Newsroom

01.10.2026

Slovakia

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.

01.10.2026

Czechia

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.

01.10.2026

Austria

On Saturday 3 October 2026, as every year, the Austria-wide Civil Defence Day will take place. A test alarm will also be triggered via DAB+ radios using ASA (Automatic Safety Alert) within a limited area. During the test on 3 October, the radio must be tuned to one of the numerous stations on the Vienna Citymux on channel 11C (e.g. City Jazz) for it to switch automatically to the warning channel.

01.10.2026

Netherlands

From Sky Radio: "Can’t start listening to Christmas music early enough? Then we’ve got some good news. From 1 October, you can tune in to Sky Christmas via DAB+ again: 24 hours a day of Christmas music to really get you in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year. From timeless Christmas classics to the latest Christmas hits: Sky Christmas is the ultimate soundtrack for anyone who can’t wait for Christmas."

01.10.2026

United Kingdom

Angel Radio has launched on 15 additional DAB+ multiplexes, thanks to two listeners leaving money in their wills to the station. The expansion began on 1 October, with new carriage including Cardiff, Cheshire Mid, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. Digital Development Manager Ash Elford said Angel Radio has had a presence on DAB for 16 years, adding: “the platform is key for us to reach our target audience of older people, as well as lovers of vintage music.”

30.09.2026

Italy

From Paris to Brussels, right through to Washington: broadcasters, associations and governments are calling for FM and DAB+ to be guaranteed in all new vehicles. The Digital Networks Act presents an opportunity to plug the loophole in EU regulations. Italy has led the way. Car radio is no longer a battle fought by the radio sector alone. The Digital Networks Act (DNA), proposed by the European Commission on 21 January 2026, will replace the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). Ahead of the negotiations, broadcasters, European associations and now governments too are calling for the same thing: FM and DAB+ as standard in all new vehicles, free of charge, clearly visible and without intermediaries.

30.09.2026

The expansion of the CRdab network in Emilia-Romagna continues. The consortium, which broadcasts on channel 9B, has commissioned a new transmitter from the Scandiano – Monte Evangelo site, with the aim of improving coverage in the Reggio Emilia area and along some of the region’s main road networks. In particular, this new installation strengthens the signal’s presence across the province of Reggio Emilia, with benefits also for reception along the A1 motorway, particularly on the stretch between Modena and Parma.

30.09.2026

Coimisiún na Meán WorldDAB Member

Ireland

Coimisiún na Meán has launched its public consultation on a new Broadcasting Services Strategy (BSS). The Strategy aims to set out a clear direction on An Coimisiún’s approach to the licensing of radio and television broadcasting services and inform its licensing plans over a multi-year period. The proposed new Strategy will be operational over a period of ongoing structural change in the broadcast media sector and includes a wide range of proposals relating to future radio licensing for FM and DAB+. The closing date for submissions is 09 November 2026.

30.09.2026

Germany

From 9 to 22 November, ARD, Deutschlandradio, independent radio stations and other members of Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. are joining forces for this year’s DAB+ autumn campaign. Through trailers and radio adverts, print and outdoor advertising, social media campaigns, competitions and other on-air initiatives, DAB+ digital radio will be visible and audible nationwide. This cross-media campaign highlights the benefits of digital radio reception whilst also focusing on the diversity and enjoyment of listening to the radio.

29.09.2026

Top story

Germany

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."