Germany - Current situation - History
20.08.2015
With its first meeting in June 2015, the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) is the host of a high-level Digital Radio Board for Germany which has the task to create the framework for a roadmap regarding a smooth transition from FM to DAB+ as soon as possible considering that the switch from analogue to digital radio in Germany is necessary and inevitable.
The Digital Radio Board currently comprises 15 high-level representatives of BMVI and federal states, ARD, Deutschlandradio, commercial broadcasters, regional media authorities, radio set and car manufacturers and the federal network agency.
By common accord between its members, the board is heading to create a specific timetable for the switch from the analogue to digital terrestrial radio within a year’s time.
20.04.2015
Prof. Dr. Karola Wille, Intendant of Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk and Head of ARD’s digital radio project, and Jacqueline Kraege, State Secretary General of Rheinland-Pfalz, on behalf of the German Federal State Broadcasting Commission have both emphasized that a switch from analogue to digital radio in Germany is necessary and inevitable. Future proofing radio means introducing a hybrid approach to radio, combining terrestrial DAB+ and IP, particularly in smartphones.
Parliamentary State Secretary, Dorothee Baer, from the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) announced at an event organised by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure that her Ministry is to launch a high-level Digital Radio Board for Germany, established by both the BMVI and the Bundeslaender. This board’s task will be to create the framework for a DSO roadmap starting June 2015, when the first meeting of high-level representatives from all of the respective German stakeholder bodies is expected to take place.
Read more about these announcements at http://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/DE/Artikel/DG/hoerfunk-studie-vorgestellt.html.
Over 91% of the German population can listen to at least one digital radio ensemble. GfK receiver sales data show 50% growth year on year. By the end of 2014 more than 120 national, regional and local programmes will be broadcast in Germany. Regulation for a second national multiplex is pending.
A new platform operator has applied for invitation to tender for second national DAB+ multiplex
- business plan outlined for four years from the start in the end of 2015, pending funding
- DAB+ only
- services to fill an entire MUX
- starting in several German agglomerations
- sales of 10-15m domestic receivers is targeted
- new kind of journalistic approach (to address the audience lifestyle is key rather than music)
08.09.2014
Over 91% of the German population can listen to at least one digital radio ensemble. GfK receiver sales data show 50% growth year on year. By the end of 2014 more than 120 national, regional and local programmes will be broadcast in Germany. Regulation for a second national multiplex is pending.
A new platform operator has applied for invitation to tender for second national DAB+ multiplex
- business plan outlined for four years from the start in the end of 2015, pending funding
- DAB+ only
- services to fill an entire MUX
- starting in several German agglomerations
- sales of 10-15m domestic receivers is targeted
- new kind of journalistic approach (to address the audience lifestyle is key rather than music)