News

WDR has been working on its second multiplex for some time now. On 2 October, test broadcasts were observed from several locations. The second DAB+ multiplex gives WDR the opportunity to offer all of its radio stations nationwide. Since the end of 2023, this has been operating under the identifier ‘K9A’, as it is currently being used again. However, it can be assumed that a different multiplex name will appear at the regular launch. Even though only nine test channels with a data rate of 88 kbit/s were currently audible, each with a 1 kHz tone, the occupancy indicates that the original package will not change from the end of 2023.

The operator RTI cz re-tuned its digital radio transmitter Toužim - Třebouňský vrch on 3 October. Listeners in the affected areas will have to retune their receivers to the new channel 9B after the lockout. Czech Radio Karlovy Vary, among others, will be better off with the change. After the West Bohemian transmitters Jáchymov - Klínovec and Karlovy Vary - sídliště, which have already been switched to the new frequency block 9B on 2 October, Toužim - Třebouňský vrch is also switching to the same frequency. At the same time, the power in this location is being increased from the current 1 kW to 10 kW. The range of RTI cz's DAB+ multiplex from Třebouňský vrch will increase significantly.

British chip manufacturer Frontier Smart Technologies presented a prototype of the next generation of DAB+ digital radios at IFA 2024. These devices are equipped with the new ‘Automatic Safety Alert’ (ASA) standard, which reliably warns the public in emergencies and crises. ASA transmits life-saving safety messages directly via the radio without the need for an internet connection. Typical alerts include severe weather warnings, evacuation requests or information on power outages. Thomas Pöcheim, Managing Director of the Austrian Digital Radio Association, was able to see the new ASA functions for himself at the Frontier stand. Watch the video for a demonstration of the new ASA system.

Radio X and Gold Radio are now available on DAB+ digital radio in the Channel Islands. The two stations have gone live to an additional 160,000 potential listeners across Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm broadcasting in DAB+. It’s the first time either has been broadcast terrestrially in the Channel Islands. Both stations are owned by Global, the Media & Entertainment Group, which already broadcasts Heart, Smooth, Classic FM, LBC and Capital on DAB+ to the Channel Islands. The Channel Islands DAB multiplex is operated by Tindle Radio - owners of Channel 103 in Jersey and Guernsey’s Island FM - through its Bailiwick Broadcasting subsidiary. The addition of Radio X and Gold Radio brings the total number of stations broadcasting in DAB+ to the Channel Islands to 24. According to industry listening figures from RAJAR* more than 40% of all islanders in Jersey and Guernsey tune into DAB radio each week.

Good news for all Christmas lovers! From 1 October, the theme channel Sky Christmas will not only be available online and via the Sky app, but now also via DAB+. That means you can now hear the best Christmas hits non-stop wherever you are. Whether you want to get in the mood for the festive season or simply enjoy Christmas classics all year round, Sky Christmas has everything you need. Don't miss it and fully enjoy The Most Wonderful Time of the Year with Sky Radio!

Christmas Radio has launched once again this year on DAB in Portsmouth. The station, which is also online, is playing “all your festive hits, all day” on the local small-scale multiplex till December 31st. The presenter line-up includes Santa, who will be playing festive songs and talking in between them. Station Owner, Gary Milchard said: “We at Christmas Radio are delighted to return to Portsmouth again. Christmas is such an exciting time for many of us and we can’t wait to share the festive period with everyone in the city.”

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) welcomes another record-breaking milestone, with commercial radio’s share of listening climbing to 75.1%. This figure not only surpasses last survey’s record but also marks the highest level since 2014, highlighting the vibrancy of Australia’s audio landscape. This growth is largely fuelled by the rise of digital distribution, which has allowed radio to adapt and maintain its audience reach. Commercial DAB+ only stations are making their mark, with TSL rising by 26 minutes year-on-year to 6 hours and 39 minutes per week.

The radio programme ‘Radio Altstadtwelle’ from the Cologne region has been broadcasting successfully on the internet since 2009. It offers music, entertainment and interviews in Rhenish dialect. On 17 September 2024, ‘Radio Altstadtwelle’ received a licence from the NRW State Media Authority (LfM) in Düsseldorf to also broadcast via antenna. At the same time, the station has applied to be included in the new Cologne/Bonn/Aachen DAB+ ensemble. However, this decision will not be made until later, as it has not yet been determined which of the four platform operators will receive the licence. DAB+ transmission is expected to start in the course of next year.

Not only from transmitters in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia will digital networks dedicated to domestic commercial radios be broadcast. Two of the eight successful bidders in the auction of frequencies for radio multiplexes will use the Slovak transmitter Velká Javorina to cover eastern Moravia. They have even already obtained permission from the Slovak Telecommunications Office to use the 9D and 10D transmission channels with a maximum power of 5 kW and limiting the radiation pattern exclusively to the west towards the Czech Republic. Channel 9D from Velka Javorina will be used by RTI cz for its nationwide C network and channel 10D by Teleko Digital for its Regional Network 7 covering the whole of Moravia, Vysočina and Pardubice regions.

The rapidly expanding Lyca Radio Network has announced its upcoming launch in Leicester, marking its first entry into the Midlands market. This follows its recent growth in the North West of England, where it acquired the frequencies of Asian Sound Radio in Manchester. The new service, Lyca Radio – Leicester, will be available on full-scale DAB digital radio across the region. Although an official launch date has yet to be confirmed, the expansion was revealed this evening on Lyca Radio’s flagship station. Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Radio Network, expressed his excitement, stating, “After the tremendous success of Lyca Radio in Greater London and Greater Manchester, we are excited to bring the brand to the Midlands with the launch of Lyca Radio – Leicester."