Germany
Last update: 21.01.2021 - older versions
Launch of second national multiplex
In October 2020, Antenne Deutschland launched a second DAB+ multiplex that will host up to 16 new national commercial radio stations. In addition to distributing its own programs, Antenne Deutschland also plans to offer stations to third parties. The NRJ Group will be also be broadcasting its popular Nostalgie station on the multiplex from January 2020.
DAB+ regulation
According to Germany's Telecoms Law, all new car radios should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21th Dec 2020 – as required by the European Electronic Communications Code.
The law also requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example, DAB+ or IP) – from the same date. Read the press release on the new German national legislation here
The 2020 Digitisation Report carried out by Die Medienanstalten during IFA 2020 is available here (in German)
Digital Radio Germany's 2020 DAB+ report is available here (in German)
Last update: 08.10.2020 - older versions
Digital radio is available in all metropolitan areas. The total coverage (combined coverage of ARD multiplexes and the national multiplex) is 98% of the population.
The 1st level road coverage of the national network is 12,700 km which is equal to 98%.
Detailed information on the network coverage can be found on www.digitalradio.de/empfang.
Last update: 18.01.2021 - older versions
In this country there are
- National multiplexes: 2 Regular
- Regional multiplexes: 49 Regular
- Local multiplexes: 8 Regular
In total, there are more than 270 radio programs which can be received digitally across the 16 German Bundeslaender: 24 national programs, over 60 public stations distributed by ARD members, and around 200 commercial stations (regional or local). The majority of radio programs are equipped with accompanying data services including at least Dynamic Label Segment or DL+ and Slideshow. See Slideshow on air. In particular, all public ARD radio brands are broadcast with additional services accompanying the live audio service: Now-next information (DLS/DL+), Program previews (EPG), Weather and traffic charts, news headlines, track/title-cover (slideshow/categorised slideshow), Future mobility service (TPEG), and Hybrid EPGs and Slideshows (RadioVIS and RadioEPG). Download a presentation on Slideshow in Germany.
1st national multiplex
The nationwide DAB+ network was extended by around 50 transmitters with a completion date of 2016. In January 2021, there were 147 transmitters broadcasting. Germany is now developing a DSO strategy. Now, with the first national mux, 98% of all people are covered (January 2021).
Second national multiplex
In January 2020, it was agreed that Antenne Deutschland GmbH and other partners will launch a second DAB+ multiplex with up to 16 new national radio programs. In addition to distributing its own programs, Antenne Deutschland also plans to offer stations to third parties. The launch took place in October 2020 with now 11 programs on air.
Simulcast on AM / FM | Exclusive on digital | Total of services | |
---|---|---|---|
DAB+ programmes | 200 | 70 | 270 |
Last update: 08.10.2020 - older versions
Over 50% of new cars sold equipped with DAB+
In Germany, 54% of new cars sold are equipped with digital radio.
Amendment to the Telecommunications Act, Section 48, para. 4 and 5
According to Germany's new national legislation on digital radio, all radios in new cars should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21 Dec 2020 – as required by the European Electronic Communications Code. The law also requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example,DAB+ or IP) – from the same date.
The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.
Last update: 28.01.2021 - older versions
In Germany, cumulative DAB/DAB+ receiver sales as of Q2 2020 stood at 16,623,000 (including line fit automotive)
German Government will mandate Digital Interface in most radios
In September 2019, the German federal parliament reiterated its commitment to DAB+ by passing a revision to its Telecoms Law. The law was approved, and made official in November 2019.
The law requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example, DAB+ or IP) – from the same date. The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.
Market Research
- In 2020, the number of DAB+ receivers in households grew by 14%, compared to 2019
- According to data from GfK, year-on-year DAB+ receiver sales in Germany recorded a 23% percent increase in 2020. A total of 4.2 million audio devices were sold in Germany in 2020, 38% of which were DAB-enabled.
Initiative Digital Radio Deutschland Product Finder
Overview list of the digital radio receivers available on the German market
The 2020 Digitisation Report carried out by Die Medienanstalten during IFA 2020 is available here (in German)
Digital Radio Germany's 2020 DAB+ report is available here (in German)
Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions
DAB+ regulation in Germany
In September 2019, the German federal parliament reiterated its commitment to DAB+ by passing a revision to its Telecoms Law.
The law was approved, and made official in November 2019. According to the revised law, all radios in new cars should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21st Dec 2020 – as required by the European Electronic Communications Code.
