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Germany

Last update: 24.08.2023 - older versions

DAB+ in Germany in the first half of 2023: More use, more variety, more radio

DAB+ radio continued its successful course in the first half of 2023. The use of DAB+ stations is growing, while network expansion continues regionally and nationally. Broadcast launches in Lower Saxony, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein bring more choice for listeners. According to ma 2023 Audio II, 52 million people use radio services daily (Mon.-Fri.). In the current study published by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse (agma), DAB+ radio is holding its own with some growth: DAB+ is listened to by 28.6 per cent (ma 2023 Audio I: 28.5 per cent) in the "widest listener group" (WHK) segment. According to agma, it is also the services broadcast nationwide via DAB+ that are recording increases in listener numbers. For example, the "Absolute" radio programmes: With a growth rate of 21.4 per cent in listeners in the average hour, the stations are achieving new record values.

Read the Digitalradio Büro Deutschland press release

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

An overview of the status of DAB+ digital radio in Germany is available at www.dabplus.de/sender

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: 10.05.2023 - older versions

In this country there are

on air.

An up-to-date overview of the DAB+ digital radio services on air in Germany is available at www.dabplus.de/sender.

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.

	Simulcast on AM / FM	Exclusive on digital	Total of services
DAB+ programmes	200	70	270

Last update: 16.02.2022 - older versions

94% of new cars sold equipped with DAB+

In Germany, as of H2 2021, 94% of new cars were sold with digital radio as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2022).

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: 04.03.2021 - older versions

Receiver sales and revenues

In 2020, over 1.83 million DAB+ receivers were sold in Germany - this represents a 15.2 percent growth compared to 2019.

Revenues from DAB+ receiver sales also grew by 13 percent, from €216 million in 2019 to the current record of €244 million in 2020.

As of Q2 2020, cumulative DAB/DAB+ receiver sales stood at 16,623,000 (including line fit automotive).

German Government mandates 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.

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: 18.07.2022 - older versions

There are currently no news available for this section.

Last update: 01.12.2022 - older versions

What about the radio button in the car?

Are audio systems and voice assistants in car user interfaces within the meaning of the State Media Treaty? This question is the subject of a legal opinion commissioned by the Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia. On 23 November 2022, the expert opinion by Prof. Dr. Ralf Müller-Terpitz entitled "Rechtliche Einordnung von Audiosystemen und Sprachassistenten mit dem Fokus Auto" (Legal classification of audio systems and voice assistants with a focus on cars) was published and can now be downloaded from the Authority's website.

The conclusion of the expert opinion is that integrated audio systems represent a user interface for linear radio reception in the car. The same applies to the manufacturers' own voice assistants which are responsible for the navigation of the audio system. Thus, car manufacturers fall under the Treaty and must in future comply with the regulations for linear radio reception in the integrated audio system. "The result of the expert opinion is essentially: What looks like a user interface and is operated like a user interface is a user interface. This is good news for radio, for journalism and for users," said Dr. Tobias Schmid, Director of the Landesanstalt für Medien NRW, commenting on the results of the expert opinion.

Read the full press release from Landesanstalt für Medien NRW

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.

dabplus.de

Rundfunk Forum

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.

Maison FG: FG CHIC selected for DAB+ in Berlin

21.03.2024 - Germany

FG CHIC has been selected by MABB, Berlin's media regulator, to broadcast its programme in Berlin on DAB+. FG CHIC, "the haute-couture radio", offers eclectic lounge, chill and future disco programming. This is FG CHIC's 4th DAB+ frequency after Paris, Monaco-Nice-Côte d'Azur and Hamburg in Germany. Maison FG is developing its brands and network internationally by focusing on DAB+.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

NOSTALGIE included in ma 2024 Audio I for first time

21.03.2024 - Germany

NOSTALGIE has been recognised for the first time in the Media-Analyse ma 2024 Audio I published today by agma with 172,000 listeners per day. "NOSTALGIE - nur die grössten Songs" has been available nationwide via DAB+, stream and app since January 2021. The programme is aimed primarily at the core target group between the ages of 35 and 49 with a music format that combines the biggest songs of the 80s with those from the 70s and 90s. Olaf Hopp, Managing Director of ENERGY Deutschland: "The ENERGY Group's programmes in Germany are now not only a guarantee for high reach in the young target group, but we are now also being shown individually for the first time with the NOSTALGIE brand. We have already seen this positive development in the current results of ma IP Audio and in our own surveys and now this is also underpinned by valid figures in the media analysis relevant for marketing".

(ENERGY Deutschland) Read more

Absolut Radio's DAB+ stations one of the fastest growing groups in Germany

21.03.2024 - Germany

In the ma 2024 Audio I published today, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse (agma) announced that the DAB+ programmes of the national Absolut Radio family of stations have once again achieved some of the strongest growth in the whole of Germany, particularly in the 14 to 49 age group, which is important for marketing. In terms of average hourly listeners, Absolut Radio achieved growth of 18 per cent, making it one of the clear winners of the market survey for Germany-wide programmes. "We often deliberately take unusual paths for radio with our stations, try out a lot and sometimes realise so-called radio no-goes," says Mirko Drenger, CEO of Antenne Deutschland. "The new figures show us that we are on the right track to reach new and fresh target groups. What's more, our programme seems to be turning these target groups into long-term listeners," Mirko Drenger continues.

