News

Radio futurologist James Cridland interviewed by Italy's NL NewsLinet: "FM switch-off vs DAB+/IP for private broadcasters in Switzerland after 31/12/2026? I don't think 80-year-olds should be talking about the future of radio... Car manufacturers are making radios harder to find. This is a mistake, as it has been proven that radios are one of the most important features in a car and that people would not buy a car if it did not come with a tuner as standard. However, many cars are now manufactured in China, a country where radios are not as important as they are in Europe. Gone are the days when we only listened to FM; now radio is everywhere, on different platforms. But broadcasting must remain central (in the interests of publishers and users)."

In Lower Saxony, private DAB+ ensembles are getting additional transmission sites. On 1 October, three transmission stations are scheduled to go online. The NI EMSLAND K10C ensemble will receive an additional location in Lingen-Damaschke with an output of 5 kW. Until now, transmissions have only been made from Molbergen, also with 5 kW. For the NI OSNABRCK K8B bouquet, an additional location in Damme with an output of 2.5 kW is planned. This will supplement the main transmitter in Osnabrück/Schleptruper Egge, which transmits at a power of 10 kW. For the NI Nordsee K11A ensemble, the existing transmitter in Aurich with a transmission power of 8 kW will be supplemented by the additional location in Wilhelmshaven with a transmission power of 200 watts.

Radio group Bay Broadcasting is set to launch a brand-new dance music station, Energy Dance, on the DAB platform. The station is expected to launch imminently and will make history as the first ever licensed dance music radio station in Ireland. Broadcasting 24 hours a day from Bay's headquarters at Castleforbes House in Dublin 1, Energy Dance will deliver back-to-back club classics – from early 90s classics to today’s biggest anthems – providing the ultimate soundtrack for Irish dance fans. Energy Dance will be aimed at listeners aged 25 to 60, initially serving audiences in the Greater Dublin area, before expanding nationwide in line with the rollout of DAB across Ireland.

As of today, Sky Radio Xmas can once again be heard on digital radio (DAB+). The station will temporarily replace Sky 00s&10s Hits (channel 7D). With its special themed station “Sky Radio Xmas”, the feel-good station brings you the best Christmas hits, especially for Christmas fans who want to get into the spirit early. The radio station can now be listened to via DAB+ (channel 7D) and also via skyradio.nl. The radio station Sky Radio 101 FM will be renamed The Christmas Station later this year. Fans who can't wait until then can tune in to the special themed station “Sky Christmas” from today.

Soul Radio can now be heard in a larger part of the Randstad via digital radio (DAB+). The radio station can now be heard in large parts of South Holland via channel 12D. Soul Radio plays a mix of soul, funk, R&B and disco music. In the Almere region, the radio station was already available via DAB+ (channel 10C). As of today, the radio station can also be listened to in the region around Zoetermeer, Lansingerland and Capelle aan den IJssel via digital terrestrial broadcasting on channel 12D.

Lomond Radio is expanding its offering with the launch of two new sister stations on the Inverclyde DAB multiplex. From 1 October, listeners will be able to tune into Lomond Christmas, which will play festive favourites around the clock in the run-up to the holidays. One month later, on 1 November, Lomond Country will launch, bringing a non-stop mix of classic and contemporary country hits. Paul Lucas, Director at Lomond Radio, said: “We are so excited to be launching not one, but two new stations. We’ve seen incredible support for Lomond Radio’s local focus, and this expansion allows us to offer even more tailored content.”

The digital radio transition has taken another step forward. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) recently approved a resolution granting MCOT Public Company Limited (MCOT) temporary use of its DAB+ digital radio frequency for experimental or testing purposes. This permit allows MCOT to use the 6D radio frequency block in the Bangkok metropolitan area (Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan) for a period of six months. Air Chief Marshal Thanapan Raiyacharoen, NBTC Commissioner for Broadcasting Affairs, stated that under the licensing conditions, MCOT must establish a DAB+ digital radio network by installing transmitter equipment that meets the standards set by the NBTC.

In its forthcoming Memorandum on the Method of Fulfilling Public Service for the Period 2025–2030, Czech Radio states that it will broadcast its programs on multiple platforms, including digital radio broadcasting in the DAB+ system, in the public DVB-T2 multiplex of Czech Television, and via satellite in the DVB-S2 (Astra) system, in addition to the existing FM/VKV and other forms of redistribution, including cable and IP networks. The document emphasizes that the goal is maximum availability of content for residents of the Czech Republic, with adaptation to technological trends and user habits during the term of the Memorandum. The radio station thus declares the continuity of broadcasting via satellite and terrestrial digital TV networks as part of its public service, alongside the development of DAB+ as a modern distribution platform.

Ofcom has today awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for seven more areas in the UK. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves. So far, 75 multiplexes have launched broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. And in total, the small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of over 100 multiplexes. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have now been awarded for the following areas: Banbury and Bicester; Enniskillen; Rugby and Daventry; Stockton-on-Tees; Western Isles; Weston-super-Mare; Worcester.

The festive season has officially begun as Heart Xmas, the UK’s most loved Christmas radio station, launches today (29 September). This morning, Heart Breakfast’s Amanda Holden, the nation’s ultimate Christmas enthusiast, switched on Heart Xmas! During Heart Breakfast this morning, Christmas superfan Amanda left her co-host Jamie Theakston live on-air as she dashed next door to the Heart Xmas studio to officially switch on Heart Xmas for the season. Heart Xmas is home to the nation’s favourite Christmas hits, playing non-stop music 24/7 to get everyone in the festive spirit. Also back for the festive season is Smooth Christmas after a huge demand following last year’s launch. Heart Xmas is available across the UK on DAB digital radio, Smooth Christmas is available on DAB digital radio in London.