcom had authorised the France Médias Monde group to broadcast RFI programmes on DAB+ via the Paris intermediary multiplex 6A, operated by TDF via its transmitters in Romainville and Meudon. Digital terrestrial radio gives RFI a greater presence in Paris and the Île-de-France region, as well as an enhanced listening experience for listeners.

(France Médias Monde) Read more

Arcom: Romain Laleix takes over as Chairman of the ‘Radio and Digital Audio’ Group

11.03.2025 - France

Romain Laleix, nominated by the President of the National Assembly, and Catherine Jentile de Canecaude, nominated by the President of the Senate, were appointed members of the college of the Autorité de Régulation de la Communication Audiovisuelle et Numérique by the Decrees of 31 January and 19 February 2025.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

New station LA GRANDE MUSIQUE is now broadcasting in PARIS on DAB+

05.03.2025 - France

A new classical music radio station has just started broadcasting in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, with a DAB+ frequency, a sign of modernity and listening comfort: LA GRANDE MUSIQUE Radio. ‘I'm delighted that LA GRANDE MUSIQUE has arrived in Paris, making it France's third national classical music radio station. Parisian frequencies are rare and precious, so I am extremely grateful to be able to offer listeners in the capital privileged access to this universal musical heritage: classical music,’ says Emmanuel Rials, founder of the station.Broadcast on DAB+ on the Monaco Côte d'Azur and on FM on the French and Spanish Basque coasts, it has just crossed a new threshold with its entry into the French capital.

(LA GRANDE MUSIQUE) Read more

Arcom: "All towns of more than 50,000 now covered by DAB+"

24.02.2025 - France

Every year, new transmitters are put into service to ensure an increasingly fine mesh of the territory. The coverage of the metropolitan population by DAB+ has exceeded 50%. All municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants in metropolitan France are now covered and 557 private and public radio stations broadcast their programs in DAB+. 615 transmitters are in service in France. After a second phase of deployment, which was completed in 2024, the two metropolitan multiplexes are preparing a third phase are preparing a third phase of deployment, which will be implemented from the second half of 2025.

(Arcom) Read more

Listen to the new DAB+ radio campaign in France

10.02.2025 - France

On 16 December 2024, at a meeting attended by the entire broadcasting industry, radio publishers made a commitment to step up their communications around DAB+. This decision marks an important step in promoting this innovative technology, which offers superior sound quality and access to a greater number of stations. From 8 to 22 February 2025, the public, private and community radio stations that are members of the ‘Ensemble pour le DAB+’ initiative will be broadcasting information messages on the benefits of DAB+. These spots will be broadcast several times a day on each of the participating stations, representing more than 95% of the radio audience in France. The aim of the campaign is to make listeners aware of the many benefits of DAB+.

(Ensemble pour le DAB+) Read more

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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
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
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

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
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.

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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.

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France – DAB+ strategic for broadcast, despite drop in advertising revenues

23.04.2020

Despite consumers’ increasing interest in DAB+, broadcasters in France are now facing a uncertain future caused by the coronavirus outbreak and drop in advertising revenues. However, new DAB+ services continue to launch in the country, with regional DAB+ services set to launch in Bordeaux and Toulouse in the summer.

Read more
DAB+ gets a boost in France: CSA announces a clear and detailed plan

08.01.2018

Just after Christmas French regulator, the CSA, announced its plan for the acceleration of DAB+ rollouts in France. In this blog, Jean-Marc Dubreuil, Country Manager, France, at WorldDAB, explains the key points from the consultation and the CSA’s proposals.

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Key Information

Status:	regular
Population:	65.2 million
Population coverage:	54.8%
Services:	460 DAB+
Line-fit automotive sales (cumulative):	6,346,000 devices
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard:	98%
Total Sales (cumulative):	8,394,000 devices
Penetration by household:	13.7%
Last update: 18.07.2024