Newsroom

09.10.2026

Austria

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.

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.

15.09.2026

Czech Radio WorldDAB Member, Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member

Czechia

Czech Radio has signed memoranda of understanding with the Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic, the Police Presidium of the Czech Republic and the Prague Emergency Medical Service. These agreements provide a long-term framework for cooperation on crisis broadcasting and the rapid dissemination of information to the public. The measures also include training for specialist staff and educational projects. As part of its technical preparedness, Czech Radio, in collaboration with České Radiokomunikace, has been testing the new Automatic Safety Alert technology.

11.09.2026

Germany

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.

10.09.2026

Deutschlandradio WorldDAB Member, Media Broadcast GmbH WorldDAB Member

Germany

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.

04.09.2026

Indonesia

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.

03.09.2026

Indonesia

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+."

03.09.2026

Germany

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.

28.08.2026

Netherlands

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.

28.08.2026

Germany

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.