News

Radio San Marino expands to DAB+. After Lazio, the Republic of San Marino's radio station can now also be heard in Piedmont. Broadcasting takes place via Media DAB's local mux, which transmits on channel 9C. Other regions are expected to be connected shortly.

The Ostrava radio station Rádio Čas is expanding its reception options as of 19 August 2025, and is now also available via RTI cz's nationwide multiplex C. At first glance, this step may seem somewhat surprising, but it nevertheless makes logical sense. The frequency allocation of the GG Omikron network could play a key role in the future. Firstly, the Broadcast Services network cannot be tuned in to in the Hradec Králové, Liberec, Ústí nad Labem, Karlovy Vary, Plzeň, or South Bohemian regions. The inclusion of Radio Čas in the nationwide multiplex C of the operator RTI cz ensures its presence even in regions that have not yet been covered. From a business perspective, this creates a supplement that extends the reach of the well-known Ostrava station beyond its original locations.

SwissRadioDay, on 28 August, will spotlight DAB+ in its session: "DigiMig Update: FM switch-off – what next?". The expert panel features Marco Derighetti, COO, SRG, Philippe Zahno, President, RRR, Peter Scheurer, Managing Director, VSP, Jürg Morgenegg, Board Member, CORALL, and Juan Widmer, Board Member, UNIKOM. Organisers say the session will cover: "How is the FM switch-off going in the four language regions? What lessons can be learned – and what does this mean for private broadcasters, who will follow suit in 2026? Voices from SRG, associations and the industry with facts, plain language and an outlook." SwissRadioDay is the largest and leading industry meeting of the Swiss radio industry, and takes place on Thursday 28 August in Zürich and online.

GatesAir extends its leadership position in high-efficiency RF innovation with the release of a new transmitter infrastructure for its entire range of DAB/DAB+ transmitters. To be introduced at IBC2025 next month, the modernised architecture improves efficiency percentages by up to 50 percent or more. With solutions that include new adjustable-voltage power supplies that minimise power consumption, this major design update places GatesAir in the upper echelon of DAB/DAB+ transmission efficiency alongside its renowned RF and power efficiency innovations for UHF television and FM radio.

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) and leading independent agency Thinkerbell have launched a bold advertising campaign to showcase the power of audio, using soundwaves to extinguish a flame, prompting marketers to reconsider audio’s ability to cut through and create lasting impact. The idea centres around a specially designed audio score that, set at the right ‘fire frequency’, has the power to literally put out a fire. In a live experiment it shows that when harnessed with intent, audio can move more than molecules. It can move minds, emotions, and brands. Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA, said “This campaign doesn’t just talk about the power of audio, it proves it in the real world.”

The turn of February and March next year will be crucial for operators of regional networks for commercial radio digital broadcasting. This is when the deadline for meeting the development criteria set by the Czech Telecommunications Office (ČTÚ) expires, requiring them to cover at least 40% of the population in the regions where they broadcast within two years of obtaining frequency allocations. Until now, it was sufficient for each regional network to start broadcasting, i.e., to launch at least one transmitter, within one year of obtaining frequency allocations. What can we expect from individual regional networks?

As part of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman in the media field, the Ministry of Information organised a specialised technical seminar remotely, titled “Bahrain’s Experience in Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+).” The seminar was presented by Abdullah Ahmed Al Baloushi, Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Information, and attended by specialists and engineers from Oman’s Ministry of Information. The Assistant Undersecretary reviewed key milestones in Bahrain’s transition to digital radio broadcasting using DAB+, the latest third-generation radio broadcasting system.

Radio Noordzee is part of Talpa Network, John de Mol's media company. De Mol has always had a special connection with the Radio Noordzee brand. His father was involved in the station's illustrious offshore broadcasting history. De Mol himself worked at the station at the start of his career. It is therefore understandable that Talpa is seizing the opportunity to bring Radio Noordzee back to the airwaves. Radio Noordzee's reach via the DAB+ digital radio network will also be expanded from 1 September. The radio station will remain available nationwide via channel 9C on bandwidth purchased by Talpa on the second national commercial DAB+ platform. In addition, it will gain DAB+ coverage specifically in North Brabant and Limburg via regional channel 7C.

Good news for all radio fans in and around Stadtoldendorf: NDR has put another DAB+ relay into operation at its Stadtoldendorf site. This improves digital reception of NDR radio programmes – especially in the historic town centre, around the market square, in the spa gardens and in the surrounding villages in the Weserbergland region. The programmes can now be received clearly and reliably on block 6C (185.360 MHz) indoors – not just on the move. With the new transmitter, NDR aims to provide the region around the idyllic Weserberg town of Stadtoldendorf with even better information and good music. Whether you're taking a walk along the Leine, relaxing in the cosy café at the Alte Post or at home in your living room, NDR will now accompany you.

Thanks to a partnership with GLXY – whose owner managed to secure several FM and DAB+ frequencies at the recent auction for non-national commercial broadcasters – Hofstad Radio can expand its reach on the airwaves. This includes improved coverage via DAB+, but Hofstad is also returning to the FM band in South Holland. By using an FM frequency, Hofstad Radio will also broadcast via the regional DAB+ lot 5B in South Holland and Zeeland. In addition, the radio station will use bandwidth that GLXY managed to secure at the frequency auction for DAB-only. Radio station GirlPower will also use part of the DAB-only bandwidth through a cooperation agreement.