News

Confindustria Radio Televisioni is renewing its call on national and European institutions to establish a regulatory framework ensuring that FM, DAB+ and IP reception systems are fitted in all vehicles. This initiative follows on from the #RadioInAuto institutional campaign and aims to address recent technological choices made by car manufacturers, which could limit easy access to radio content. The removal of FM and DAB tuners from new cars, replaced by systems based exclusively on an internet connection, would in fact risk depriving listeners of the simplest, most immediate and free way to enjoy radio: an everyday activity would become dependent on network availability, an app and, in some cases, a subscription.

Radio Veronica’s themed channel ‘De Beste 90’s’ is now available via DAB+ and the internet. The channel replaces the themed station Radio Veronica Non-stop. As the name suggests, the themed channel De Beste 90’s plays the best Veronica hits from the 1990s. The radio station can be listened to worldwide via the internet and in large parts of the Netherlands via DAB+. The station takes the place of Radio Veronica Non-stop on MTVNL’s DAB+ network on channel 7D.

For listeners within the coverage area of the Augsburg-Hotelturm transmitter, the FM frequencies for five BR stations will change from 28 April: Bayern 1, Bayern 2, Bayern 3, BR Klassik and BR24. This may require listeners to perform a new FM station search. In future, Bayerischer Rundfunk will broadcast its programmes from the Augsburg-Hotelturm transmitter exclusively via DAB+. The reason for the frequency change is the decommissioning of the Augsburg Hotel Tower FM transmitter for economic reasons and to improve energy efficiency in broadcasting. BR’s FM stations (Bayern 1, Bayern 2, Bayern 3, BR Klassik and BR24) can still be received via the FM frequencies of the Grünten or Hühnerberg transmitters.

Radio is changing! With the phased switch-off of analogue reception, a revolution in the living room is on the cards. Digital radio now offers a modern and exciting alternative. Simply switch to DAB+ and your favourite stations will come into your home via a rod antenna. At no extra cost and with child’s play operation. Digital radio via DAB+ is a real bonus. You can get started with a DAB radio or a stereo system with DAB reception. Existing systems can also be easily upgraded, for example with the TechniSat Digitradio 10C. Reception is constantly improving, even if it is not yet available nationwide. There are many stations, particularly in the south of Germany. According to Digitalradio Deutschland e.V., around 51 per cent of households already own such a radio.

Arcom has announced plans for a further DAB+ call for applications in the second quarter of 2026, as part of efforts to optimise available resources. With 59 channels spread across 32 multiplexes, the regulator is consulting with operators to adjust allocations, whilst coverage now stands at 70% of the population and is set to reach 80% for mobile users by the end of the year. This news comes as the network covering major urban areas is being completed. On 2 April, the launch of DAB+ in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin marked the achievement of full coverage for towns with over 50,000 inhabitants in mainland France.

Lithuania’s Ministry of Transport and Communications said it has begun the process of introducing DAB+, marking a shift from a radio market that still relies almost entirely on FM transmission. The ministry said the move will aim to improve audio quality, reduce energy consumption and strengthen national infrastructure for emergency communications. Lithuania remains one of the few European Union countries where radio broadcasting still operates predominantly on analog FM networks. Minister of Transport and Communications Juras Taminskas discussed the transition with WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst, focusing on both implementation challenges and long-term strategy.

Digi B Network Ltd, operator of Malta’s nationwide terrestrial digital audio broadcasting network, today announced the launch of HD MAX — a next-generation digital radio broadcast service that delivers the highest-quality audio ever offered over local radio. Building on 15 years of Digi B’s pioneering DAB+ infrastructure in Malta — and on the country’s unique distinction as the world’s first nation to roll out DAB+ nationwide — HD MAX represents a major leap forward in broadcast sound performance. Designed for today’s discerning audiences who are increasingly accustomed to premium audio experiences across diverse digital platforms, HD MAX delivers digital radio channels with exceptional clarity, dramatically expanded dynamic range, and consistent, interference-resistant service across the Digi B coverage area.

From Tuesday 14 April, Radio Rumantsch will no longer broadcast on FM: from that date, the RAS will switch off its last six FM transmitters, and programming will continue to be available throughout the province exclusively via DAB+. This means that, to continue listening to Radio Rumantsch, you will need a DAB+-compatible radio. Even today, reception is already problem-free across the vast majority of South Tyrol: 99% of the population is already able to receive DAB+ programmes. In recent years, RAS has continuously expanded the DAB+ digital radio network, and today Radio Rumantsch can be listened to via this digital system throughout the province, even in areas previously unreachable by analogue FM.

Radio 4’s Long Wave (LW) service will close later this year, with listeners given advance notice and support to switch to alternative ways of listening. The BBC points to ageing infrastructure and declining audiences, with most listeners now tuning in via FM and DAB digital platforms. Given these factors, investing in upgrading the LW equipment is not considered a cost-effective solution for licence fee-funded services.

The latest audio-video trends report from Arcom offers a timely snapshot of media consumption in France, confirming that radio remains a central pillar of the audio landscape, reaching 73% of the population. With live listening still dominant via broadcast networks such as FM and DAB+, and nearly a quarter of radio devices now DAB+ compatible, the findings underline the growing role of digital terrestrial radio within a hybrid ecosystem. Jean-Marc Dubreuil, WorldDAB’s Country Manager for France, highlights what this means for the future of radio.