10.09.2026
Top story
Safety announcements on DAB+ radio: Deutschlandradio and Media Broadcast launch the ‘ASA DE’ service to mark National Safety Day
In a crisis, every minute counts. To mark today’s National Warning Day, Media Broadcast and Deutschlandradio are launching the new ASA DE service. In future, official announcements in the event of hazards and crises will be broadcast via the Germany-wide DAB+ platform on channel 5C. This is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK). The system is based on the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) and is now entering its roll-out phase. To receive ASA DE, listeners will need to perform a station scan on their DAB+ radio. Listeners can find further information at www.dabplus.de/asa. ASA DE complements the so-called ‘warning mix’ within the federal government’s Modular Warning System (MoWaS). In future, safety information can thus be disseminated specifically via the DAB+ digital radio standard, alongside traditional warning methods such as sirens, apps or cell broadcast.
(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more
11.09.2026
Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) begins regular operation in Bavaria via DAB+
On Thursday, 10 September 2026, the nationwide Warning Day took place. The federal government, the Länder and local authorities once again tested the functionality of various warning systems for civil protection. The operators of the DAB+ transmission networks also took part in the day of action across the country. For Bayern Digital Radio (BDR) and Funkhaus Ingolstadt, this year’s Warning Day held particular significance. Following the successful testing of various broadcast channels, regular operation of the ASA (Automatic Safety Alert) warning system is now commencing across BDR’s broadcasting networks.
(Bayern Digital Radio (BDR)) Read more
04.09.2026
In a crisis, radio still saves lives – Here’s why that matters
Sitting in the audience at Radiodays Asia in Jakarta today, listening to broadcasters and technology leaders discuss the role of radio during emergencies, I couldn’t help but think back to Victoria’s devastating bushfire season earlier this year. The session, Broadcasting Through Crisis: How Radio Saves Lives, brought together representatives from WorldDAB, Thailand’s digital radio rollout and Australia’s own ACE Radio Network. Much of the discussion focused on emerging technologies such as DAB+ Emergency Warning Systems, capable of waking radios from standby mode and delivering targeted warnings to specific geographic areas.
(RadioInfo Asia) Read more
03.09.2026
WorldDAB President at Radiodays Asia 2026: "Radio saves lives"
WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst writes: "Radio saves lives.
This morning at Radiodays Asia 2026 in Jakarta, I had the pleasure of joining the session “Broadcasting Through Crisis: How Radio Saves Lives”.
Representing WorldDAB , I shared a global update on DAB+ and the vital role broadcast radio can play in times of crisis — particularly its resilience and its ability to reach large numbers of people reliably when it matters most.
I also provided a global overview of Automatic Safety Alerts (ASA), and how this technology can support the delivery of targeted, timely and potentially life-saving information directly to listeners via DAB+."
(LinkedIn) Read more
03.09.2026
DAB+ safety alerts on the radio: Test your own ASA radio on Safety Awareness Day in September
DAB+ has been available in Germany for 15 years now. The digital radio service is now being enhanced with a new feature designed to warn of dangers in future and thus contribute to greater safety. The so-called Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) is entering its roll-out phase nationwide via the DAB+ network. ASA complements the existing German warning system, which comprises sirens, apps and cell broadcasts via mobile phones. The National Warning Day on 10 September from 11.00 am offers the ideal opportunity to test your own ASA-certified radio at home. The device can be set up for this in just a few simple steps.
(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more
28.08.2026
WorldDAB puts radio resilience at center of IBC2026
WorldDAB and Broadcast NetworksEurope will bring policy, emergency alerting and digital migration into focus during IBC2026 in Amsterdam. Their session, “Broadcast radio’s moment: resilient, relevant, irreplaceable,” takes place Sunday, Sept. 13, from 2:30–4 p.m. in Room E102. WorldDAB Project Director Bernie O’Neill will produce and moderate the program, followed by networking coffee in the Ruby Lounge outside the conference room.
(RedTech International) Read more
28.08.2026
Safety alerts on DAB+ radio: The Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) website keeps listeners informed
With the “ASA DE” service, the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) will go on air across Germany via the DAB+ network from 10 September. For listeners, the cross-sector information portal run by Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. has set up a dedicated information page: www.dabplus.de/asa. The page provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up ASA-certified radios. The page also provides clear information, supported by video examples, on how to use the warning system and its benefits. ‘ASA DE’ expands the existing mix of warning methods – comprising sirens, apps and cell broadcasts – to include safety alerts broadcast directly via DAB+ radio.
(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more
19.08.2026
Safety alerts on DAB+ radio: Try out the new Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) service for yourself at home
In an emergency, every minute counts. A new safety system for DAB+ digital radio, known as Automatic Safety Alert (ASA), is currently being developed and is expected to launch nationwide in September under the service identifier ASA DE. The safety feature can be tested at home or in an electronics shop. Over 35 different DAB+ radio models have already been successfully certified for ASA and are available in shops or online. Certified devices can be identified by the ASA quality mark on the packaging or directly on the radio. Set-up and the function test can be carried out in just a few steps. Information on ASA and instructions for the function test are available to download as a PDF at www.dabplus.de/asa.
(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more
13.08.2026
Safety alerts via DAB+ radio: Guidelines for the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) released
The members of Digitalradio Deutschland e.V., together with other stakeholders from the broadcasting industry, have released guidelines for the network-wide roll-out of the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA). ASA is setting new global standards for the dissemination of safety alerts via DAB+ radio.
The publication of the guidelines was preceded by a development and coordination phase lasting more than two years. They are aimed at B2B audiences, including transmission network operators and broadcasters, who wish to assess and implement the introduction of ASA via DAB+. Together with the globally applicable ETSI standard for alerts via DAB+, the guidelines describe the entire alert chain, from the text message sent by the alerting authority to the activation of the receiver in the event of a crisis.
(Digitalradio Deutschland) Read more
27.05.2026
Helmut G. Bauer: The new DAB+ warning system, ‘ASA Automatic Safety Alert’
Helmut G. Bauer, member of Digitalradio Deutschland writes: The floods on the Ahr, Erft and Wupper rivers, as well as the war in Ukraine, have highlighted the importance of effective warning systems. The floods revealed weaknesses, such as mobile network failures and limited accessibility via radio, as only switched-on devices could receive warnings. With ‘ASA – Automatic Safety Alert’, a digital DAB+ warning system has been developed that automatically switches on DAB+ radios and broadcasts warnings specifically within the danger zone. As part of civil protection, a resilient radio infrastructure is required. The federal government, the Länder, the KEF and the state media authorities must contribute to its funding, as civil protection is a public responsibility.
(Medienpolitik.net) Read more
03.04.2026
Belgium explores DAB+ crisis radio channel
Belgium’s French-language public broadcaster, RTBF, could play a role in a new government-led crisis radio service designed to deliver urgent public information during emergencies. The issue came to light following a report by Sudinfo, a news platform focused on regional and local coverage in southern Belgium. The report said the broadcaster is considering launching a crisis radio channel to ensure the flow of critical information to the public during emergencies. The proposal was subsequently discussed on March 31 during a meeting of the parliamentary commission of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. The concept involves a dedicated radio channel using RTBF’s broadcast infrastructure, with DAB+ identified as the preferred distribution platform.
(RedTech International) Read more