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In this series of interviews with WorldDAB members, Tork Niendorf discusses 2wcom's reason for joining WorldDAB, the company's ambition to become more connected with broadcast companies that are in the process of deploying DAB, and the whole scope of services covered by 2wcom - a manufacturer, supplier, and system integrator of audio broadcast equipment.

According to The Infinite Dial Australia 2020, AM/FM/DAB+ radio content, including live content and catch-up podcasts, continues to reach large numbers of those in Australia age 12+. "For radio, the study findings underscore the importance of being easily accessible on multiple platforms and devices as consumer behaviour evolves, but ultimately it's the content and unique service radio offers that drives listener loyalty," said Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner.

Watch this week’s virtual presentation by René Wehrlin at Swiss media regulator OFCOM with the latest on DAB+ in Switzerland, where broadcasters are gearing up to switch off FM by no later than in 2024 – and possibly earlier.

Commercial Radio Australia’s latest DAB+ campaign features 10 ads, with multiple versions of each creative targeting both younger and older demographics, allowing stations to run the most appropriate for their audience. The campaign celebrates the emotional connection listeners have with radio and the new world of choice offered by DAB+ digital radio. With over 20 extra stations and crisp digital sound, DAB+ provides listeners with more radio to love. The objective of the campaign is to drive awareness of DAB+ radio by promoting the benefits of choice and improved sound quality, and inspire consumers to consider DAB+ as a required feature when they purchase their next audio device.

ARD stations WDR and MDR have commissioned the construction of DAB+ antenna systems in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia to Düsseldorf radio provider Uplink. As part of the agreeement, up to 28 antenna and satellite reception systems are set to be constructed across 34 locations between 2020 and 2022.

Belgium's French language public broadcaster has added four new radio studios to its regional center in Mons. According to Hélène Ronveaux, RTBF Radio project manager, the first studio will be dedicsted to the VivaCité’s DAB+ channel Viva+."

Czech Radio has launched a new DAB+ transmitter to expand the reach of its multiplex covering Prague, which will now also cover Pilsen as well as Ostrava. A total of 12 DAB+ stations are available on the multiplex, a number of which are only available to listeners on DAB+.

There are currently 12 stations broadcasting on DAB+ as part of the extended trial, with outdoor coverage standing at 88% and indoor reception at 53%. Commenting on the continuous development of DAB+ in Croatia, OIV CEO Mate Botica said “OIV sees DAB+ as the main future platform for radio. Our goal is to build a quality future-proof network and to start commercial services as soon as possible."

In the past few weeks, ten local DAB+ ensembles with over 40 stations have already gone into operation in the Netherlands. DAB+ licences have been issued for a total of 22 regions, with broadcasts on air in large cities such as Amsterdam and The Hague as well as rural parts of the country.

Volkswagen launches its first fully electric van - the eTransporter 6.1 - equipped as standard with a DAB+ radio system with 6.5-inch touchscreen and four loudspeakers, SD card slot, Bluetooth® handsfree and two USB interfaces (type-C) in the dashboard.