News

Radio is changing! With the phased switch-off of analogue reception, a revolution in the living room is on the cards. Digital radio now offers a modern and exciting alternative. Simply switch to DAB+ and your favourite stations will come into your home via a rod antenna. At no extra cost and with child’s play operation. Digital radio via DAB+ is a real bonus. You can get started with a DAB radio or a stereo system with DAB reception. Existing systems can also be easily upgraded, for example with the TechniSat Digitradio 10C. Reception is constantly improving, even if it is not yet available nationwide. There are many stations, particularly in the south of Germany. According to Digitalradio Deutschland e.V., around 51 per cent of households already own such a radio.

Arcom has announced plans for a further DAB+ call for applications in the second quarter of 2026, as part of efforts to optimise available resources. With 59 channels spread across 32 multiplexes, the regulator is consulting with operators to adjust allocations, whilst coverage now stands at 70% of the population and is set to reach 80% for mobile users by the end of the year. This news comes as the network covering major urban areas is being completed. On 2 April, the launch of DAB+ in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin marked the achievement of full coverage for towns with over 50,000 inhabitants in mainland France.

Lithuania’s Ministry of Transport and Communications said it has begun the process of introducing DAB+, marking a shift from a radio market that still relies almost entirely on FM transmission. The ministry said the move will aim to improve audio quality, reduce energy consumption and strengthen national infrastructure for emergency communications. Lithuania remains one of the few European Union countries where radio broadcasting still operates predominantly on analog FM networks. Minister of Transport and Communications Juras Taminskas discussed the transition with WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst, focusing on both implementation challenges and long-term strategy.

Digi B Network Ltd, operator of Malta’s nationwide terrestrial digital audio broadcasting network, today announced the launch of HD MAX — a next-generation digital radio broadcast service that delivers the highest-quality audio ever offered over local radio. Building on 15 years of Digi B’s pioneering DAB+ infrastructure in Malta — and on the country’s unique distinction as the world’s first nation to roll out DAB+ nationwide — HD MAX represents a major leap forward in broadcast sound performance. Designed for today’s discerning audiences who are increasingly accustomed to premium audio experiences across diverse digital platforms, HD MAX delivers digital radio channels with exceptional clarity, dramatically expanded dynamic range, and consistent, interference-resistant service across the Digi B coverage area.

MCOT Public Company Limited participated in an exhibition booth showcasing innovations in public safety communication at the public forum for students at the "Public Academic Forum Project: Transforming Thailand to the Future of Digital Services for Thai Society," held on 7 April in Bangkok. At the event, MCOT presented its Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) technology, an intelligent disaster warning system operating on the DAB+ network. This network is considered one of the highly reliable and secure communication infrastructures, capable of sending real-time disaster warnings to the public, covering specific geo-targeting areas, and automatically "waking up radio receivers" to receive signals, even if the receiver is in a switched-off state.

From Tuesday 14 April, Radio Rumantsch will no longer broadcast on FM: from that date, the RAS will switch off its last six FM transmitters, and programming will continue to be available throughout the province exclusively via DAB+. This means that, to continue listening to Radio Rumantsch, you will need a DAB+-compatible radio. Even today, reception is already problem-free across the vast majority of South Tyrol: 99% of the population is already able to receive DAB+ programmes. In recent years, RAS has continuously expanded the DAB+ digital radio network, and today Radio Rumantsch can be listened to via this digital system throughout the province, even in areas previously unreachable by analogue FM.

Radio 4’s Long Wave (LW) service will close later this year, with listeners given advance notice and support to switch to alternative ways of listening. The BBC points to ageing infrastructure and declining audiences, with most listeners now tuning in via FM and DAB digital platforms. Given these factors, investing in upgrading the LW equipment is not considered a cost-effective solution for licence fee-funded services.

The latest audio-video trends report from Arcom offers a timely snapshot of media consumption in France, confirming that radio remains a central pillar of the audio landscape, reaching 73% of the population. With live listening still dominant via broadcast networks such as FM and DAB+, and nearly a quarter of radio devices now DAB+ compatible, the findings underline the growing role of digital terrestrial radio within a hybrid ecosystem. Jean-Marc Dubreuil, WorldDAB’s Country Manager for France, highlights what this means for the future of radio.

Insights shared by Groupe Secom Director Laurent Hongne show a clear correlation between DAB+ rollout and rising digital audiences, with each expansion of DAB+ coverage in France driving increased listening across apps and online platforms. Rather than cannibalising digital, DAB+ is shown to act as a powerful engine for visibility, credibility and audience growth. The findings reinforce the role of DAB+ as a catalyst within a hybrid radio ecosystem, strengthening both broadcast and digital engagement.

New data confirms that broadcast radio remains the dominant mode of listening, with audiences continuing to rely on free-to-air platforms including DAB+. Radio’s strength in the car and its universal reach underline the importance of ensuring seamless access to broadcast services in connected environments. As audio consumption becomes increasingly hybrid, DAB+ is well positioned to combine the scale and resilience of broadcast with the expectations of digital audiences.