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The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has started consultations on local DAB+ capacity for commercial radio. In parts of the Netherlands, local radio on DAB+ is already available through temporary licences, but from September, local DAB+ will become available for the whole country. The 57 allotments will be used for both local and commercial radio. Local public broadcasters therefore had until February to apply for a licence. Over 200 broadcasters did so. They have now already received their licences. The remaining capacity on the 57 allotments will now be distributed to commercial radio. A total of 815 licences are involved. The number of available licences varies per allotment and depends on the number of local public broadcasters that have already received a licence. On most allotments, however, more than 10 licences are available for commercial radio.

The Communications Networks and Services Agency of the Republic of Slovenia has published a public call for tenders for the award of the T-DAB+ national network, for the R4 and R5 multiplexes. Interested bidders may submit their bids until 19 April 2024 at 10.00. The Agency underlines that digital audio broadcasting (DAB) is the future of radio sound broadcasting. In Slovenia, there is a national network R1 and a national network R2, divided into East and West, and a regional network R3. The deployment of the DAB networks R4 and R5 will complement the current infrastructure and provide comprehensive coverage. It will provide listeners with greater convenience, quality and diversity of radio content.

In late 2023, the bidding process was launched by the Flemish Media Regulator (VRM) after which several bids were evaluated based on a beauty contest. VRM, after reviewing the submissions, identified Broadcast Partners’ bid as the best proposal. Effective June 21, the current operator’s license will be transferred to Broadcast Partners. Due to the change of operator, adjustments must be made to the transmission towers. “Preparations are in full swing. Listeners are not expected to be affected by the operator transition.” Broadcast Partners is also the station operator for commercial stations in Flanders on FM such as Q-Music, Joe and Nostalgie. Also, Broadcast Partners has been managing the DAB network for VRT since 2018.

It is now possible to enjoy the programming of Radio Nacional, Radio 3 and Radio 5 in DAB+ in the metropolitan area of Santiago de Compostela, thanks to the start of broadcasts from Cellnex Telecom's broadcasting centre located on the emblematic Monte Pedroso, a prime viewpoint of the city. This start of broadcasts in Santiago de Compostela is part of RTVE's commitment to progressively increase RNE's DAB+ offer and the coverage of the service, starting broadcasts in different Spanish cities until the end of the year. Once deployed throughout Spain, DAB+ will allow Radio Televisión Española to provide the public radio broadcasting service in the terms currently entrusted to it by law: providing maximum geographical and social coverage with better quality, free-to-air broadcasts, complementary information and free reception.

Radioplayer, a leader in connected radio innovation, is excited to unveil a partnership aimed at enhancing audience experience and empowering the radio industry. This integration marks a significant milestone, securing distribution with Google Assistant, a key player closely tied to the connected user experience. Google's commitment to enhancing the listener experience underscores the significance of collaborating with a unified industry through Radioplayer. The announcement was made at Radiodays Europe, where Yann Legarson, CEO of Radioplayer, emphasised the collective strength and innovative spirit of the radio industry: "This partnership with Google represents a powerful testament to the unified voice of radio. Through Radioplayer, we are demonstrably driving positive change and delivering exceptional radio experiences to audiences everywhere, while empowering broadcasters with groundbreaking data insights, enabling them to fine-tune content strategies, drive innovation, and seize new opportunities like never before."

In an effort to help the broadcasting industry continue to elevate, innovate and reach new audiences, Xperi has been working to expand its offerings across the European market with the introduction of Nation Player and Rapid Four. Starting in June, Xperi’s All In Media (AIM) and Nation Broadcasting will begin offering a free to access radio and audio app in the UK. Aptly titled ‘Nation Player,’ the new aggregator app, which is powered by AIM Player technology, is open to radio operators and major podcast producers who want to reach a UK audience in the home, on mobile and in the car. Nation Broadcasting executive chairman, Jason Bryant, said, “As streamed listening share accelerates, the in-car, connected experience becomes critical for listeners. We wanted to build a platform that is united and industry wide.”

This marks a shift for Radioplayer, embracing a more innovative and forward-thinking approach as we transition into a future where radio is significantly more data-driven. All the products and services we are launching this year will create increased value and utility for radio listeners, broadcasters, car manufacturers, and tech giants alike. At the radio innovation and technology event Radiodays Europe, Yann Legarson, Radioplayer CEO stated: "This product launch represents a significant milestone for Radioplayer and the entire radio industry. We are committed to driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in radio technology. Our aim is to create products that not only meet the evolving needs of our listeners but also empower broadcasters, car manufacturers, and tech giants to deliver exceptional radio experiences."

Bedford Radio has published a manifesto setting out its vision of local radio for Bedford, to mark their official launch on DAB digital radio. The manifesto sets out what makes Bedford Radio the distinctive local radio station for Bedford. Founder & Station Manager Martin Steers said: “As a team all our volunteers are passionate about Bedford, providing great entertainment to the town, informing people about what’s going on with community groups, events, & local businesses, and engaging our listeners into getting involved.” The station launched online in 2020 and joined DAB last week.

STAR FM MAXIMUM ROCK - Germany's successful rock radio network is coming to its fans in North Rhine-Westphalia from 1 April - 100% digitally on the state-wide DAB+ multiplex. This means that around 18 million people from Bielefeld to Bad Münstereifel and from Kleve to Winterberg will finally be able to receive MAXIMUM ROCK in the best sound quality on the radio, whether at home, in the car or on the move. STAR FM MAXIMUM ROCK - Germany's successful rock radio network broadcasts via FM/DAB+ in Berlin, Brandenburg, Franconia, Saxony and now also nationwide in NRW.

Paris-based Africa Radio is a lifeline for France’s African diaspora and a critical link in profiling Africa in the country, offering total immersion in African culture, music and information. It has three FM frequencies covering the Île-de-France region and 17 DAB+ frequencies serving the country’s major cities, including Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Strasbourg and Toulouse. Last year, Africa Radio became part of the radio division of the La Manche Libre media group. Jean-Baptiste Bancaud, managing director of the group’s Normandy-based station Tendance Ouest, took over the helm of Africa Radio on July 1, with Maÿlis Leclerc de Sonis, general manager. In this interview, Bancaud discusses the change of ownership and the group’s vision and plans for Africa Radio.