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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

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

Ensemble pour le DAB+ will be at the Paris Radio Show

29.01.2026 - France

In 2025, the significant increase in communication activities around DAB+ led to a spectacular rise in awareness of this technology, which is now much better recognised by listeners. In 2026, we will be working twice as hard to continue communicating and raising awareness of this technology and its advantages, and to promote radio stations broadcasting on DAB+. Radio stations, manufacturers, distributors, producers: Come and talk to us at the association's stand at the Paris Radio Show to: find out about the actions planned for 2026; become a radio partner to promote your radio station locally on DAB+; and identify, together, concrete levers for promoting DAB+. Let's also meet on Tuesday 3 February from 4pm to 5pm at the HUB PRO, with maradio.be, for a discussion dedicated to strengthening communication around DAB+ (speaks, fill-in, reports, local actions), in addition to radio and television spots.

(Ensemble pour le DAB+) Read more

MBS launches ‘MBS West Coast’ with Jean-Michel Canitrot

29.01.2026 - France

MBS is continuing to develop its radio offering as it expands its DAB+ broadcasting coverage. The station will soon be available in Agen, Angoulême, Mont-de-Marsan, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Vichy, Nevers, Épinal, Forbach, Blois, Châteauroux and Niort. In this context, MBS announces the launch of ‘MBS West Coast’, a new weekly programme presented by Jean-Michel Canitrot. ‘MBS West Coast’ explores the great classics of Californian sound from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s, also known as ‘Yacht Rock’. The programme draws on a musical universe combining soft rock, jazz and soul, a genre that has left a lasting mark on the history of music and radio.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

DAB+ is gaining ground in Brittany and Pays de la Loire

15.01.2026 - France

DAB+ continues to expand in western France. On 17 and 18 December, 90 new transmitters were brought into service, mainly in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire region. This expansion of the network has enabled several radio stations belonging to CORLAB (Coordination des Radios Locales et Associatives de Bretagne) to extend their coverage area on digital terrestrial radio. This operation is part of a national initiative to increase DAB+ coverage to 80% of the population by the end of 2026, compared to around 70% today. This new roll-out now provides almost complete coverage of the main urban areas in Brittany and major road networks. Twenty-six national radio stations previously only available between Rennes and Brest now have their coverage extended southwards, between Rennes and Quimper.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

France: last AM transmitter switched off

08.01.2026 - France

France switched off its very last medium wave transmitter on 31 December. This was the regional station Bretagne 5, which was founded 25 years ago as Littoral AM and changed its name in 2015. After Franceinfo and France Bleu ceased broadcasting on AM, it had been the last radio station in France with a medium wave licence (1593 kHz) for ten years. The station was located in Saint-Gouéno in the Côtes-d'Armor, with a power of 10 kW (5 kW at night), giving it a range of 100 km during the day and 500 km at night. Since 2023, Brittany 5 has gradually switched to DAB+, and the station is now active via five local multiplexes (Brest 7C, Saint-Brieuc 10C, Vitré 8A and the local multiplexes launched on 17 December in Morlaix (9D) and Ploërmel (6A).

(RadioVisie.eu) Read more

Maison FG expands its DAB+ coverage to 136 towns 

22.12.2025 - France

With seven new cities covered by DAB+ for its Radio FG and FG Dance stations, Maison FG continues to expand its broadcasting reach. The group now has 136 cities covered by DAB+ for Radio FG and 14 for FG Dance. Maison FG announces the launch of Radio FG in Saint-Malo, Vitré, La Roche-sur-Yon, Les Sables d'Olonne and Challans. The station is now broadcast in DAB+ in 136 towns, complementing its FM presence in 41 towns, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Nice, Lille and Bordeaux. FG Dance is expanding to Lorient, bringing the number of cities covered by DAB+ to 14, including Paris, Marseille, Nice-Cannes, Bordeaux and the Arcachon Basin. Maison FG's Parisian DAB+ package includes Radio FG, FG Dance, Maxximum and FG Chic, the latter also available in Monaco-Nice, Ibiza, Berlin and Hamburg.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

DAB+ continues to roll out across France

22.12.2025 - France

DAB+ continues to roll out across France. On Wednesday 17 December, digital terrestrial radio reached a new milestone with the launch of new DAB+ sites in several areas. In some areas, DAB+ is arriving for the first time, offering unprecedented access to this radio revolution. In others, coverage is expanding, with more radio stations joining those already available. This includes: The Brittany region (mainly Morbihan, Finistère and Côtes d'Armor), The Vendée department, The Charente department, Bourges, Montluçon, Cholet, as well as many other areas. The result: more radio stations, unrivalled quality and enhanced coverage for equipped listeners. The momentum continues, area after area.

(Ensemble pour le DAB+) Read more

Speech by Martin Ajdari, President of Arcom, at the ‘Together for DAB+’ event

19.12.2025 - France

"In the summer of 2024, after intense consultation, Arcom published the White Paper on the future of radio, which was intended to convey a clear message and roadmap. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Hervé Godechot, a former member of the Arcom college who worked on it, and Romain Laleix, who took over from him. In the fierce battle for public attention, which is disrupting habits and subjecting radio to unprecedented competition, DAB+ is indeed the best way to ensure the transformation of the medium and the modernisation of its regulation. Firstly, because this technology offers undeniable added value for listeners in terms of continuity of listening and sound quality. ‘Try it and you'll love it’ is what the Médiamétrie study, which will be presented to you shortly, demonstrates.

(Arcom) Read more

TDF expands DAB+ radio broadcasting in Brittany, Normandy and Pays-de-la-Loire

19.12.2025 - TDF WorldDAB Member - France

This week, TDF is launching nearly forty transmitters to ensure DAB+ radio broadcasting in France, including eighteen in Brittany, Normandy and the Pays de la Loire region. These new deployments, managed and carried out by TDF teams, often require impressive lifting equipment, such as helicopters or cranes. They demonstrate the expertise and technical mastery of TDF's experts and the commitment of its operational teams. The Ploërmel antenna, which has just been commissioned, now provides simultaneous FM and DAB+ radio broadcasting. This new ‘mixed’ technology, which TDF is developing throughout France, is the result of cutting-edge engineering work carried out by TDF's experts, who have a wealth of recognised experience and are based in Liffré and Toulouse.

(TDF) Read more

Rollout of DAB+ reaches a new milestone in Brittany and the Pays-de-la-Loire region

18.12.2025 - France

At the end of 2025, DAB+, the digital terrestrial radio broadcasting mode, will continue its roll-out with the commissioning of 90 transmitters on 17 and 18 December 2025. These transmitters will mainly enhance the range of radio stations already available on DAB+, primarily in Brittany and the Pays-de-la-Loire region. Other towns in western France, such as Fontenay-le-Comte, Bernay and Bolbec, will also be covered by DAB+ for the first time. Metropolitan multiplexes, which bring together the main national public and private networks, will launch a total of 69 additional transmitters on 17 December 2025. From now on, the main urban areas of Brittany and the region's road network will be very well covered. The metropolitan offering can also be received on more than 9,000 km of motorway.

(Arcom) 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