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From Bowie and Zeppelin to Prince, Madonna, and Oasis, the 70s, 80s, and 90s were full of icons, and its no surprise radio listening habits are still influenced by these stars. But what might come as a surprise is how popular decade stations are with younger people who weren’t alive to experience the hits as they came out. Rajar’s Q2 results showed when they do tune in to the radio, 15-24 year olds are overindexing on listening to national decades stations. Of the 7.8m adults who listen to at least one decade themed station each week, just under 1m are 15-24 year olds. This compares to the fact that just 7% of total radio listening hours are comprised of the same age group. The audience figures come as leading radio broadcasters Bauer and Global have increasingly leaned into developing stations based on segmenting music by decade.

The new Albrecht DR 455 radio alarm clock combines modern technology with sophisticated design – ensuring not only a pleasant start to the day, but also added safety. Whether you prefer your favourite morning show, the latest news or relaxing music, DAB+ and FM reception allow you to enjoy a wide range of programmes in clear sound quality to start your day – tailored to your personal taste. A special highlight is the new ASA (Automatic Safety Alert) function. This technology provides reliable emergency alerts via the radio – regardless of whether you have an internet or mobile connection. The Albrecht DR 455 DAB+ radio alarm clock is now available from specialist retailers at a recommended retail price of €79.90.

New UK audience data for the period ending June 2025 has been released. RAJAR announced 50 million adults or 86% of the adult (15+) UK population tuned in to their selected radio stations each week in the second quarter of 2025. On average, a listener tunes into 20.5 hours of Live Radio per week. In terms of reach, 44 million adults aged 15+ are now tuning in to radio via a digitally enabled platform (DAB, DTV, Website/App, or Smart Speaker) each week. 73% of weekly listening hours are consumed digitally. In an average week, digital listening accounts for 753 million hours; DAB has a 57% share of digital listening hours. 65% of respondents claim to own a DAB radio.

For many years, the DAB+ package from the public broadcaster RAI in South Tyrol was only available in the Bolzano area via the Penegal transmitter on channel 9C. Now, RAI has also started expanding its transmitter network in South Tyrol. What is happening in Italy right now is nothing short of a miracle. Over the past 20 years or so, RAI has repeatedly announced that it would be significantly expanding its DAB+ transmitter network. But nothing ever happened. Until now. Over the past few months, RAI has massively expanded its transmitter network in Italy, with more locations being added all the time. In South Tyrol, too, transmissions are now being broadcast from three locations.

Good news for all radio fans in and around Lauenburg: NDR has put another DAB+ repeater into operation at its Lauenburg site. This improves digital reception of NDR radio programmes – especially along the Elbe, in the old town, in the castle area and in the surrounding villages. The programmes can now be received clearly and reliably on block 9A (202.928 MHz) in the home – not just in the car. With the new transmitter, NDR aims to provide the region around the historic shipping town of Lauenburg with even better information and good music. Whether walking along the Elbe promenade, in a café on the edge of the old town or at home at the kitchen table: NDR now accompanies you through the day with crystal-clear digital radio.

Perhaps before the end of this year, but by early 2026 at the latest, DAB+ digital radio is set to become available in North Rhine-Westphalia at the regional level. Among other things, local radio stations in North Rhine-Westphalia that are currently available on FM will then also be available via digital terrestrial transmission. Initially, the multiplexes Cologne/Bonn/Aachen (channel 8B), South Westphalia/Dortmund (11B), East Westphalia/Lippe (12D), Lower Rhine/Duisburg/Essen (8C) and Wuppertal/Düsseldorf/Mönchengladbach (12D) multiplexes will go online. A list sent to interested programme providers, which is available to teltarif.de, now provides more detailed information about the launch network.

Ofcom has published Media Nations 2025, its latest research looking at the media habits of people in the UK. The UK media regulator says: "Live radio continues to be resilient, despite the other audio content that’s available. According to RAJAR, which uses a focused radio survey, almost nine in ten UK adults aged 15 and over (87%) tuned into the radio for an average of 20.5 hours per week in the first quarter of 2025. The most-used platform for radio is DAB, accounting for 42% of listening hours, followed by AM/FM at 27%." The report itself also notes: "Much of commercial radio’s success in increasing its share of listening stems from increased DAB coverage, and a push from the sector to maximise use of the existing multiplexes and radio brands."

On 28 July, Radio Prostor appeared in nationwide distribution through all transmitters of the West Bohemian company RTI cz. The operator of Radio Prostor had no other option if it wanted to ensure coverage of the entire Czech Republic, as the key nationwide network of ČRA DAB+ CZ Českých Radiokomunikací is already fully occupied. The last available slot in the ČRA multiplex is reserved for the upcoming Gold Impuls. In addition to Radio Prostor, several other stations are also broadcast nationwide on the RTI cz multiplex, namely DAB Plus Top 40, Fajn rádio, Helax, Hitrádio City, Rádio 7, and Rádio Proglas. Czech Radio uses this network regionally for its North Bohemian and Karlovy Vary studios, effectively complementing its regional offering.

DAB multiplexes in Leeds, Bradford, East Lancashire, Milton Keynes and Halifax have formed a partnership to deliver a streamlined service. A new website has launched offering a single access point for all updates, applications and technical information relating to these areas, replacing the need for separate communications with each operator. The collaboration aims to simplify the process for stations applying for carriage and keeping up to date with multiplex developments. Raj Parmar, a partner in the initiative, said: “It makes sense for our users to have access to a streamlined site offering information and updates. This collaboration is a step toward improving transparency and accessibility in local digital broadcasting.”

Five new areas have been granted a small-scale DAB digital radio multiplex licence today in Ofcom’s round seven. The areas are The Ards Peninsula in Northern Ireland, Bridgewater in Somerset, Exmouth & Dawlish in Devon, Loughborough & Coalville in Leicestershire, and Ringwood, Verwood and Fordingbridge in east Dorset. 18 more licence awards are still to come from round seven.