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The RAJAR Audio MIDAS Survey is designed to provide context and insight into how, when and where audio content is being consumed within this liberated environment; including device usage, activities, location, who listened with. The Winter 2025 wave of MIDAS finds that the weekly reach for audio consumption that is solely listened to and not viewed, remains very high with 56 million adults or 96% of the UK population (adults 15+) doing so in a week. Live Radio is a perfect companion home or away. Radio content provides the perfect company for many of our daily tasks. People engage with several activities whilst listening to live radio, 61% of the listening hours are consumed whilst someone is driving/travelling, relaxing or working/studying. 63% of listening hours are consumed by traditional FM or DAB radio sets.

Albrecht presents the new DR 862, a digital radio that combines excellent sound with clear and simple operation – yet still offers all the modern features that radio enthusiasts expect today. The compact radio with a handle and an elegant retro look combines user-friendliness with powerful sound and stylish design in a high-quality wooden housing. The unique comfort mode prevents accidental misoperation, while the integrated rechargeable battery makes it a mobile companion at home or on the go. For important warnings, the DR 862 offers the ASA warning function, which ensures that listeners in their region are informed in good time in the event of an emergency, such as storms or flooding, even in standby mode.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has facilitated the activation of Kenya’s first trial Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) for radio services in Nairobi, marking a major step towards the future of radio as the world celebrates World Radio Day 2026. In 2025, the Authority granted Authorisation to two licensees: Signet Signal Distributors Ltd and Mast Rental Services Ltd, to deploy Trial Networks for Digital Sound Broadcasting. In January 2026, Mast Rental became the first operator to deploy a DAB+ trial network and currently carries 14 radio programmes within the Nairobi coverage area. The Authority shall conduct monitoring and evaluation of the network over the 12-month trial deployment period.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that DAB+ is a technology that offers a clear sound experience free from interference and increases frequency efficiency with its capacity to accommodate multiple radio channels on the same frequency. Minister Uraloğlu said, "With DAB+, we have added 448 new radio frequencies to Istanbul. Fifteen of our radio channels, both public and private, are now broadcasting using this new technology." Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu made a written statement about the new generation digital radio broadcasting DAB+, which was launched on 13 February 2025, World Radio Day, at the Digital Radio Broadcasting Launch Ceremony.

BBC Radio Jersey and BBC Radio Guernsey will stop broadcasting on medium wave from 31 March 2026. In an FAQ published alongside the announcement, the BBC said it had reviewed coverage across FM, MW and digital platforms, identifying duplication between medium wave and other services following the roll-out of DAB across the islands in 2021. It added that medium wave transmitters are “unlikely to be value for money in the longer term”. The corporation said newer platforms provide an improved listening experience and confirmed the medium wave estate will continue to be reviewed periodically. Coverage of the States of Deliberation will remain available on BBC Guernsey Extra on DAB and through the States of Deliberation website.

Chelmsford celebrated a major milestone in its long and storied broadcasting heritage with the official launch of Chelmsford Digital Radio, the city’s new small‑scale DAB multiplex designed to bring a richer, more diverse range of radio services to local listeners. The event was marked by an opening address delivered by the Mayor, who highlighted Chelmsford’s profound connection to the origins of wireless communication and broadcasting. The launch date holds special historical significance: 14 February 2026 marks exactly 104 years since the first regular entertainment radio station, 2MT Writtle, began broadcasting on 14 February 1922. In her speech, the Mayor spoke about the city’s pioneering contribution to wireless technology, beginning with Guglielmo Marconi’s groundbreaking work in Chelmsford and how the spirit of innovation continues into the digital era.

Bauer Media Audio marks World Radio Day by joining an unprecedented demonstration of industry-wide unity. In an historic first, the broadcaster has joined many of Europe’s most influential radio and audio operators to launch ‘Connected Journeys’ - a campaign celebrating the unique joy of listening to the radio in the car. Many of the broadcasters supporting The Connected Journeys Campaign are members of the cross-industry initiative Radio Ready for Connected Cars alongside Bauer Media Group. Radio Ready for Connected Cars is the cross-industry campaign working to secure the future of in-car radio. As automotive technology provides ever-increasing options for listeners in connected vehicles, Radio Ready aims to ensure they retain convenient, instant access to in-car radio.

On 12 February, RTVE hosted a meeting of the EBU Radio Committee at Casa de la Radio, the headquarters of Radio Nacional de España in Madrid. Among the issues discussed, and given the international context, was the urgent need to ensure that all new vehicles placed on the market in the European Union are equipped with terrestrial radio receivers. In this regard, current European regulations must be strengthened to prevent radio from being relegated to proprietary systems or applications controlled by third parties, which could even limit citizens' access to the public broadcasters they are funding. Maintaining FM and DAB+ receivers in all vehicles is essential to ensure the future existence of radio, including not only public broadcasting but also terrestrial audio broadcasting licensees.

Javier Sánchez, Director of Audiovisual Policy and Public Service at RTVE, and WorldDAB Steering Board member, writes: "World Radio Day is always a wonderful occasion to raise a glass to radio and wish it a long life. But apart from that, it is also an excellent opportunity to take stock of the events of the past year and look ahead to the challenges that radio will face in the future. If 2025 stood out for one thing, it was for putting an end to the paralysis that digital radio had been experiencing in Spain since the beginning of the century. In fact, the draft Royal Decree adopting measures to promote DAB+ technology in digital terrestrial radio broadcasting will complete its European processing phase on 27 April."

Radio listeners across the UK stand to benefit as the government launches a review of the UK’s radio industry to ensure it continues to flourish as audiences increasingly shift to digital platforms. Radio remains the most trusted form of media in the UK, with more than 85% of UK adults tuning in every week. However, the way people listen is rapidly changing. Almost 75% of UK radio listening now takes place on digital or online platforms, rather than FM and AM. To help the industry navigate this shift, the government will work with key partners, including the BBC and commercial radio, to examine changes in listener behaviour and audio markets in recent years, and make recommendations on the future distribution of radio services.