News

The RTS Première, RTS Espace 2, RTS Couleur 3 and RTS Option Musique channels will be leaving the FM band on 31 December. Cars not equipped with DAB+ receivers will need to be adapted to continue receiving RTS and traffic information, as well as to listen to any radio in tunnels. The four RTS radio channels will soon only be available via DAB+ and internet streaming. Like all their SRG colleagues, they will no longer be available on FM receivers from 1 January 2025, an obsolete technology that Switzerland has decided to abandon. Anyone who does not have a DAB+ receiver and wishes to continue listening to RTS Première, RTS Espace 2, RTS Couleur 3 and RTS Option Musique on an FM radio will only be able to do so by using an adapter.

Ghana's National Communications Authority (NCA) has invited applications for the grant of Authorisations to establish, maintain and operate a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) Multiplex Service in the Republic of Ghana. The Selection and Award Procedure Document can be accessed on the Authority’s website. The Authority intends to issue one authorisation for a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) multiplex service. The objectives for the award of the DAB Multiplex Operator Authorisation are: transition the DAB+ trial to a commercial service; and create a structured DAB environment that facilitates the growth of digital sound broadcasting services and a vibrant receiver market. The announcement of winners is expected on 5th December 2024.

Last month, Global launched 12 radio stations in one day — an “ambitious goal”, according to chief commercial officer Mike Gordon: “But we like ambitious goals.” The stations comprise sub-brands for Heart (Musicals, Love and ’10s), Smooth (’80s, ’70s and Soul), Radio X (’00s, ’90s and Chilled), Classic FM (Movies and Calm) and Capital (Anthems). But why 12 and why launch them all on the same day? “It could have been more, honestly," says Gordon. But we felt that was the right time and it’s a balance of what’s the investment, what’s the technical involvement, where’s the programming gap, where’s the window, where’s the market and where is it additive?”

Three years after In Demand Radio launched on DAB across Liverpool and the Northwest, it’s time to launch a second station for the area. In Demand Decades will play songs from across the decades. Steve Laycock, In Demand Radio Managing Director said: “In Demand Radio has proved that local and live radio works, the audience wants radio to serve them in their area. Our stations will always be local, our studios will always be here.” The station will launch on DAB on 4th November.

On 23-28 September, with the joint participation of representatives of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the National Communications Commission of Georgia, a joint radio monitoring of radio, television and mobile communication networks in the border areas and a coordination meeting was held in the city of Ganja. In connection with the transition to DAB+ digital radio broadcasting, the frequencies of DAB+ standard digital radio broadcasting stations to be installed in the western and north-western regions of the Republic have been pre-coordinated.

The Agency for Electronic Media (AEM) has launched the procedure for awarding licences for new digital radio stations to broadcast via the DAB+ network. It has published a call for expressions of public interest in providing DAB+ digital radio media services in a number of areas, including national "MUX1" covering the Republic of Croatia. Interested parties are asked to submit a written statement on the significance of the digital radio channel's activities in their area, in which they should specify the target audiences, as well as programmes or content to be especially represented. The deadline for submission of expressions of interest is November 25, 2024.

In collaboration with the Service Général de l'Audiovisuel et des Médias, the services of the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel have launched the procedure for optimising the mux of independent radio stations with the designated technical operators. Technical commissions will shortly be organised to examine requests for optimisation. We invite radio stations to contact their technical operators to ensure that they are in possession of their digital coverage requests. Requests must be sent to the CSA - by the operator only - by 2 December at the latest.

It has been put off several times, but this time it's the right time: the end of FM broadcasting is scheduled for 31 December. On that date, the SSR will switch off its antennas in favour of DAB+, although private radio stations will be granted an extension. This technology offers a number of advantages in terms of cost, sound quality (no more crackling or interference) and a wider range of services. ‘On an FM frequency, you can only put on one radio programme at a time. On the other hand, on a DAB+ frequency, you can put on 18,’ says Philippe Zahno, President of the association of regional radio stations in French-speaking Switzerland.

Pure Audio has announced a new member of its Classic range of retro-styled DAB+ radios, the Pure Classic Mini. Like its siblings it mixes retro styling with modern innards and, to my eyes, it's the best looking Classic model yet. It's also the most affordable, coming in at £10 less than the Pure Classic H4. It's very small too. There are two colour options here, called Cotton White / Oak and Coffee Black / Walnut, and prices and specifications are the same for both. Pure describes the design as "charming" and I think its right.

Whether morning show or drive-time, three out of four people listen to the radio digitally. The digitisation rate is already at 75 per cent. The media authorities presented their annual ‘Audio Trends 2024’ report at the Media Days Munich on 24 October. The special analysis of ma 2024 Audio II shows that 75 per cent of radio listeners in Germany now use digital services. Digital radio, whether via DAB+ or the internet, has become an integral part of the everyday lives of 49 million people. This corresponds to three quarters of all listeners. Web radio and - in the clear lead - DAB+ are very popular.