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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.

From next year, new DAB+ receivers will have better audio and text alerts in crisis situations. The current standard for alerts is called AAS (Alarm Annoucement Switching) and was introduced in 2020. In a crisis situation, receivers will switch to the station responsible for crisis information and the screen will also provide short text information. DAB+ also allows for the creation of temporary radio channels in crisis situations, which was used during the Brisbane floods in 2011. Over the past two years, the new Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) standard has been developed by WorldDAB and Digitalradio Deutschland in co-operation with chip manufacturer Frontier Smart Technologies and electronics manufacturers such as Technisat and JVC Kenwood. Among other things, receivers with ASA can be switched on automatically in emergency situations.

WorldDAB and Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. are proud to announce the launch of the DAB+ Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) System after two years of intensive cooperation. This groundbreaking innovation in DAB+ Digital Radio technology aims to protect the public in emergency situations by providing reliable safety alerts WITHOUT requiring an Internet connection. Listeners will benefit from a system that alerts them even if their mobile phone or Internet connection goes down. The ASA works automatically in the background, can be locally adjusted according to each location and is highly resilient thanks to the robust DAB+ radio broadcast network. Worldwide publication of the new standard will take place shortly, with initial trials scheduled for the IFA in Berlin and at the nationwide Warntag in Germany in September. By the first half of 2025, new generations of DAB+ radios will support the ASA standard.

Amidst increasing global uncertainties, including conflicts in Europe and rising natural disasters due to climate change, the importance of resilient communication networks has never been more evident. A new report from the EBU on radio in crisis situations highlights the indispensable role of terrestrial radio, such as FM and DAB+ technologies, in maintaining communication continuity during these extreme situations. Unlike other networks prone to failure during crises like war or natural disasters, terrestrial radio has consistently shown resilience. Matthieu Rawolle, Senior Media Analyst for the EBU Media Intelligence Service, presented key findings from the report at today’s Radio Assembly in Geneva. He emphasized that terrestrial radio distribution is not only robust but also a crucial lifeline during crises, and that investment in this infrastructure is imperative as it serves as a key pillar for societies during emergencies.

Following recent major natural disasters in Germany, such as those in the Ahr Valley and parts of Upper Bavaria in 2021, the country’s authorities recognize the value of emergency warnings and are turning increasingly to DAB+. The broadcast format, which provides more radio stations in digital quality, boasts technical parameters ideally suited for reaching those under threat. Its robust transmission and broad “high tower, high power” reach mean DAB+ can remain available in crisis situations, even if the cellular network infrastructure fails, such as due to flooding or the loss of DSL switches.

In times of emergencies, authorities need to deliver a clear message quickly and reliably. In Germany and other European countries, DAB+ has been identified as a robust and reliable way to send out messages to people with DAB+ receivers. As a member of a WorldDAB taskforce, Frontier is participating in developing a new EWS (Emergency Warning System) specification that will broadcast emergency warning messages over DAB+. The standard is expected to be finalised in 2024 – with compatible radios on the market by the end of the year.

The South Tyrolean Civil Defence carried out a nationwide civil defence test alert in October. For the first time, the transmission of DLS scrolling texts and images via slideshows was used on all digital radio programmes DAB+ of the RAS and the local private stations. The scrolling texts and images were activated directly via the country's civil defence centre and broadcast on all RAS programmes. The information was broadcast on all channels and the test was successfully completed.

Dr Amal Punchihewa: In this review, we will critically analyse some selected technologies that are particularly relevant for the Asia-Pacific region. Radio plays a vital role in APAC. The Head of Radio at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) mentioned that radio is still the most trusted form of media, and is the primary source of information in emergencies. APAC is prone to a wide range of disasters, which are increasing in frequency and magnitude. During IBC 2023, it was shared that in the German DAB market, there is now a stakeholder consensus for public emergency warnings over DAB+, a system tested recently during the latest German “Warntag” national warning day.

WorldDAB’s session at IBC explored the economic benefits and sustainable nature of DAB+ with inspiring success stories from around the world on how DAB+ is fuelling creativity, culture, enterprise and innovation. Watch this session to hear about the resilient and ever-evolving world of digital broadcast radio.

In March this year, the CREVEX complex exercise began, which has involved several months of exercises in different security and internal security agencies. Kadi Luht-Kallas, adviser to the Rescue and Safety Policy Department of the Ministry of the Interior, told Digigenius that the test, which will take place today at 19.30, can be said to be a quick pre-test for DAB+. "For up to 60 seconds, Klassikaraadio will be routed to the channel and a text about the test will be displayed, after which the radio itself should move back to the previous setting, but this may vary depending on the device," she described.