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France

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: 06.01.2026 - 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: 24.09.2025 - older versions

In France, as of H1 2025, 98% of new cars sold are equipped with DAB+ as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics).

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.

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

DAB+ arrives in Cherbourg: a symbolic milestone for digital radio

09.03.2026 - towerCast WorldDAB Member - France

On 2 April 2026, DAB+ digital radio will be launched in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin with the switch-on of a towerCast transmitter in Digosville. This is a symbolic milestone for DAB+ in France: with the switch-on of this transmitter, all French municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants will be covered by this mode of radio reception. Digital terrestrial radio continues its rollout in France. On 2 April 2026 at 11 a.m., a new DAB+ transmitter will be officially commissioned in Digosville, near Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. The event is organised by TowerCast and the Ensemble pour le DAB+ association, in the presence of Romain Laleix, member of the ARCOM college. With this launch, the two national DAB+ multiplexes will cover the Cherbourg-en-Cotentin area.

(RadioActu) Read more

FG Chic is coming to London on DAB+

06.03.2026 - United Kingdom - France

Sacré français! FG CHIC, the nu-disco and lounge radio station from Maison FG, has begun broadcasting its programme in London on DAB+: FG CHIC LONDON. This is the fifth city in which FG CHIC is broadcast, after Paris, Monaco-Nice, Berlin and Ibiza. FG CHIC LONDON offers an elegant electronic music format in English, with Derrick McKenzie — drummer and DJ of the iconic British band Jamiroquai — as the main presenter on air. The expansion in London reflects Maison FG's broader international growth strategy. FG CHIC LONDON is headed by Lawrence Galkoff, a renowned figure in British television and radio with over 30 years of experience.

(FG CHIC) Read more

Ensemble pour le DAB+ urges French government to strengthen public support

05.03.2026 - France

France’s DAB+ industry association, Ensemble pour le DAB+, has called on the French government to increase financial and political backing for digital terrestrial radio following the appointment of Catherine Pégard as minister of culture. The association says it “reaffirms the support of radio publishers for the development of DAB+” and intends to continue working with the new minister to promote what it describes as a “modern, sovereign and accessible” terrestrial distribution platform. It frames its appeal within what it calls a broader transformation of the audio sector, marked by changing listening habits and the need to maintain radio distribution “without intermediation from digital platforms.”

(RedTech International / La Lettre Pro) Read more

Are car radios disappearing from new cars? An Arcom member sounds the alarm

25.02.2026 - France

Romain Laleix, a member of the Arcom board, is concerned about the possibility that some car manufacturers may remove radio receivers from their vehicles. ‘The absence of car radios in vehicles would amount to the immediate marginalisation of the medium (radio, editor's note) and its disappearance in the near future.’ It is with this blunt warning that Romain Laleix, member of the Arcom college in charge of radio issues, begins his opinion piece published in Les Échos on 13 February 2026. The warning comes after the launch of the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 last October, which will not be equipped with either AM or FM radio. Yet Romain Laleix points out that DAB+ technology — “the radio equivalent of digital terrestrial TV” — still allows drivers to receive stations in vehicles that include it.

(Le Figaro) Read more

New campaign of DAB+ adverts broadcast on the radio from 16 February to 2 March

25.02.2026 - France

From 16 February to 2 March 2026, the association ‘Ensemble pour le DAB+’ (Together for DAB+) is launching a new campaign to promote DAB+ on radio stations. The initiative aims to inform and raise awareness among the general public about the benefits of digital terrestrial radio. ‘DAB+ radio offers exceptional sound quality, more stations and more information about what I'm listening to!’ Since 2024, the association ‘Ensemble pour le DAB+’ has been supporting the roll-out of DAB+ across the country. The messages produced by the association emphasise the benefits of DAB+ for listeners.

(Arcom) Read more

L’Alliance de la Radio and Radio France call on European decision-makers to make radio mandatory in all new vehicles

24.02.2026 - Radio France WorldDAB Member - France

As the European Commission has presented its legislative proposal as part of the Digital Networks Act and the revision of the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), Radio France and the Alliance de la Radio, an association representing all French private commercial radio stations, are calling on European decision-makers to make it mandatory to include FM and DAB+ radio receivers in all new vehicles in categories M, N and L registered in the European Union. Radio remains the trusted and accessible medium par excellence: it offers millions of Europeans free, anonymous and direct access to democratic debate, reliable information, varied cultural programmes and music across all territories.

(Radio France) Read more

DAB+ available soon in Cherbourg

19.02.2026 - France

Your radio stations will soon be available on DAB+ in Cherbourg! Radio is about to take a new step forward in Cherbourg with the arrival of DAB+. This technology marks a major evolution in radio broadcasting and helps improve access to everyday media. With this technology, the residents of Cherbourg will benefit from an enhanced and modernised radio service that is still environmentally friendly, free of charge and does not consume any internet data.

(Ensemble pour le DAB+) Read more

Radio is a national treasure that needs to be maintained and supported: Paris Radio Show

05.02.2026 - France

Steve Ahern writes: J’adore Paris et Paris adore la radio. I love Paris, and Paris loves radio. The annual Paris Radio Show is a tribute to the radio medium, but, as with other celebrations of radio in the modern era, it is not nostalgic, it is looking forward to new audiences and new ways of engaging them with audio. This year the show began with a snapshot of audio consumption across radio and podcasts and a look at how all forms of audio are performing in France. DAB+ in France now covers over 80% of motorways and is well listened to by commuters. Public and private broadcasters are now heavily promoting DAB+ receivers. “DAB+ is undeniably adding value for listeners, delivering a more attractive audio landscape in a soverign framework.”

(RadioInfo Asia) Read more

Comparing DAB+ experiences – Ensemble pour le DAB+ & MaRadio.be

04.02.2026 -

- France - Belgium

In a session at the Paris Radio Show on Tuesday 3 February, Frédéric Gérand (RTBF) and Charles-Emmanuel Bon (Radio France), chaired by Maëlo Seuret (Ensemble pour le DAB+), compared how Belgium and France are approaching the rollout and promotion of DAB+. In Belgium, the approach to DAB+ promotion has evolved significantly over the past decade. Rather than focusing narrowly on DAB+ as a technology, the Belgian model has broadened to promote digital radio as a whole, integrating both broadcast and IP distribution into a single narrative. At this stage, France remains firmly in the installation and awareness phase. The emphasis is on ensuring that radio listeners — particularly those buying new receivers — understand what DAB+ is, what to look for, and why it matters.

(WorldDAB) Read more

WorldDAB returns to Paris Radio Show

30.01.2026 -

- France

France is one of the fastest-growing DAB+ markets, making this year’s Paris Radio Show on 3-4 February a key event in the digital radio calendar. The show is described by the organisers as being “where decision-makers and players in the digital audio, radio and podcasting industries come to learn, exchange ideas and discover suppliers for their technical, editorial, strategic or other needs.” WorldDAB, the global industry forum for DAB+ digital radio, will again be represented. It will demonstrate advances in the new life-saving Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) system, as well as new features incorporated in the latest domestic receivers. DAB+ continues its rollout across France. In December 2025, a further 90 transmitters were brought into service.

(Radio World) Read more

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Key Information

Status:	regular
Population:	65.2 million
Population coverage:	66%
Services:	592 DAB+
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard:	98%
Total Sales (cumulative):	14,500,000 devices
Penetration by household:	28%
Last update: 08.01.2026