(Antenne Deutschland) Read more

Germany's ma 2024 Audio I: "DAB+ continues to be a trend"

20.03.2024 - Germany

The key data on audio usage confirms the unchanged high overall performance of the radio/audio genre. In the widest group of listeners (WHK), 93.7 per cent (ma 2023 Audio II: 94.1 per cent) of the German-speaking population aged 14 and over use at least one traditional and/or online audio offering (Audio Total). Listeners remain loyal to their stations at a high level with more than four hours of daily usage (duration: 245 minutes) (ma 2022 Audio II: 242 minutes). Distribution via DAB+ continues to be a trend: DAB+ is listened to by 28.5 per cent in the WHK (ma 2023 Audio II: 28.6 per cent) and is used particularly heavily in the target group of 30 to 59-year-olds (WHK: 34.0 per cent - ma 2023 Audio II: 33.6 per cent).

(Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse e.V. (agma)) Read more

DAB+ in NRW: STAR FM now broadcasts in FEMOTION slot

18.03.2024 - Germany

STAR FM MAXIMUM ROCK - Germany's successful rock radio network is coming to its fans in North Rhine-Westphalia from 1 April - 100% digitally on the state-wide DAB+ multiplex. This means that around 18 million people from Bielefeld to Bad Münstereifel and from Kleve to Winterberg will finally be able to receive MAXIMUM ROCK in the best sound quality on the radio, whether at home, in the car or on the move. STAR FM MAXIMUM ROCK - Germany's successful rock radio network broadcasts via FM/DAB+ in Berlin, Brandenburg, Franconia, Saxony and now also nationwide in NRW.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

Even more international radio diversity for Berlin on DAB+

12.03.2024 - Germany

Multilingual radio diversity in Berlin: The Media Council of the Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg (mabb) has decided to award two free Berlin DAB+ programme slots to the French-German programme "FG CHIC. Berlin" and the Turkish-German programme "Metropol FM". "The Berlin-Brandenburg radio landscape is also unique thanks to its diversity of languages and topics," says Martin Gorholt, Chairman of the mabb Media Council. "From now on, listeners will have even more opportunities to discover this special diversity of our radio landscape for themselves. With 'Metropol FM', an established station for Turkish-speaking citizens can now also be received via DAB+. And 'FG CHIC. Berlin' is another station that brings the French music and creative scene to the capital region."

(Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg (mabb)) Read more

PRIMAL.FM launches on DAB+ in Dresden

07.03.2024 - Germany

PRIMAL.FM is a new radio station for "young adults and adults who are young at heart". On 4 March 2024 at exactly 10:00, it went on air in the Dresden local mux and now aims to bring a "fresh musical breeze to the local radio landscape" for the target group of 14-39 year olds with authentic presenters and DJs. The new programme aims to offer a wide range of current charts, with a focus on the hardstyle and EDM genres, i.e. high-energy beats and the latest tracks from the world of electronic music with carefully selected mainstream tracks. With this mix of music, the station aims to offer diversity while remaining true to the core of the brand.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

"The WOLF Hessen" enhances Hessian radio landscape with country station

07.03.2024 - Germany

At its meeting on 4 March 2024, the Assembly approved the licensing of "The WOLF Hessen" for a period of five years with a station focussing on country, singer/songwriter and folk music. Regional news and information, for example on cultural life, will also be part of the programme. The decision is accompanied by the allocation of capacities for the DAB+ distribution channel throughout Hesse from 1 April 2024. "It is always a special moment when the assembly of the Media Authority of Hesse is able to vote in favour of a new station, as this is always accompanied by an enrichment of the Hessian broadcasting and media landscape with new content. Innovations such as 'The WOLF Hessen' also clearly show: Radio is alive!", comments Jörg Steinbach, Chairman of the Hesse Media Authority Assembly.

(Medienanstalt Hessen) Read more

Starting signal for DAB+ expansion in 2024

06.03.2024 - Germany

Nature is blossoming, DAB+ is growing with it: The first commissioning of a new transmitter in 2024 took place on 6 March 2024 at the Bungsberg site. This expansion will significantly improve DAB+ reception in various localities, including Lütjenburg, Panker, Darry, Satjendorf, Matzwitz, Todendorf, Monkamp and Schönberg. According to NDR calculations, more than 12,000 listeners will benefit from the commissioning of the Bungsberg transmitter, together with an increase in power at the Schleswig transmitter. The expansion covers the entire area east of the Bungsberg, where the Kiel regional programme can now be received via DAB+.

(Norddeutscher Rundfunk NDR) Read more

ARD and Deutschlandradio: KEF urges FM switch-off in 2033

05.03.2024 - Germany

The KEF only recognises FM broadcasting costs for public broadcasters until the end of 2032. From 2033, public radio stations will only be able to claim the costs of broadcasting via DAB+, according to the recently published 24th report of the Commission for the Determination of the Financial Requirements of Broadcasters (KEF). If they still want to continue broadcasting via FM, the corresponding costs must be borne by reallocating budgets from other areas. "The Commission has long been critical of the simultaneous broadcasting of radio and television programmes on different distribution channels or in different quality levels (simulcast) from the point of view of economic efficiency. Against this background, the costs for terrestrial broadcasting of radio programmes via FM and DAB+ have also been considered jointly by the Commission since its 20th report and gradually reduced," KEF Managing Director Dr Tim Schönborn told RADIOSZENE.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

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Key Information

Status:	regular
Population:	83.8 million
Population coverage:	98%
Services:	270 DAB+
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard:	95%
Total Sales (cumulative):	25,800,000 devices
Penetration by household:	34%
Last update: 26.02.2024