News

In this time of crisis, we are seeing more and more ways by which DAB+ digital radio is helping broadcasters keep citizens informed and address issues such as loneliness, due to long period of social distancing and self-isolation. WorldDAB President Patrick Hannon details some of these initiatives, and discusses the role of DAB+ radio in helping to manage the crisis caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.

In addition to many projects in Germany, which are almost exclusively realised with AVT's systems by their project partners, they have also been able to deliver new DAB headends to the Czech Republic, Spain and Macedonia in recent months. AVT will deliver two more large DAB projects within Europe in the coming months.

According to the latest report published by Media Analyze Audio (ma 2020 Audio I), national stations that are available across the country are becoming increasingly popular amongst listeners on DAB+. The report also indicates that FM stations that launched regional services on DAB+ have been able to attract a higher number of listeners.

According to the MA Audio 2020 I report, which collected data on radio listening for the period leading up to December 2019, daily usage of DAB+ in Germany increased by 34.4%. This number also reflects the growing number of sales for DAB+ receivers, which the majority of car manufacturers are now installing as standard.

Following the DAB+ transmitters in Srđ and Psunj, which went into operation in March, a DAB+ transmitter covering Zadar has now gone into operation. With the completion of the planned network expansion, outdoor coverage stands at 85%, while indoor reception stands at 52%.

In light of the latest developments related to the spread of the Coronavirus, the French media regulator CSA has decided to extend the deadline for the submission of applications for DAB+ licences, from 5 February 2020 to 10 July 2020.

Dutch spectrum regulator Agentschap Telecom has issued the first licences for local radio stations on DAB+ . The licences for the 22 allotments, which started broadcasts on 1 April, will be valid until August 2022.

In this DAB+ promotional video published by German broadcaster ARD Digital, media personality Anni Dunkelmann explains to consumers the various benefits of DAB+, such as improved sound quality, a wider choice of listening and the ability of certain receivers to show visual displays.

Media Broadcast said that it has signed a four-year contract with Northern German Broadcasting (NDR) and Berlin-Brandenburg Broadcasting (Rbb) to provide broadcasting services for their DAB + output. Media Broadcast will provide maintenance services and prevent radio interference at the DAB + stations. The services will start on 01 April. The parties can extend the contract for up to two more years.

GatesAir says it is extending the proven operational benefits of its liquid-cooled UHF transmitters to VHF and DAB digital radio with the global debut of its Maxiva VLX-OP Series. The high-efficiency, frequency-agile transmitter line covers DAB/DAB+ radio, low-band VHF (Channels 2–6) and high-band VHF (Channels 7–13).