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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.

Expansion of private radio multiplexes in Thuringia and Baden-Württemberg
27.12.2023 - Germany Germany
On 18 December, the Jena Oßmaritz site officially went on air for the private radio multiplex in Thuringia. Together with the Inselsberg site, which was also added this year, the technical reach of the state mux, which is now broadcast from four transmitter masts, increases to around 1.55 million mobile or 820,000 in buildings. Since 21 December, the private radio mux (channel 11B) in Baden-Württemberg has been broadcasting from Wertheim in the north of the state. The northern part of the Main-Tauber district is covered.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

Kreuzwertheim DAB+ transmitter launches
22.12.2023 - Germany Germany
ON AIR support GmbH says: "Our transmitter at the Kreuzwertheim site was completed and put into operation just in time for the holidays on 21 December 2023. It provides the northern part of the Main-Tauber district with digital radio on channel 11B." The site for the Baden-Württemberg private radio ensemble has a power of 2 kW.

(ON AIR support GmbH) Read more

RADIO BOB! boss Jan-Henrik Schmelter named Radio/Audio Manager of the Year
21.12.2023 - Germany Germany
The entire RADIO BOB! team is delighted for Jan-Henrik Schmelter: The Programme Director of Germany's rock radio station was voted Radio/Audio Manager of the Year by Kressreport. The trade journal explains: "The 52-year-old has turned RADIO BOB! into a strong national brand. Since he took over in 2010, the station from the Regiocast Group has increased its reach from 36,000 listeners per hour to 550,000. Bob! owes its rise not only to nationwide DAB+ broadcasting, but also to stringent brand management." RADIO BOB! has been broadcast via FM in Hesse since 2008. Since 2011, the rock station's headquarters in Kassel has also been broadcasting a nationwide service via DAB+.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

Seven applications for DAB+ capacity in Berlin
20.12.2023 - Germany Germany
Seven broadcasters applied for the DAB+ capacity (channel 7B) advertised by Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg (mabb). One application could not be considered for formal reasons. Applicants were: Chillout Antenne, FG, Metropol FM, Radio Vidovdan, Radio Bollerwagen, Radio Darya and JazzRadio Berlin-Brandenburg.

(Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg (mabb)) Read more

DAB+ in Central Germany: More range, more programme! DIVICON MEDIA puts new transmitters into operation
19.12.2023 - Germany Germany
The end of 2023 is all about DAB+ in Central Germany, with new broadcasting locations, more programmes and an outlook for additional diversity for radio users. Infrastructure and radio-as-a-service provider DIVICON MEDIA has almost doubled the reach of the DAB+ state mux in the Free State of Thuringia to around 1.55 million (mobile) and 0.82 million (indoor) by commissioning the DAB+ transmitter sites Inselsberg and Jena on 18 December 2023. The Jena broadcasting location also enables the transmission of extended programme information such as logos and slideshows. "Almost two thirds of people in Thuringia are now able to receive the DAB+ regional mux programme," says Franz Coriand, Managing Director of DIVICON MEDIA. "

(DIVICON MEDIA) Read more

DAB+ in 2023: Steady growth in German radio's anniversary year
15.12.2023 - Germany Germany
DAB+ radio draws a positive conclusion on the centenary of radio. Despite a challenging market environment, digital radio will continue to enjoy steady growth in 2023. More and more people are listening to digital radio, more and more stations are available via DAB+ and the increasing attractiveness is also reflected in the usage and sales figures. According to the "Audio Trends 2023" study by the media authorities, the number of DAB+ radios in households (car and stationary devices) grew to 28.3 million, which is 4.4 million more than in the previous year. This corresponds to a relative increase of 19 per cent. New digital radios are replacing decommissioned FM sets: Compared to the previous year, the number of FM radios is down by 5.5 million. In cars, buyers of new vehicles are benefiting from the digital radio obligation. With 94 per cent DAB+ in new cars and 41 per cent DAB+ in used cars, digital radio has reached a new record here.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more

ANTENNE THÜRINGEN and LandesWelle Thüringen launch regionalised programmes via DAB+
14.12.2023 - Germany Germany
The further expansion of the state-wide DAB+ multiplex in Thuringia means that the state-wide radio programme providers ANTENNE THÜRINGEN and LandesWelle Thüringen are now also switching their services regionally apart in the digital programme bouquet. To make this possible, the Thuringian State Media Authority (TLM) confirmed that the change in platform allocation by DIVICON MEDIA HOLDING GmbH is in compliance with media law. The reduction in transmission capacities was approved, i.e. a lower number of capacity units (CU) for the programmes "antenne OSTALGIE", "radio TOP 40", "ANTENNE THÜRINGEN", "LandesWelle Thüringen", "Radio Holiday" and "Schlager Radio" with simultaneous reallocation of the CU freed up by this to the regionalised programmes ANTENNE THÜRINGEN Mitte, ANTENNE THÜRINGEN Ost, ANTENNE THÜRINGEN West, LandesWelle Thüringen Mitte, LandesWelle Thüringen Ost and LandesWelle Thüringen West as well as the use of 12 CU for the data channel (SPI channel) of the platform provider.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more

SWR improves DAB+ coverage in Reutlingen and the Elz Valley
14.12.2023 - Germany Germany
Südwestrundfunk (SWR) is further expanding its transmitter network for DAB+ digital radio reception in Baden-Württemberg. The Elztal site went live on 13 December 2023, while the Reutlingen site went live on 12 December 2023. The commissioning of the Elztal site improves DAB+ coverage along the B294 motorway in the Waldkirch/Elzach area in frequency block (channel) 8D. The commissioning of the Reutlingen site will improve DAB+ coverage along the Bundesstraße 28, Bundesstraße 464 and Bundesstraße 297 as well as in Reutlingen, Eningen, Pfullingen, Pliezhausen and Metzingen, also in frequency block (channel) 8D.

(Südwestrundfunk (SWR)) Read more

NRW: Regional muxes to be tendered
12.12.2023 - Germany Germany
The radio landscape in North Rhine-Westphalia could soon become a good deal bigger. In addition to the state-wide DAB+ distribution of currently 16 private radio stations, there will also be regional distribution of a further 16 programmes in the future. The capacities for the four regions: Cologne/Bonn/Aachen, South Westphalia/Dortmund, East Westphalia/Lippe and Wuppertal/Düsseldorf/Mönchengladbach are expected to be put out to tender in January 2024. A possible three-year grant for the programme organisers will also be published with the call for proposals. Funding will primarily be provided for regional/local content in the programmes.

(radioWOCHE.de) Read more

NDR and hr continue to expand DAB+
06.12.2023 - Germany Germany
Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) announced its further expansion plans for DAB+ digital radio today, 6 December. In the coming year 2024, a total of ten additional transmitters for digital radio are to go into operation. These are primarily intended to close smaller gaps and improve indoor reception regionally. Hessischer Rundfunk (hr) is planning a total of eight additional locations for its DAB+ expansion. This is based on data from the Federal Network Agency.

(teltarif.de) Read more

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Key Information

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

Useful Links

Intelligent transport systems Action Plan and Directive
Bill 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