News

Digital Radio UK has put together a virtual offering titled “Drive to Digital 2020 Stakeholder Video Briefing.” The video provides an update on digital radio progress in 2020 and looks ahead to key developments for 2021.

The 2021 budget, which will be increased by one million crowns compared to 2020, will cover the broadcast of Czech Radio's 23 stations, as well as the launch of a new digital station.

The new transmitter operated by Media Broadcast, which will help increase the DAB+ programme offering on the island of Sylt, was launched on 15 December 2020.

The #Radioweek will offer five days of virtual events related to digital radio from 18 to 22 January 2021, while the Paris Radio Show will be moved to January 2022 instead.

Switzerland's media regulator Ofcom has decided to maintain the percentage of contributions paid to cover the costs of DAB+ broadcasting, which in 2021 should have dropped from 50% to 30%.

The daily use of digital terrestrial radio has increased by around 50 percent in Germany, compared to the same time last year. There are also 1.8 million more DAB+ radios in households now than in 2019. Germany launched a new national mutliplex in October 2020, and public broadcaster Deutschlandradio has started switching off FM transmitters in light of the continued growth of DAB+.

The DAB+ playout, previously divided into four regions, has been replaced by a completely new redundant DAB+ ensemble multiplexer system for 16 regions. With the installation of NDR’s new DAB+ playout system supplied by AVT, listeners will be able to receive news and weather information from their respective regions via DAB+ with a coverage that was previously only possible via FM.

Union JACK Dance and Union JACK Rock are launching nationally on DAB in addition to the current Union JACK station. All of the brands in the portfolio have unveiled a new look, with logos and branding having been updated to reveal a more consistent and contemporary identity throughout the Group.

Digital Radio UK today launches the Drive to Digital 2020 Stakeholder Video Briefing, a 90-minute virtual event providing an update on digital radio progress in 2020 and looking ahead to key developments for 2021.

The WorldDAB Automotive Working Group is set to consult with vehicle manufacturers and broadcasters in 2021 to help develop DAB+ guidelines using voice control and as part of the hybrid radio in the car.