News

After a break of several months, ZUN radio has returned to DAB+ digital radio broadcasting in the Liberec, Trutnov, and Hradec Králové regions. Since Friday, September 12, listeners within range of the TELEKO DAB2 network can tune in again. It operates on channel 7C from transmitters in Liberec - Prosečský hřeben (lookout tower), Trutnov - Černá hora (mountain hotel), and Hradec Králové - Stěžery O2. The integration of ZUN radio expands the choice of available stations in regions where digital radio infrastructure is undergoing systematic development. The return of this program to the airwaves thus follows the current dynamics of DAB+ broadcasting.

The Office for Regulation of Electronic Communications and Postal Services (the Office) announces a fundamental change: following a series of international coordination negotiations, Slovakia is moving closer to the introduction of regular nationwide digital radio broadcasting. Currently, DAB transmitters are being coordinated with Poland and Ukraine. The reason for this step is the exhausted capacity of the 87.5-108 MHz frequency band (FM band), which no longer allows for the development of analog radio broadcasting. "DAB and DAB+ digital technology offers significantly broader possibilities for listening to the radio," said Milan Mizera, Director of the Frequency Spectrum Management Department.

During the nationwide warning day, the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) security system was successfully tested for the first time via DAB+ radio using standard certified devices. Public and private broadcasters supported the testing with editorial content and test alerts. This positions DAB+ radio as an ideal addition to the warning mix, alongside cell broadcasts on mobile phones and other options for informing the population in crisis situations. Further information on ASA can be found here: www.dabplus.de/asa. In the event of a crisis, it is crucial that ASA radios automatically wake up from standby mode and provide the population with accurate information. These two essential functions of ASA have been successfully tested.

The BBC has launched its first ever DAB+ music stations, marking a significant milestone in the history of BBC Radio. The three new station extensions from Radio 1 and Radio 3 are the first to be added to the BBC’s music portfolio since 2002 - when the BBC launched 6 Music, 1Xtra and Asian Network. Radio 1 Anthems, Radio 1 Dance and Radio 3 Unwind successfully launched as streams on BBC Sounds last autumn, attracting new and loyal audiences, and are now available to listen to on DAB+ radio. The BBC’s decision to launch three stations on DAB+ demonstrates dramatic evolution of the audio landscape over the past decades, with 75% of the population now listening to the radio digitally. The rise of new stations on DAB/DAB+ reflects where the majority of live radio listening is projected to take place by 2030.

In the last of this year's series of short interviews with WorldDAB members exhibiting at IBC2025, Arne Borsum, product manager and DAB system expert at 2wcom Systems GmbH says its showcase this year is all about making radio broadcasting more flexible, reliable, and efficient. 2wcom Systems is based in northern Germany and offers hardware and software for broadcasters and operators worldwide.

Applications have opened for the eighth and final round of small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences, covering 40 areas across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Each Ofcom-licensed small-scale multiplex allows grass-roots community services, specialist music stations, and services aimed at minority groups and other under-served audiences to take to the digital airwaves. So far, 75 multiplexes have launched broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. In total, the small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of over 100 multiplexes. Even more listeners will soon be able to tune in to new digital local radio stations, as Ofcom today invites multiplex applications for areas from Aberystwyth in Wales to Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands.

Two of the most recognisable voices in Scottish radio will soon have a brand-new home as STV Radio has signed much-loved presenters Greigsy (Greig Easton) and Webster (Stuart Webster) to join Scotland’s newest radio station when it launches in the coming months. They join breakfast show hosts Ewen Cameron and Cat Harvey, who were the first presenters announced for STV Radio in June and will launch their show from a shiny new purpose-built studio at STV HQ in Glasgow. STV Radio will be a mainstream music station, predominantly aimed at 35-54 year olds and available on DAB, online and via Smart Speaker. More presenters will be announced in the coming months ahead of the station’s nationwide launch.

Since 2018, Radio France has been working alongside families and the educational community to offer all children high-quality entertainment that is 100% screen-free and 100% public service: an unrivalled catalogue of over 4,000 podcasts available free of charge on the Radio France platform, which exceeded 200 million listens this summer. This autumn, Radio France is announcing the launch of ‘Mon Petit France Inter’, a new public service radio station designed for children. The digital radio station will be available on the Radio France app from October for the autumn half-term holidays, and will become a fully-fledged radio station in a few months' time via DAB+ broadcasting.

The Office of Electronic Communications [Urząd Komunikacji Elektronicznej/UKE] has agreed to allow the continued operation of experimental DAB+ multiplexes in Andrychów, Gliwice, Kraków and Szczecin. They are operated by DABCOM. New licences for digital radio testing will allow broadcasting to continue for another year. The licence for the multiplex in Andrychów is now valid until 19 August 2026. The permit for Gliwice is valid until 1 September 2026. The multiplex in Kraków may operate until 19 August 2026. The DABCOM licence for broadcasting in Szczecin is now valid until 23 July 2026. Back in March, UKE agreed to continue the operation of the BCAST multiplex in Katowice. The licence is valid until 25 March 2026.

The Czech Telecommunications Office [Český telekomunikační úřad/ČTÚ] checked compliance with the development criteria for nationwide DAB+ networks, as stipulated in the auction conditions. Holders of nationwide network allocations had to ensure coverage for at least 50% of the population of the Czech Republic within 18 months of the date on which the decision to grant the allocation became final, while also ensuring coverage for at least 50% of the length of motorways. Both nationwide network operators not only met this first development criterion, but also met the second development criterion more than a year ahead of schedule, i.e., ensuring coverage for at least 80% of the population of the Czech Republic and at least 80% of the length of motorways.