News

Deutschlandradio has announced it will be switching off its FM frequencies in three Bavarian cities in coming months - Amberg, Füssen and Kempten. Once the switch off is complete, the public broadcaster will instead rely on distribution via DAB+.

International non-profit radio platform Radioplayer has appointed Laurence Harrison to the brand new position of Automotive Partnerships Director. In his new role, Laurence will be responsible for leading ambitious efforts to get hybrid radio interfaces into internet-enabled cars in Europe. Laurence will continue to serve as Chair of the WorldDAB Automotive Working Group, where he has led successful projects to define User Experience guidelines for car radios.

Following an agreement between EuroDAB Italia and the BBC, DAB+ listeners in Italy are now able to listen to BBC World Service. BBC World Service, which broadcasts documentaries, business, sports, arts and science programmes, is as of 18 June 2019 available across the country.

The licence for the first national multiplex in Germany has been extended until 31 December 2035. This extension provides long term security for planning and investment decisions regarding the development of DAB+ in Germany.

Speaking at the WorldDAB Automotive 2019 conference held in Turin in June 2019, Radio Rai director Roberto Sergio touched on the current state of the radio industry in Italy, highlighting the ecosystem's readiness for DAB+ digital radio. 57% of the population of Italy is set to be covered by DAB+ by the end of 2019.

The pop network Heart in the United Kingdom has a new digital sister: Heart Dance. The station can be received nationally on DAB+ and via the internet. After Dance Extra and Heart 80's, Heart Dance is already the third theme channel of Heart that can be received via DAB+. The station is a spin-off from the popular weekend programme "Club Classics" in which you can hear the best dance hits of the 90s and 70s.

June 2020 is an important date in the development of DAB+ technology in France. All new vehicles and radio-related products will have to integrate DAB+. La Lettre Pro discussed this topic with Olivier Humbaire, president of SECIMAVI, a professional organization grouping the main brands of manufacturers and importers of electronics at WorldDAB Automotive 2019 in Turin, Italy.

WorldDAB has today announced the launch of the WorldDAB Excellence in Automotive Award. The award will recognise outstanding work carried out on the development, innovation and promotion of digital radio within the automotive industry, and honour the most significant contributions of individuals, groups or teams working towards optimising the experience of digital radio in the car. The first WorldDAB Excellence in Automotive Award will be presented at the WorldDAB Automotive conference in June 2020.

The growing interest in DAB+ in Germany is reflected in the growing number of digital radio receivers, with over 1.4 million sold in Germany in 2018 alone. Population coverage in the country stands at 98%, and more and more private broadcasters are aiming to make their brand future-proof through DAB+.

For the first time, DAB+ listeners in Italy can tune in to the BBC World Service in English. Thanks to an agreement with DAB+ multiplex provider Eurodab Italia, the network’s rich mix of BBC News, documentaries, business, sports, arts and science programmes are now available across the country.