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After a break of several months, ZUN radio has returned to DAB+ digital radio broadcasting in the Liberec, Trutnov, and Hradec Králové regions. Since Friday, September 12, listeners within range of the TELEKO DAB2 network can tune in again. It operates on channel 7C from transmitters in Liberec - Prosečský hřeben (lookout tower), Trutnov - Černá hora (mountain hotel), and Hradec Králové - Stěžery O2. The integration of ZUN radio expands the choice of available stations in regions where digital radio infrastructure is undergoing systematic development. The return of this program to the airwaves thus follows the current dynamics of DAB+ broadcasting.

The Office for Regulation of Electronic Communications and Postal Services (the Office) announces a fundamental change: following a series of international coordination negotiations, Slovakia is moving closer to the introduction of regular nationwide digital radio broadcasting. Currently, DAB transmitters are being coordinated with Poland and Ukraine. The reason for this step is the exhausted capacity of the 87.5-108 MHz frequency band (FM band), which no longer allows for the development of analog radio broadcasting. "DAB and DAB+ digital technology offers significantly broader possibilities for listening to the radio," said Milan Mizera, Director of the Frequency Spectrum Management Department.

In the last of this year's series of short interviews with WorldDAB members exhibiting at IBC2025, Arne Borsum, product manager and DAB system expert at 2wcom Systems GmbH says its showcase this year is all about making radio broadcasting more flexible, reliable, and efficient. 2wcom Systems is based in northern Germany and offers hardware and software for broadcasters and operators worldwide.

Applications have opened for the eighth and final round of small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences, covering 40 areas across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Each Ofcom-licensed small-scale multiplex allows grass-roots community services, specialist music stations, and services aimed at minority groups and other under-served audiences to take to the digital airwaves. So far, 75 multiplexes have launched broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. In total, the small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of over 100 multiplexes. Even more listeners will soon be able to tune in to new digital local radio stations, as Ofcom today invites multiplex applications for areas from Aberystwyth in Wales to Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands.

Two of the most recognisable voices in Scottish radio will soon have a brand-new home as STV Radio has signed much-loved presenters Greigsy (Greig Easton) and Webster (Stuart Webster) to join Scotland’s newest radio station when it launches in the coming months. They join breakfast show hosts Ewen Cameron and Cat Harvey, who were the first presenters announced for STV Radio in June and will launch their show from a shiny new purpose-built studio at STV HQ in Glasgow. STV Radio will be a mainstream music station, predominantly aimed at 35-54 year olds and available on DAB, online and via Smart Speaker. More presenters will be announced in the coming months ahead of the station’s nationwide launch.

Since 2018, Radio France has been working alongside families and the educational community to offer all children high-quality entertainment that is 100% screen-free and 100% public service: an unrivalled catalogue of over 4,000 podcasts available free of charge on the Radio France platform, which exceeded 200 million listens this summer. This autumn, Radio France is announcing the launch of ‘Mon Petit France Inter’, a new public service radio station designed for children. The digital radio station will be available on the Radio France app from October for the autumn half-term holidays, and will become a fully-fledged radio station in a few months' time via DAB+ broadcasting.

The Office of Electronic Communications [Urząd Komunikacji Elektronicznej/UKE] has agreed to allow the continued operation of experimental DAB+ multiplexes in Andrychów, Gliwice, Kraków and Szczecin. They are operated by DABCOM. New licences for digital radio testing will allow broadcasting to continue for another year. The licence for the multiplex in Andrychów is now valid until 19 August 2026. The permit for Gliwice is valid until 1 September 2026. The multiplex in Kraków may operate until 19 August 2026. The DABCOM licence for broadcasting in Szczecin is now valid until 23 July 2026. Back in March, UKE agreed to continue the operation of the BCAST multiplex in Katowice. The licence is valid until 25 March 2026.

The Czech Telecommunications Office [Český telekomunikační úřad/ČTÚ] checked compliance with the development criteria for nationwide DAB+ networks, as stipulated in the auction conditions. Holders of nationwide network allocations had to ensure coverage for at least 50% of the population of the Czech Republic within 18 months of the date on which the decision to grant the allocation became final, while also ensuring coverage for at least 50% of the length of motorways. Both nationwide network operators not only met this first development criterion, but also met the second development criterion more than a year ahead of schedule, i.e., ensuring coverage for at least 80% of the population of the Czech Republic and at least 80% of the length of motorways.

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has welcomed the latest GfK Survey 5 results, with commercial radio reaching 12.5 million weekly listeners, up 183,000 year-on-year (YOY), powered by strong growth in the 25-64 demographic which increased by 238,000 listeners to 7.8 million. The latest survey reports 6.6 million Australians tune in from their place of work, and 2.1 million listen at home. While in-car listening accelerated with 248,000 additional listeners YOY to reach 10.3 million, meaning 8 out of 10 (83%) commercial radio listeners tune in while driving. "The popularity of in-car listenership demonstrates the importance of the essential news and information services we provide each and every day. This is an extraordinary endorsement coming directly from our listeners," said Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA.

DAB+ listening in GfK Radio 360 Survey 5 saw, mostly, business as normal with CADA most listened to in Sydney, smooth fm No 1 in Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth and smooth relax usurping Coles Radio in Melbourne. There were some additional results that reflected the metro survey. In Sydney the biggest improver was KIIS 90s, with KIIS 1065 and Kyle and Jackie O on breakfast also seeing a spike in listening. By contract 96FM in Perth, which dropped, also saw a 20K cume decrease to their 96FM 80s station. Coles Radio in Melbourne were down 40,000 too, with smooth relax there the only station with more than 100K cume listeners. TikTok Trending performed well in Sydney and Melbourne, so too, in the latter, the ABC stations.