News

WorldDAB - the global industry forum for DAB+ digital radio - has added seven new member organisations in the first three months of 2026, reflecting increasing momentum in the adoption of DAB+. The new members are: Bauer Media Audio, Coimisiún na Meán, CreaCast, ERT SA (Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation), Lucid Motors, Nissan Motor Corporation and Telantel S.r.l. WorldDAB now has 121 members in 42 countries. WorldDAB Project Director Bernie O’Neill said: “We’re delighted to welcome our new members, from automotive giants, broadcasters and network operators, to equipment manufacturers and national regulators spanning Asia, Europe and beyond, reflecting the wide range of our activities.”

Video from WorldDAB's popular session at Radiodays Europe 2026 in Riga, exploring "why DAB+ matters now more than ever" is now available to watch. The session explored why DAB+ is not just growing — but why it has become strategically indispensable. It's led by Bernie O'Neill, Project Director, WorldDAB, and includes an update from WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst on the global growth of DAB+, along with compelling digital broadcast success stories from Digitale Radio Vlaanderen in Flanders and Duo Media Networks recent DAB+ launch in Estonia. WorldDAB's new Public Policy Toolbox is previewed by consultant David Fernández Quijada from South 180.

The Alfàbia telecommunications centre (Bunyola) is hosting the launch of Spain’s first regional DAB+ digital radio network, a project developed by Cellnex and IB digital in collaboration with IB3, which will enable the public to enjoy higher sound quality, new services and a wider variety of programming. This initiative, the result of a strategic collaboration between public and private entities, aims to consolidate the Balearic Islands as a “leading region in the modernisation of broadcasting”. The Alfàbia transmission centre stands as one of the strategic hubs of the first phase of this roll-out, with adaptation works having begun in late 2025. The new DAB+ network represents, in the words of Cellnex, a significant evolution compared to traditional FM.

Ofcom has today awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for six more areas across the UK. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves. So far, 105 multiplexes have been launched, supporting a wide range of hyperlocal digital radio stations broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have been awarded for the following areas: Chester, Chippenham and Malmesbury, Coleraine, Newbury, Telford and Shrewsbury, and Ullapool.

On 5 May, AIR – Austrian International Radio – a new, urban city radio station – will officially go on air on the DAB+ network in the Greater Vienna area. Following its successful launch as a web radio station, the programme is now also available via DAB+ on MUX II as Austrian International Radio (AIR). The station will thus reach listeners in Vienna, southern Lower Austria and northern Burgenland – with a technical reach of around 3.3 million people. AIR Radio is based on a modern ‘New Radio’ concept featuring curated music, a strong Austrian focus and editorial content. There is a particular focus on bilingual content (German/English), which currently accounts for around 15 per cent of the programme and is set to be expanded further.

Galway Bay FM has launched Pure Country as a new 24 hour country and Irish music service on DAB+. The station is testing on the Failte DAB Mux2 trial and will also be available online and via smart speaker. It is broadcasting from Galway Bay FM’s studios in Galway City. Fionnuala Rabbitt, CEO of Galway Bay FM, said: “There is an incredibly strong and enduring tradition of country music in Ireland, particularly outside Dublin.” Pure Country will begin as an automated service, with plans to add specialist country shows and live programming in the coming months. A future extension to the Greater Dublin area is also hoped for, although the main focus is outside Dublin.

The Belgian radio industry is calling on the European authorities to make FM and DAB+ radio receivers mandatory in all new vehicles registered in the European Union, maRadio.be, RadioZ, La Craxx and Digitale Radio Vlaanderen stated in a joint press release on Thursday. Faced with the emergence of new-generation vehicles without radio systems, organisations fear that “universal, free and non-discriminatory access to information” will no longer be guaranteed. “By removing the FM/DAB+ receiver, manufacturers are threatening to turn free and direct access into a closed environment, monetised by the tech giants,” warn Belgian radio stations, whilst 95% of in-car audio listening is devoted to radio, according to the latest CIM study.

The Communications Authority of Kenya has engaged broadcast licensees in Mombasa on key developments shaping the industry’s next phase a timely forum aimed at aligning stakeholders, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring a smooth transition as the sector evolves. At the heart of the engagement was the migration to Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB), a critical step towards delivering clearer audio quality, wider coverage, and more diverse content offerings for audiences across the country. Bringing licensees together was essential to address emerging opportunities, clarify expectations, and support a coordinated rollout of this transformative technology.

Bauer Media Audio launches new radio station: FLOW is Denmark’s new musical alternative. A radio station that blends classic rock anthems with alternative pop favourites, striking a balance between the familiar and the tracks you don’t always hear on the radio. “There is a long list of artists who easily and frequently fill various stages at summer festivals. Many sell out arena and stadium shows, but they belong to a genre we rarely hear on the radio. There is a need for a radio station for the many music fans who enjoy this music and come together around these experiences – and we believe we’ve hit the mark perfectly with FLOW,” says Claus Thune, Content & Marketing Director at Bauer Media Audio. FLOW can be heard from 1 May on DAB+, at rayo.dk and in the Rayo app.

Vision Australia have informed their listener community that from July 1, 2026 they will no longer broadcast on the AM frequencies 1179 AM Melbourne, 1197 AM Adelaide and 990 AM Perth. Vision Australia Radio have provided the AM services for people who are blind or have low vision for more than 40 years and they will still be freely available on DAB+, via online streaming and through the Community Radio Plus app on a smart device. Vision Australia also has an array of podcasts. The CEO of Vision Australia David Williamson said in an email: ‘Transitioning away from AM broadcasting will significantly reduce operating costs. However, our program offerings will remain the same.’