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Traditionally cautious about this type of significant change, French radio groups are this time collectively embracing the move towards DAB+ digital radio, with larger broadcasters looking to cover more territory, and smaller broadcasters hoping to increase their number of listeners and advertising revenue figures.

Following the introduction of the EU's new directive on the digitisation of radio in cars, car manufacturers across the EU will have to start including the DAB+ standard as part of all in-car radio systems moving forward. Amongst other things, drivers will benefit from a more seamless transmission of traffic information.

According to the CSA, following the launches of the regional multiplexes in the regions of Strasbourg and Lyon, the number of new radio stations set to broadcast in DAB+ in the regions of Alsace and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in coming months is respectively 43 and 46.

In 2018, Switzerland's SwissMediaCast continued to make significant investments in the expansion of DAB+ terrestrial digital broadcasting with the launch of 37 new transmitters across the country as it prepares for a digital switchover. With the construction of the SMC D-CH 02 radio multiplex now complete, SwissMediaCast is turning its focus to the SMC D-CH 03 multiplex which is expected to be completed this year.

The French-speaking public broadcaster RTBF has ceased broadcasting on AM in order to take full advantage of DAB+. Since 1 January, the broadcaster’s programs are available via FM or DAB+ in Wallonia and the Brussels region.

WorldDAB is principal sponsor of this year’s ABU DBS, which takes place between 4-7 March, and will host a DAB workshop on Monday 4 March, featuring presentations and discussions from speakers across the radio industry on the global development of DAB+ digital radio. A DAB+ pavilion within the exhibition will include several DAB+ supply chain companies with a footprint in the Asia-Pacific region, and their local experts will be on hand to provide expert advice and guidance on rolling out DAB+.

Presented by Michael Hill at the WorldDAB General Assembly 2018, the Reference Radio is a smart multiplatform radio that combines good design and great data in the dashboard, and is able to play DAB digital radio, FM and internet radio streams.

The two new channels, Virgin Radio Anthems and Virgin Radio Chilled, will be available on DAB+ on 21 January 2019.

The Italian Parliament approved and published, on 27 and 31 December respectively, the Budget Law for the three year period between 2019-2021 stating that all VHF frequencies in Italy are reserved for DAB planning. The Ministry of Economic Development is working on agreements with neighbouring countries to optimise frequency allocations.

Population coverage is now standing at 98 percent, while household penetration stands at 89 percent. According to the Digital Media's Digital Audio Review, the proportion of households with access to at least one DAB+ device has risen from 15.7 in 2017 to 18.1 percent in 2018, while according to HEMIX, 774,000 DAB+ devices were sold in the first three quarters of 2018 - a 13 percent increase over the same period last year.