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Frequencies in the Hohenpeißenberg area are changing
04.09.2024 - Germany Germany
Bayerischer Rundfunk will broadcast its programmes BAYERN 1, Bayern 2, BAYERN 3 and BR-Klassik exclusively via DAB+ from the Hohenpeißenberg transmitter site in future. The programmes can still be received via DAB+ or via the FM frequencies of the Wendelstein or Grünten transmitters. BR will provide information about the change with a message loop on the affected frequencies. The background to this is the decommissioning of the FM transmitter on Hohenpeißenberg for economic reasons and to achieve greater energy efficiency in broadcasting. The entire region is also very well covered by DAB+. DAB+ guarantees a significantly greater variety of programmes without additional costs via antenna, free reception everywhere - even without the internet - and the best noise-free radio quality.

(Bayerische Rundfunk) Read more


Hájek's Fiera Touch launches digital radio network in Prague
03.09.2024 - Czechia Czechia
At 08:00 on 3 September, a multiplex called DAB MUX Praha, a network for digital radios launched by the Prague company Fiera Touch of media entrepreneur Pavel Hajek, started broadcasting from the Prague-Děvín location. It is broadcasting on channel 5C, i.e. Regional Network 13, one of four that Fiera Touch won in the recent auction of frequencies for digital radio in the DAB+ system. The multiplex is soon to reach 10 kW of power after initial mapping of reception quality. The potential reach is realistically between 1.5 and 2 million listeners, according to Hajek. The first station that DAB Mux Prague is distributing is Radio Energic, based in Mladá Boleslav. "We are negotiating with other radios," Pavel Hájek told reporters today.

(Médiář) Read more


New DAB+ multiplex launched in Prague
03.09.2024 - Czechia Czechia
On Tuesday 3 September, the new radio multiplex of the company Fiera Touch started to operate in the capital. Listeners can tune in on channel 5C and at the moment it contains only one station - Radio Energic, which is returning to the DAB+ platform after a short break, previously it was distributed by the operator Teleko digital. The Děvín transmitter is currently operating at 5 kW, and is due to be increased to a final 10 kW in the near future. Energic plans to add another station to its portfolio next spring, aimed at listeners aged 30 to 59. The Energic Group's portfolio could ultimately include up to six genre projects.

(Český rozhlas) Read more


New DAB digital radio network launches across Inverclyde
03.09.2024 - United Kingdom United Kingdom
A new digital radio network has launched in Inverclyde - with the district’s dedicated station set to hit the airwaves soon. Coast DAB, which also covers Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, features five new stations – Lomond Radio, based in Dumbarton; BFBS Scotland, serving the Faslane naval base; Celtic Music Radio, extending its Glasgow service; Timeless Radio and spin-off Timeless 70s. Further stations are due to join up shortly after licences are awarded by industry regulator Ofcom, including Inverclyde’s Clyde Coast Radio and Dunoon’s DCR. The network aims to broadcast up to 20 new stations for listeners across its coverage areas.

(Greenock Telegraph) Read more


Business Radio resumes DAB+
02.09.2024 - Ukraine Ukraine
On 31 August, Business Radio resumed broadcasting in DAB+ multiplex 11D in Kyiv. The radio station's digital broadcasting had been absent in this multiplex since April 2020. Business Radio is a Kyiv-based entertainment and music station that, in addition to digital broadcasting, also broadcasts in analogue at 93.8 MHz in Kyiv. It is a part of the Business Radio Group.

(Mediasat) Read more


New local DAB+ licences bring changes to the airwaves
02.09.2024 - Netherlands Netherlands
With the entry into force of the new DAB+ licences for local radio stations, the offer via digital terrestrial radio has changed in several places. In addition, a number of networks have switched channels, been temporarily off air or newly put on air. The new licences, valid since 1 September, enable local radio over DAB+ across the country. For this purpose, the National Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate distributed licences to both public and commercial parties in recent months. Through 57 allotments (networks), the whole country can be covered. The number of new networks launched is still limited. This is due to several things. First, licences for commercial stations were granted only last month. In addition, all licence holders must enter into a cooperation agreement for the rollout and operation of the networks. For the rollout itself, licence holders have until September 2025.

(RadioWereld.NL) Read more


Swiss commercial radios to start switching off FM broadcasts in January next year
02.09.2024 - Switzerland Switzerland
Swiss commercial radio stations are preparing for the end of FM broadcasting, which is expected to start on 1 January 2025. At the 25th annual Swiss Radio Day, it was announced that some of the most prominent commercial stations, including Energy Basel, Energy Bern and Radio 24, will begin phasing out their FM broadcasts. This process, known as "Fade out", will allow stations to individually decide on the termination according to their specific needs and conditions. Factors that will influence the decision include economic considerations, the number of FM transmitters and proximity to borders with signal overlap from abroad. As the deadline for the end of the FM broadcasts approaches, Scholz & Friends Zurich will launch a third nationwide information campaign including print, audio and online materials and TV spots.

(Český rozhlas) Read more


World premiere of DAB+ Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) system
02.09.2024 - WorldDAB News - Germany Germany
WorldDAB and Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. proudly announce the launch of the "Automatic Safety Alert (ASA)" system after two years of intensive collaboration. This pioneering innovation in DAB+ digital radio technology aims to protect the public during emergencies by delivering reliable safety alerts without requiring an internet connection. Listeners will benefit from a system that alerts them even if mobile or internet connections are disrupted. ASA operates automatically in the background, can be regionally adjusted for the location, and boasts high resilience thanks to the robust DAB+ radio transmission network. The new standard will be published globally shortly, with initial tests scheduled for the IFA Berlin and the nationwide Warntag in Germany in September. By mid-2025, new generations of DAB+ radios will support the ASA standard.

(WorldDAB / Digitalradio Deutschland e.V.) Read more


Radiodays Asia 2024: Bierhorst on energising radio with DAB+
02.09.2024 - WorldDAB News
DAB+ is transforming the landscape of radio broadcasting, offering a fresh, efficient approach to delivering radio content. As Jacqueline Bierhorst said, DAB+ is becoming a global game-changer for radio. DAB+, which stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting, represents a digital alternative to traditional FM and AM radio. Unlike its predecessors, DAB+ broadcasts digitally over the airwaves, providing more channels with better sound quality and lower costs. This system doesn’t rely on the internet, making it accessible and reliable for a broad audience. Bierhorst, President of WorldDAB and a consultant on DAB+ in Flanders, emphasised that DAB+ is not only an upgrade but a necessary evolution for radio.

(Radiodays Asia) Read more


Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan coordinate DAB+ frequencies
02.09.2024 - Azerbaijan Azerbaijan - Kazakhstan Kazakhstan
On 27–29 August, Baku hosted a meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding coordination of frequencies of terrestrial services. Discussions were held on coordination of frequencies of DAB+ digital radio broadcasting stations, installed in Baku city and planned to be installed in the northern region in connection with the transition to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+), approved by Order 818 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 7 October 2023. At the request of Kazakhstani specialists, an exchange of experience was held on the work being carried out in Baku on digital radio broadcasting.

(Azerbaijan Ministry of Digital Development and Transport) Read more