The obligation only applies to new cars, and does not apply to quads, trucks or other vehicles for goods transport. The law also requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example, DAB+ or IP) – from the same date.
The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.
Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions
The following websites provide information on all available services, the latest marketing and receivers for home and on the move.
DAB+ promotion campaigns
In this 3-minute DAB+ promotional video published by German broadcaster ARD Digital, media personality Anni Dunkelmann explains to consumers the various benefits of DAB+, such as improved sound quality, a wider choice of listening and the ability of certain receivers to show visual displays.
YouTube tip: to see video subtitles in your local language, click on the settings icon located at the bottom right of the video, select settings, then auto translate, then your preferred language option.
Summer 2019
The German digital radio industry (public and commercial radio) organised a DAB+ promotion week from 13-24 May 2019. Cross-media activities included on-air radio spots, consumer and B2B print advertisements and advertorials, social media and on www.dabplus.de. The week included also training and promotion within the retail sector.
Summer 2018
A new German multimedia campaign promoting DAB+ will launch on 27 August, with the slogan "DAB+. Mehr Radio" (DAB+, More Radio) to be branded across TV, radio, print and online. On 30 August, an "Editorial Theme Day" will be held at IFA Berlin by German broadcaster ARD and other commercial radio stations to discuss the benefits of DAB+. The initiative is a collaboration between German broadcaster ARD and other commercial radio stations, as part of a nationwide rebrand of DAB+.
Christmas 2017
Christmas promotion "Give a DAB + Radio" Starting November 27th, in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, radio and TV spots will once again be broadcasting spots and actions about the DAB + listening experience at ARD, Deutschlandradio, private radio stations and other partners.
May 2017
ARD and Deutschlandradio started a cross-media nationwide marketing campaign for DAB+ radio from 2 May 2017. The campaign will include radio, television and internet, as well as images for print and online use. DAB+ has also received an eye-catching new logo, with which broadcasters, manufacturers and retailers can promote the new radio standard.
Examples of the implementation of new DAB+ logo can be viewed here: http://www.digitalradio.de/index.php/de/haendlerbereich. Download the Press Release.
Under the motto "As clear as if I were there", the ARD has a nationwide marketing campaign for DAB+ together with Deutschlandradio and other partners. This includes TV commercials as well as on numerous online channels. In the ARD, with Deutschlandradio and private broadcasters are broadcasting various radio adspots. In addition, there are print and online motifs on the new website www.dabplus.de.
Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions
There are currently no news available for this section.
New transmitter improves DAB+ coverage in northern Germany
26.01.2021 - Germany
(dabplus.de) Read more
Germany - DAB+ receiver sales increase by amost a quarter
26.01.2021 - Germany
(Radio Szene) Read more
Media regulator in North Rhine-Westphalia reveals DAB+ licence applications
22.01.2021 - Germany
(dabplus.de) Read more
NDR improves network coverage in eastern Germany
20.01.2021 - Germany
(Info Digital) Read more
NDR launches new DAB+ stations in northern Germany
12.01.2021 - Germany
(NDR) Read more
New DAB+ station to launch in southwestern Germany
09.01.2021 - Germany
(Radio Szene) Read more
NRJ's Nostalgie launches on Germany's second national multiplex
05.01.2021 - Germany
(Info Digital) Read more
Germany - digital radio usage increases by over 50 percent
15.12.2020 - Germany
(dabplus.de) Read more
AVT supplies NDR with DAB+ playout system
14.12.2020 - AVT Audio Video Technologies GmbH WorldDAB Member - Germany
(AVT) Read more
SWR improves DAB+ coverage in southern Germany
08.12.2020 - Germany
(Info Digital) Read more
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Germany – more listeners and higher advertising revenue with second national mux
22.07.2020
In a recent article published in one of Germany’s largest newspapers, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Antenne Deutschland’s CEO Joe Pawlas discusses how the launch of Germany’s second national commercial multiplex will help further boost the radio and audio landscape in Germany.
Key Information
Status: | regular |
Population: | 83.8 million |
Population coverage: | |
Services: | 270 DAB+ |
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard: | |
Total Sales (cumulative): | 16,623,000 devices |
Penetration by household: | |
Last update: 19.01.2021
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Useful Links
Intelligent transport systems Action Plan and DirectiveBill of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy - Fourth Law amending the Telecommunications Act
The Action Plan for the Transformation of Radio Broadcasting in the Digital Age Roadmap - Progress Report for the Digital Radio Board
dabplus.de
Digitization Report
DAB Technical Forum