Newsroom

04.09.2023

Germany

On the North Sea between Hallig Hooge and Friedrichskoog-Spitze, radio listeners now have even better access to NDR radio programmes - and in even better quality. NDR's DAB+ expansion continues to make progress - this time with a new transmitter in Garding. People living there as well as holiday guests can listen to their favourite programmes everywhere in stable quality with clear sound - not only in the car.

04.09.2023

Australia

Launceston is set to become the 11th Australian city to get DAB+ Digital Radio. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) are now calling for public submissions on proposed changes to Tasmania’s radio spectrum – which would see the launch of digital radio in Launceston. The ABC have been conducting test DAB+ transmissions in Launceston since June 2023, and say they now hope to make the service permanent. The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA), which represents Launceston stations City Park Radio, Way FM and Print Radio Tasmania, says they and their member stations are looking forward to launching on DAB+ as a “priority”.

04.09.2023

Germany

From 4 September, Radio Bollerwagen can also be received via DAB+ in Dresden, Chemnitz and Freiberg. This means that the party station of the ffn media group from Hanover is now also represented in local multiplexes in eastern Germany for the first time. "Saxony is one of the most important radio markets in the east. We are looking forward to reaching new target groups digitally in Dresden, Chemnitz and Freiberg ", says Harald Gehrung, CEO of the ffn-mediengruppe.

04.09.2023

Netherlands

From 1 September, a new radio station can be heard on the digital airwaves (DAB+): Qmusic 90s & 00s. DPG Media's radio station with non-stop music from the 90s and 00s can be heard via DAB+ on channel 9C and via the Internet. Previously, JOE 70s & 80s could be heard on this channel. This radio station can now be heard nationwide via FM under the name JOE and thus moves to channel 11C in the digital ether.

01.09.2023

Xperi Corporation WorldDAB Member

Another interview with WorldDAB members exhibiting at IBC2023, and this time Joe D’Angelo, SVP Broadcast Radio and Digital Audio at Xperi tells us they'll be showcasing their DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal and DTS AutoStage video service, Powered by TiVo in the new BMW 5 series.

01.09.2023

Czechia

At midnight on 31 August, the deadline for applications to the tender for DAB+ networks closed. The Authority received applications from nine entities, six of which have deposited a cash guarantee in an amount allowing them to compete for nationwide networks (the first phase of the auction). The auction itself is scheduled to take place during October and will be conducted in four auction phases. "We are pleased with the interest shown in the auction of frequencies for the operation of commercial DAB+ networks, which is considerable, especially in terms of national networks," said Marek Ebert, the ČTÚ chairman.

01.09.2023

Netherlands

The nine national commercial radio stations that obtained FM and DAB licences through an auction last summer can start broadcasting on their new frequency(ies) from today. DPG Media, Business Nieuws Radio, Financial News Radio, Mediahuis and Talpa Radio have until 1 December 2023 to actually use these frequencies for their broadcasts. The licences have a total term of 12 years (2023-2035).

01.09.2023

RadioDNS WorldDAB Member

Czechia

The COLOR DAB+ multiplex started to support the RadioDNS function for the first radio stations, switching between traditional and online distribution. Miroslav Pýcha, the entrepreneur behind this digital network, has activated it for his own stations. These are Radio Sázava and Hey Radio, with Radio Color to follow shortly. Czech Radio also has this functionality active on its stations. "The RadioDNS system enables Czech Radio to optimally connect all three of our key distribution platforms, i.e. FM, DAB and the internet. This is a modern solution for hybrid radio," commented Karel Zýka, Director of Technology and Administration at Czech Radio.

01.09.2023

Switzerland

Radio in Switzerland has never been as digital as it is today. Over 79% of the population listen to digital radio, while 8% still listen exclusively to FM radio. 48% listen to more than just digital radio, and 11% listen to no radio at all. These figures can be explained by developments in equipment. By the end of June 2023, DAB+ programmes could be received in 54% of vehicles on the road in Switzerland. A DAB+ device is installed as standard in 99.9% of all new vehicles.

01.09.2023

France

On 4 September, Bretagne 5 began broadcasting its programmes on DAB+ in Brest. The arrival of Bretagne 5 in Brest is also the first step in extending its regional coverage, with the planned opening of new DAB+ frequencies in other towns in Brittany. Thanks to DAB+ digital broadcasting, listeners in Brest and the wider Brest area will now be able to tune in to Bretagne 5 with exceptional sound quality and without interference, whether at home, at work or in the car.