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In Flanders, about 41% of the total radio listening volume is now digital, 19% listens via DAB+. This is apparent from the latest figures of the research into digital listening, carried out by research agency Ipsos on behalf of the Flemish Government. The growth is also reflected in the in-car listening. Last year, 26% of the in-car listening volume was digital, in 2021 this will increase to 34%. Thanks to the new EECC (European Electronic Communications Code) legislation that came into effect from January this year, every new car sold now includes a DAB+ radio

A new DAB+ multiplex with 15 private radio programmes is now on air in Saarland. “We are very pleased that a new chapter in radio history has opened in Saarland and that the diversity of information and opinions related to Saarland has found its way into digital radio” said Ruth Meyer, Director of LMS.

With immediate effect, advertisers can use the new DAB+ 'Display AD' to extend their campaigns directly to the screens of DAB-enabled radios. Klarmobil is one of the first customers. In the first phase of regular marketing, all five ABSOLUT radio stations are included. At the start of the second commercial DAB+ multiplex in Germany in October 2020, Antenne Deutschland and Ströer founded ad.audio, the national advertising marketer for digital audio.

To drive DAB+ receiver sales in Europe, the radio industry has to educate consumer and retail sales staff more effectively. How to do that and more were addressed during Session 2 of the WorldDAB Summit 2021 on Nov. 9. (Recordings of the sessions are on the WorldDAB YouTube page.)

In recent years, Flemish media companies have focused on digital radio and DAB+. “We notice that digital listening is gaining momentum,” says VRT radio manager Els Van de Sijpe. “A richer offer on DAB+ can further strengthen this growth. We have received a massive amount of enthusiastic reactions, proof that we really respond to the needs of our listeners. We can further expand this new VRT offer after the successful start.”

Three years after the launch of its first edition, maRadio.be launched the 2021 edition of the Digital Radio Week. From 15-21 November 2021 all of French-speaking Belgiums radio stations will together promote digital listening, DAB+ devices and the Radioplayer app. 16 new local DAB+ radio stations launch to coincide with the event.

UK motorists have little interest in unnecessary in-car technology, according to a new survey by budget brand Dacia. More than three-quarters (78 percent) of the 2,000 drivers asked said they simply want technology that makes life easier. The research found 76 percent believed too many high-end features cause confusion when driving. Parking sensors, DAB radio and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity were the most frequently used. Luke Broad, brand director for Dacia UK and Ireland, said: “Features and technology on our cars should be in line with our customers’ demands so they pay for only what they need.”

Frontier Kino 4 is the world leading DAB+ receiver solution, powering over 20 million DAB+ receivers. Frontier has created software specifically aimed at automotive solutions, the AutoDAB software development kit (SDK), which allows the Kino 4 chip to run in slave mode and offer advanced automotive features such as intelligent DAB to DAB service following, DAB to FM service linking recommendations, service linking enhancements for automotive operation, DL+ support, station logos for now playing screen, station logos for menu, slideshow support, direct support for DAB seek.

Aimed at children and families, Radio TEDDY is Germany's first children and family oriented radio station launching in the German state of Saarland on 15 November. Managing Director Katrin Helmschrott said: Radio TEDDY is conquering Germany! By the end of the year we will be receivable in twelve federal states via FM or DAB+. We can proudly say that young people have pioneered the medium of radio."

The WorldDAB Summit held on 9 November achieved record attendance with over 530 registered delegates from 75 countries. Highlights included the results of a major car buyers study by Edison Research, market updates from France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK, new DAB markets, radio audio device trends, and the DAB green radio report. All the event presentations and watch again are available via the WorldDAB website.