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GatesAir extends its leadership position in high-efficiency RF innovation with the release of a new transmitter infrastructure for its entire range of DAB/DAB+ transmitters. To be introduced at IBC2025 next month, the modernised architecture improves efficiency percentages by up to 50 percent or more. With solutions that include new adjustable-voltage power supplies that minimise power consumption, this major design update places GatesAir in the upper echelon of DAB/DAB+ transmission efficiency alongside its renowned RF and power efficiency innovations for UHF television and FM radio.

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) and leading independent agency Thinkerbell have launched a bold advertising campaign to showcase the power of audio, using soundwaves to extinguish a flame, prompting marketers to reconsider audio’s ability to cut through and create lasting impact. The idea centres around a specially designed audio score that, set at the right ‘fire frequency’, has the power to literally put out a fire. In a live experiment it shows that when harnessed with intent, audio can move more than molecules. It can move minds, emotions, and brands. Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA, said “This campaign doesn’t just talk about the power of audio, it proves it in the real world.”

The turn of February and March next year will be crucial for operators of regional networks for commercial radio digital broadcasting. This is when the deadline for meeting the development criteria set by the Czech Telecommunications Office (ČTÚ) expires, requiring them to cover at least 40% of the population in the regions where they broadcast within two years of obtaining frequency allocations. Until now, it was sufficient for each regional network to start broadcasting, i.e., to launch at least one transmitter, within one year of obtaining frequency allocations. What can we expect from individual regional networks?

As part of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman in the media field, the Ministry of Information organised a specialised technical seminar remotely, titled “Bahrain’s Experience in Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+).” The seminar was presented by Abdullah Ahmed Al Baloushi, Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Information, and attended by specialists and engineers from Oman’s Ministry of Information. The Assistant Undersecretary reviewed key milestones in Bahrain’s transition to digital radio broadcasting using DAB+, the latest third-generation radio broadcasting system.

Radio Noordzee is part of Talpa Network, John de Mol's media company. De Mol has always had a special connection with the Radio Noordzee brand. His father was involved in the station's illustrious offshore broadcasting history. De Mol himself worked at the station at the start of his career. It is therefore understandable that Talpa is seizing the opportunity to bring Radio Noordzee back to the airwaves. Radio Noordzee's reach via the DAB+ digital radio network will also be expanded from 1 September. The radio station will remain available nationwide via channel 9C on bandwidth purchased by Talpa on the second national commercial DAB+ platform. In addition, it will gain DAB+ coverage specifically in North Brabant and Limburg via regional channel 7C.

Good news for all radio fans in and around Stadtoldendorf: NDR has put another DAB+ relay into operation at its Stadtoldendorf site. This improves digital reception of NDR radio programmes – especially in the historic town centre, around the market square, in the spa gardens and in the surrounding villages in the Weserbergland region. The programmes can now be received clearly and reliably on block 6C (185.360 MHz) indoors – not just on the move. With the new transmitter, NDR aims to provide the region around the idyllic Weserberg town of Stadtoldendorf with even better information and good music. Whether you're taking a walk along the Leine, relaxing in the cosy café at the Alte Post or at home in your living room, NDR will now accompany you.

Thanks to a partnership with GLXY – whose owner managed to secure several FM and DAB+ frequencies at the recent auction for non-national commercial broadcasters – Hofstad Radio can expand its reach on the airwaves. This includes improved coverage via DAB+, but Hofstad is also returning to the FM band in South Holland. By using an FM frequency, Hofstad Radio will also broadcast via the regional DAB+ lot 5B in South Holland and Zeeland. In addition, the radio station will use bandwidth that GLXY managed to secure at the frequency auction for DAB-only. Radio station GirlPower will also use part of the DAB-only bandwidth through a cooperation agreement.

KIIS Australia officially hits the airwaves today – playing 100% Australian music, all day, every day. Broadcasting nationally on DAB+ and streaming via the free iHeartRadio app, KIIS Australia celebrates the artists shaping the sound of the nation – from today’s chart-toppers to emerging talent and iconic Aussie legends. Part of ARN’s KIIS Network alongside KIIS 90s and KIIS Dance, KIIS Australia embraces an all-audience approach, offering a diverse local soundtrack. The playlist is a celebration of now, next and nostalgic – from Dean Lewis, Cyril, G Flip, The Kid LAROI, Guy Sebastian and Kita Alexander to classics from Kylie Minogue, Birds of Tokyo, Sia, Hilltop Hoods, Missy Higgins, Powderfinger and Tame Impala.

Following the transfer of broadcast licenses, Cellnex Broadcast Partners needed to establish a completely new DAB+ transmission network for Flanders and Brussels. The company turned to Rohde & Schwarz, which was able to deliver 28 transmitters in under two months. For commercial and customer satisfaction reasons Cellnex Broadcast Partners was naturally keen to get the new service, branded 10D, on air as quickly as possible. At the same time, it recognized the need for the highest operational and technical standards in the solution, as well as maximizing quality, reliability and sustainability, and delivering the best total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the installation.

Radio stations Helax, Fajn, City, and Prostor are now also available via a new 20 kW transmitter, which was put into operation in Třebíč – Čechtín. The new technology improves availability and reception quality for listeners in the region, thereby expanding the range of digital radio stations on offer. The operator of this transmitter is RTI cz. RTI cz plans to further expand its broadcasting coverage to the Králíky – Suchý vrch area in the near future, where a 3.2 kW transmitter will be used. This expansion will further strengthen terrestrial digital radio coverage, particularly in the northeastern part of Bohemia, enabling an even wider audience to receive high-quality digital signals.