Successful siren test in Vienna in 2026
On Saturday, 3 October 2026, the 180 sirens across the city of Vienna underwent a routine test. The test was a success: all but one siren worked perfectly. In Vienna, the digital billboards operated by Gewista and the warning channel via DAB+ radio were also tested. Within the test area, the test was successful for both the billboards and the radio announcement.
(Stadt Wien) Read more
DAB+ in Schleswig-Holstein: Media Authority supports DAB+ network expansion
The Media Council of the Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein Media Authority (MA HSH) has approved funding for the further expansion of digital radio coverage in Schleswig-Holstein. Media Broadcast GmbH will receive funding totalling 434,350 euros for the period 2026 to 2031 to establish additional DAB+ transmitter sites in the Bredstedt and Schleswig regions. The planned sites are intended to densify the existing DAB+ transmitter network, particularly in the Flensburg/Sylt region. The aim is to close existing coverage gaps and to sustainably improve the reception quality of digitally broadcast radio programmes in areas that have previously been underserved.
(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more
Helmut G. Bauer: The Future of Radio
Helmut G. Bauer writes: "In 2016, critics and advocates debated the future of radio in the FAZ. The focus was on whether radio would be broadcast terrestrially via FM or DAB+ and via the internet in future. A review ten years on reveals that: Behind the dispute over the right technology lay a more fundamental debate about competition and market share."
(medienpolitik.net) Read more
CNRA trains new volunteers at community radio stations in DAB+
The National Confederation of Community Radio Stations is launching its series ‘The Fundamentals of Community Radio’ with a training session on digital terrestrial radio. Taking place online on Thursday 15 October from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm, this first module will cover the basics of DAB+ and how to set up a multiplex. It marks the start of a programme comprising eight sessions.
(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more
Transformation Incentive Scheme: the name says it all – Media Council extends DAB+ funding for local radio / 2027 funding calls now open
In times of economic pressure and increasing competition amongst platforms, funding that safeguards diversity in local broadcasting is becoming increasingly important. The Media Council of the Bavarian State Office for New Media (BLM) has therefore extended the DAB funding scheme at its meeting today. The council also received an update on the 2026 DAB-Only innovation funding scheme and the current calls for proposals for the 2027 programme, innovation and DAB-Only funding schemes.
(Bayerischen Landeszentrale für neue Medien (BLM)) Read more
ABC Radio Australia debuts, drops for CADA – GfK Survey 6 DAB+
ABC Radio Australia launched on digital radio back in March, featuring Pacific news, music, sport and culture. It debuted in GfK Radio 360 Survey 6 with enough time to bed in that its Melbourne audience is near 100K, fourth in the city and clearly already well discovered. There was a debut in Brisbane too for The Rock NZ, which is affiliated with the Nova Network, but now owned by SEN.
(RadioInfo Australia) Read more
Commercial radio grows from breakfast to bedtime as more Australians listen for longer
Commercial radio reaches 12.7 million Australians weekly across the five metropolitan markets — up 2.8% year on year — according to the GfK Metro Survey 6, 2026 results released today. Weekly metro audiences have now held above 12 million for more than four years. Lizzie Young, CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), said: "Australians are giving commercial radio more of their time, and audiences are growing at every age and wherever they listen."
(Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA)) Read more
CRA calls for ‘urgent’ government action to keep radios in cars after Tesla scraps FM & DAB radio in new base Model 3
Earlier this week, the Elon Musk-owned carmaker revealed that it would be removing the FM and digital DAB radio from its latest Model 3 RWD sedan. It cut AM radios from its cars more than five years ago. “This week’s announcement from Tesla is the very reason the sector has called for urgent government action,” Lizzie Young, CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio, told B&T. “We need the Government legislation to ensure all Australians can access their radio when and where they need it, whether for essential news, information or emergency broadcasting services.”
(B&T) Read more
Francie Petrick is the new managing director of Antenne Deutschland
Francie Petrick has been the new managing director of Antenne Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG since September 2026. The company operates the nationwide DAB+ platform, which carries up to 16 private radio stations. She succeeds Mirko Drenger, who left the company at the end of September. Francie Petrick will continue in her role as Managing Director of Media Broadcast GmbH alongside her new responsibilities at Antenne Deutschland and ad.audio.
(Antenne Deutschland) Read more
SWR improves DAB+ coverage in the Mosbach area
Südwestrundfunk (SWR) is continuing to expand its network of transmitters for DAB+ digital radio reception in Baden-Württemberg. The commissioning of the DAB+ transmitter at Mosbach-Bismarckturm will improve DAB+ coverage in the region. The Mosbach-Bismarckturm DAB+ site will go live on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
(Südwestrundfunk (SWR)) Read more
Traditional radio remains particularly popular in cars: opportunities for DAB+
The car radio remains the most popular way to listen to the radio. This presents opportunities for DAB+, which is fitted in virtually every new car. Of the Dutch people who listen to the radio, 58 per cent occasionally use their car radio for this purpose. Since 21 December 2020, integrated car radios in new passenger cars placed on the market in the European Union must be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio. In the Netherlands, this means DAB+ in practice.
(Totaal TV) Read more
Slovakia is preparing a major change for radio; industry players have put forward bold proposals
The regulator is preparing the transition from DAB+ test broadcasts to regular broadcasting. Several major players have submitted comments, which suggest that the biggest battle may centre on coverage and the costs of broadcasting stations. Through this public consultation, the regulator sought to gather the views of both the market and the public on the functioning of digital radio. Comments were submitted by Towercom, the Slovak Radio Association, STVR and the company D.Expres.
(Živé.sk) Read more
Radio Q launches trial web service with DAB+ ambitions
In the Czech Republic, a new niche radio station called Radio Q has launched, aimed specifically at the LGBTQ+ community. The Prague-based station is currently operating on a trial basis via the internet. If this trial phase proves successful, the station is set to make the transition to nationwide digital terrestrial broadcasting via DAB+ in 2027.
(radioWOCHE.de) Read more