News

The digitalisation of radio broadcasting in Schleswig-Holstein is progressing: ‘RADIO BOB! rockt Schleswig-Holstein’ will be available exclusively via DAB+ and the internet (web radio, app, smart speaker and smart TV) from 10 April 2025. The rock programme is the first state-wide station to give up its analogue FM frequencies. In the Niebüll area, NDR is also switching its N-JOY programme from analogue to digital broadcasting. Private and public radio stations have reached an agreement with the state government and the state media authority to gradually switch to DAB+ digital radio in the northernmost federal state from 2025 to 2031. The aim is to offer listeners a diverse and future-proof radio landscape.

NRJ Group has published its annual results for 2024. The report states: "The Broadcasting division had an excellent year in 2024. Its revenue rose by +6.5% (+5.8% on a like-for-like basis) to €79.9 million. This growth is mainly due to the continued roll-out of DAB+ and the integration of RadioKing, which was taken over in June 2023." In the outlook for its radio division, it adds: "Internationally, the Group will focus on developing its positions, in particular through rolling out DAB+ and the Nostalgie brand in Germany and Austria." The report notes: "In 2024, NRJ Group cemented its dominant commercial position among individuals aged 25 to 49 in France, with an audience share of 19.6%... NRJ also cemented its position as France’s number one in-car radio station."

A Sheffield-based media organisation has launched their digital radio station this week. African Voices Platform officially launched its community DAB radio station on 1 April. To commemorate the launch, the team held a radio studio tour, joined by community leaders in Sheffield, providing a space for people to engage in creative discussions about the programmes. Enoch Karimba, director of partnerships and community engagement at AVP, said: “Our primary goal is to foster community engagement and promote cultural exchange across the continent, as well as the diaspora. By focusing on local stories, social issues and cultural expression, we hope to empower our listeners and provide them with a space where their experiences and perspectives can be heard and valued.”

A new radio station for Thuringia: ANTENNE THÜRINGEN is expanding its digital portfolio with Dorfkindradio. Dorfkindradio can be heard on DAB+ in Thuringia as of 3 April 2025. Jochen Fasco, Director of the Thuringian State Media Authority (TLM): "With today's launch of Dorfkindradio on DAB+, a fresh and innovative station is enriching the Thuringian radio landscape. The TLM is delighted to welcome this new member to the Thuringian radio family and wishes the Antenne Thüringen team every success in the further development of this unique format". Under the slogan ‘Because village children celebrate better!’, Dorfkindradio can now be heard by around 1.2 million Thuringians via DAB+.

At its meeting today, the Media Council of the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM) extended the allocation of capacity for five Bavarian DAB radio stations. Dr Thorsten Schmiege, President of BLM: "The recently published DAB+ figures for Bavaria from ma 2025 Audio I are impressive and have confirmed that DAB+ is the future of terrestrial radio: DAB+ is the future of terrestrial radio in Bavaria. Today's decision by the Media Council strengthens Bavaria as a radio location, gives the very different DAB-only stations a tailwind for the future and contributes to the diversity of information and opinion in Bavaria."

The Dyleň transmitter in western Bohemia, which was originally announced at the beginning of the year, has launched the nationwide radio multiplex C. The network operator, RTI cz, has requested frequency coordination for five new transmitters. The West Bohemian transmitter Mariánské Lázně - Dyleň has joined the regional group of multiplex C transmitters referred to as ‘North-West’, which are identified by the abbreviation RTI cz SZC. These include the transmitters Ústí nad Labem - Kukla, Jáchymov - Klínovec, Karlovy Vary - Bohatice and Toužim - Třebouňský vrch. All of them broadcast on channel 9B and, in addition to the national radios, they can also distribute regional content.

EBU Members have today elected a new Radio Committee, made up of fourteen senior executives of public service media from throughout Europe. Re-elected as Chair for another two-year term, Sibyle Veil, CEO of Radio France, will continue to lead the committee in shaping strategic priorities that will define the future of public service radio in Europe. WorldDAB Steering Board member Javier Sànchez (RTVE) rejoins the committee, having previously served during terms 2019-2021 and 2021-2023. Optimizing radio distribution across connected devices, especially in cars, will remain an important focus for the committee, alongside advocating for stronger legal protection for radio in the EU.

A vital worldwide product certification scheme for the innovative new DAB+ Automatic Safety Alerts (ASA) system has launched, with WorldDAB appointing DTG Testing as the authorised global partner to provide testing and certification. The new scheme ensures that products with the ASA logo have passed the certification process, comply with minimum requirements according to ETSI TS 104 090, and are recognised as an ASA-compliant product. DTG Testing will issue the ASA Certification Mark Approved Product Licence. The DAB+ ASA logo on certified device packaging builds trust in the technology. Once the certification process has been completed, WorldDAB offers a logo and style guide for free, as part of a new marketing toolbox.

The operator of SeeJay Radio, which has returned to the airwaves after six years, has significantly expanded its reach. The initial distribution from the Prague-Děvín transmitter was supplemented by three more locations of the Fiera touch operator. The most significant coverage is now provided by the East Bohemian town of Černá hora on channel 7D. In the coming weeks, the final antenna will be installed here to strengthen the signal. This will improve availability not only for regular listeners, but also for the operator's other clients. The Černá hora transmitter currently carries six programmes in the Fiera touch multiplex. In addition to SeeJay Radio, there are also Color Music Radio, Energic, Hey Radio, Rádio Sázava and ZUN radio.

Since 3 March 2025, Phare FM has been running a fund-raising campaign to support a new phase in its development. Already present on DAB+ in several French conurbations and Geneva, the community radio station is preparing to extend its broadcasting to new areas, including Alsace and several medium-sized towns. The Phare FM teams are announcing the station's imminent arrival in Montélimar, Évreux, Chartres, Laval, Belfort-Montbéliard and Alsace. These new listening areas will make it possible to reach a potential population estimated at 22 million by 2025.