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Following the switch-off of FM programmes in the cable network, the time is right for radio listeners to switch to DAB+ digital radio. DAB+, the digital successor to FM, offers clear reception without additional costs for internet access. Stereo systems can be easily retrofitted using an adapter. Listening to the radio via DAB+ offers enormous advantages: Digital terrestrial radio offers a wider selection of programmes than cable FM, with clear and noise-free quality. Depending on the location, up to 80 digital stations are available, offering a variety of programmes to suit every taste. For example, the three Deutschlandradio programmes Deutschlandfunk, Deutschlandfunk Kultur and the digital-only youth programme Deutschlandfunk Nova are reliably available nationwide via DAB+.

Italy’s communications regulator, Agcom, announced that it would include the reallocation of spectrum currently assigned to National TV Network No. 12 on the agenda for its council meeting on Jan. 22. The first phase of this process involves updating regulatory frameworks for radio and television digital spectrum use. The decision follows repeated calls from Aeranti-Corallo to Agcom to consider reallocating the VHF Band III spectrum planned under Resolution 39/19/CONS for TV multiplex No. 12 but left unused. The association, which represents Italian local radio broadcasters, has continually emphasized the urgent need to allocate additional frequencies for local DAB+ radio to overcome transmission challenges.

The six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yemen) have published a new regulation for AM/FM/T-DAB+ in vehicles. So far, this topic has been regulated only in two of the GCC members – now, more harmonization is brought to the GCC. The name of the regulation is GCC Technical Regulation for Terrestrial Radio Receiver Specifications for AM/FM/T-DAB+, and it is mostly based on the one applicable so far in the united Arab Emirates. The standard describes the specification of devices, which can receive terrestrially transmitted AM, FM and T-DAB+ radio services. The proposed date of adoption is still be determined.

Current DAB+ digital terrestrial radio broadcasting frequencies are insufficient for the local radio sector. Aeranti-Corallo therefore calls on Mimit and Agcom, within their respective spheres of competence, to provide a rapid solution to this critical situation, allocating to local radio broadcasting the Band III frequencies that were planned at the time for the television mux No. 12, but not used. In fact, if the NAPF-DAB were integrated with these frequencies, beauty contests would be avoided in regions where the current frequency allocations are insufficient with respect to the expressions of interest received from consortia companies intending to operate as local network operators.

The BBC DAB network is one of the largest in the United Kingdom, covering more than 97% of the UK population. With rising operational costs and a mandate to cut carbon emissions on U.K. terrestrial platforms by 28% by 2030, the BBC and Arqiva proposed an approach focusing on “good enough” broadcast quality rather than peak performance. This strategy could potentially optimize energy consumption, reducing operational expenses and significantly shrinking the network’s carbon footprint. Traditionally, radio stations aim for maximum broadcast performance, prioritizing coverage quality without accounting for the energy cost of maintaining peak performances. The BBC and Arqiva’s approach, detailed in a paper presented at the IBC2024, flips this model by identifying a sustainable balance.

Czech Radio intends to continue the development of DAB+ digital broadcasting and invest in improving coverage and upgrading its technical equipment. CEO René Zavoral reminded the 18 December 2024 meeting that radio has reached 96% coverage of the Czech population, but is still working on eliminating the so-called "white spaces" in the network. Investments in DAB+ and technical facilities are key to maintaining competitiveness and service availability. "In addition to VHF, where we have already reached a peak, our priority is DAB+ and internet media. We want to ensure that Czech Radio's programmes are available to everyone and in the highest possible quality," Zavoral added.

On January 28, 2025, the Paris Radio Show, France’s only trade event dedicated to the radio industry, will open its doors to industry players. Among the participants will again be WorldDAB, the international organization dedicated to developing and promoting DAB+, the digital standard for broadcasting gaining momentum worldwide. The Paris Radio Show raises significant issues for the future development of radio. France is at a critical stage in the deployment of DAB+. WorldDAB offers an opportunity to discuss the trends shaping the future of digital broadcasting and share best practices in deploying DAB+.

In the greater Heidenheim an der Brenz area, private radio programmes from Baden-Württemberg can now be received even better via DAB+ digital radio (state-wide multiplex, channel 11B). Network operator On Air Support has switched on the Osterholz transmitter with a transmission power of 5 kW for this purpose.

French private radio stations are pleased to announce their union within the Alliance de la Radio. The Alliance has a strong ambition to promote the power and relevance of the media to economic players, institutions and the general public. For the first time, the Alliance brings together private, local and national, generalist and thematic radio stations throughout France. The Alliance de la Radio has a strong ambition to enhance the power and relevance of the media. It will establish a constant dialogue between its members and the public authorities in favour of a modernised legislative and regulatory framework.

Radio attracts tens of millions of loyal listeners every day. The French people's favourite medium, essential for informing citizens and for social cohesion throughout the country, radio is facing increased competition. Faced with this situation, the vast majority of private commercial radio stations today announced the creation of the ‘Alliance de la Radio’, an association that aims to speak for the sector in the face of structural changes in the radio landscape and a revolution in radio usage. Following on from the creation of the ‘Ensemble pour le DAB+’ association to promote digital terrestrial radio, the birth of the ‘Alliance de la Radio’ demonstrates the sector's ability to envisage its future collectively and ambitiously. Arcom welcomes the creation of the Alliance de la Radio.