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The R25 regional digital radio network, which broadcasts Energic, Seejay, and WorldRadio stations, is preparing for a major expansion of its coverage in the Vysočina region. The new key point for signal distribution will be the Jihlava – Hosov location, which will offer 10 kW of power to ensure stable reception. This step is part of Fiera touch's broader strategy in the field of DAB+. The technical parameters of the new transmitter correspond to the category of long-range stations, which is confirmed by the planned output of 10 kW, as reported in the database of the Czech Telecommunications Office. The signal will be transmitted on frequency block 6B, with the antenna system using vertical signal polarization.

Steve Ahern writes: J’adore Paris et Paris adore la radio. I love Paris, and Paris loves radio. The annual Paris Radio Show is a tribute to the radio medium, but, as with other celebrations of radio in the modern era, it is not nostalgic, it is looking forward to new audiences and new ways of engaging them with audio. This year the show began with a snapshot of audio consumption across radio and podcasts and a look at how all forms of audio are performing in France. DAB+ in France now covers over 80% of motorways and is well listened to by commuters. Public and private broadcasters are now heavily promoting DAB+ receivers. “DAB+ is undeniably adding value for listeners, delivering a more attractive audio landscape in a soverign framework.”

While the world obsesses over streaming apps and podcasts, the Kingdom has been quietly building something that may surprise the digital-first generation: a state-of-the-art broadcast radio network. And it’s expanding at remarkable speed. DAB+ has now expanded to nine additional cities across the Kingdom and covers major highway corridors connecting them. Since its launch in August 2023, the technology has evolved from a pilot project into core national infrastructure. This progress will be prominently showcased at the Saudi Media Forum 2026, offering a clear picture of how far digital radio has advanced in a short time.

Today RAJAR announced 50.0 million adults or 86% of the adult (15+) UK population tuned in to their selected radio stations each week in the fourth quarter of 2025. The total average number of weekly hours listened to radio for this Quarter is 1.015 billion hours. In terms of reach 44 million adults aged 15+ are now tuning in to radio via a digitally enabled platform (DAB, DTV, Website/App, or Smart Speaker) each week. 75% of the population tune in to digital radio every week. In an average week, digital listening accounts for 757 million hours; DAB has a 56% share of digital listening hours, Smart speaker 25%, Website/Apps 15%, and DTV 4%.

DAB+ is now well established in Saudi Arabia following a successful launch in August 2023. It will again be part of the upcoming Saudi Media Forum. Last year, the network expanded to nine more cities and additional major highways. Across the wider region, Bahrain also launched DAB+ in 2023, and Kuwait was one of the earliest adopters in the region back in 2014, with 15 stations now on air. WorldDAB works closely with regional organisations such as the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), including the development of the specific set of Arabic characters used in the ASBU profile within the WorldDAB digital radio standard.

The 5th Saudi Media Forum opened in Riyadh on 2 February. It ran through 4 February bringing together regional and international media leaders under the theme “Media in an Evolving World.” In her masterclass “DAB: The Future of Digital Radio Broadcasting and the Evolution of Audio,” Jacqueline Bierhorst, president of WorldDAB, outlined how digital broadcast radio is essential to keeping radio free, universal and resilient in a platform-dominated world. She highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rollout of DAB+, with coverage expanding across major cities and highways and noted that other Middle East and North African markets, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Tunisia, were also moving forward with DAB+, positioning the region as an emerging digital radio cluster alongside Europe and Australia.

In a session at the Paris Radio Show on Tuesday 3 February, Frédéric Gérand (RTBF) and Charles-Emmanuel Bon (Radio France), chaired by Maëlo Seuret (Ensemble pour le DAB+), compared how Belgium and France are approaching the rollout and promotion of DAB+. In Belgium, the approach to DAB+ promotion has evolved significantly over the past decade. Rather than focusing narrowly on DAB+ as a technology, the Belgian model has broadened to promote digital radio as a whole, integrating both broadcast and IP distribution into a single narrative. At this stage, France remains firmly in the installation and awareness phase. The emphasis is on ensuring that radio listeners — particularly those buying new receivers — understand what DAB+ is, what to look for, and why it matters. 

New local DAB coverage is now available across North Ayrshire and parts of West Renfrewshire. Caledonia TX Ltd has commissioned its North Ayrshire DAB digital radio network, bringing additional digital capacity and new services to listeners across coastal and inland communities. The network operates from two transmission sites, with transmitters at Routenburn Golf Club in Largs and a second site near Dalry. Caledonia TX says the dual-site approach has been designed to improve reception across a wide area, supporting coverage along the coast while also reaching further inland.

FáilteDAB are excited to announce the extension and expansion of its DAB+ trial networks in Ireland. With the support and license approval of the Irish media and communications authorities Coimisiún na Meán and COMREG, FáilteDAB will extend its current trial network FáilteDAB Mux 1 for another 12 months while also adding significant coverage to the DAB+ footprint with the rollout of its FáilteDAB Mux 2 network. The FáilteDAB Mux 2 network, planned to launch in April 2026, will be powered by up to nine additional high powered transmission sites, strategically located to deliver a strong DAB signal to all or parts of the North and South Midlands, the Southeast, Cork, Limerick, Clare, Galway and Mayo areas.

WorldDAB is pleased to partner with “AI × Radio Europe – From Trust to the Connected Car”, a European policy and innovation forum organised in the framework of UNESCO World Radio Day 2026, taking place on 12 February in Brussels (Residence Palace – International Press Centre). This year, World Radio Day focuses on Radio and Artificial Intelligence. AI × Radio Europe brings together institutions, broadcasters, industry and media to shape the future of radio in the AI era. WorldDAB is a supporting partner of the forum, addressing how radio can remain trusted, accessible and visible in an era of AI-driven production, hybrid distribution and connected dashboards.