Belgium - Current situation - History
15.10.2012
French speaking Belgium (Wallonia and Brussels)
La Radio Télévision belge de la Communauté française (RTBF) is the public broadcaster for the French speaking Community . RTBF operates one DAB multiplex with its 5 main channels and two BRF channels (Belgian German speaking public broadcaster) .RTBF is currently testing four DAB+ audio and data programmes for itself and also for the private radio stations . The aim is to plan a roadmap for DAB+ in French speaking Belgium together with the private broadcasters, subject to approval from the French Community Government and regulation body, the Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (the CSA) .In Spring 2011 a common vision of the main broadcasters, both private and public, was defined with a four-tier strategy for migration from analogue to digital radio (DAB+ broadcast; hybrid radio; single online radioplayer and radio on TV) . In summer 2011 the Parliament adopted unanimously a resolution asking the French-speaking Government to support the migration to digital radio from 2011 .The CSA launched a public consultation about digital radio in autumn 2011 . The feedback has been positive . In spring 2012, the CSA recommended to the Government a DAB+ roll out mainly based on two layers in Band III . In June 2012 the government authorised RTBF to proceed with DAB+ trials for private radio stations who wish to participate .The next step is to achieve a public funding agreement for the technical DAB+ roll-out (upgrade of the RTBF DAB network to DAB+) with indoor coverage for a potential public launch in 2014 .
Flemish speaking Belgium (Flanders and Brussels)
“De Vlaamse Radio – en Televisieomroep” (VRT), is the public broadcaster in the Flemish Community . VRT has one DAB multiplex in operation with nine main channels including three DAB only brand extensions for News+, Klara Continuo and MNM Hits . Norkring, which operates VRT’s multiplex, also has a licence for another multiplex and is currently examining the possibility of a DAB+ roll out
30.01.2012
DAB was introduced in Belgium in 1997.
“De Vlaamse Radio – en Televisieomroep” (VRT), is the public broadcaster in the Flemish community.
VRT has one DAB multiplex in operation with 9 main channels including 3 DAB only brand extensions for News+, Klara Continuo and MNM Hits
French speaking Belgium
RTBF (Radio Télévision belge de la Communauté française de Belgique) is currently testing four DAB+ audio & data programmes. The aim is to plan a roadmap for DAB+ in French speaking Belgium, together with the private broadcasters, subject to approval from the Government and the CSA.
In Spring 2011 a common vision of the main broadcasters, both private and public, was defined with a 4-tier strategy for migration from analogue to digital.
By Summer 2011 the Parliament had asked the French-speaking Government to support the digital migration of radio as from 2011.
The Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (regulation body) launched a public consultation about digital radio in autumn 2011. The DAB+ proposed roll out is for 5 multiplexes in 2 layers in Band III
The next steps are to achieve political and funding agreement & the creation of a common consortium which is planned for the beginning of 2012
Plans for 2012 are to achieve technical roll-out (upgrade of the RTBF DAB network to DAB+) + marketing and commercial preparation, with an official public launch in 2013.
02.09.2011
The “Radio Télévision belge de la Communauté française de Belgique” (RTBF), the public broadcaster for the French-speaking community, and “De Vlaamse Radio – en Televisieomroep” (VRT), the public broadcaster in the Flemish community introduced DAB in Belgium in 1997.
VRT has one multiplex in operation with nine audio programmes (five simulcast and four DAB only). RTBF operates one multiplex with five audio programmes and also two BRF (German speaking public broadcaster) audio programmes (all simulcasts).
The promotion undertaken by VRT and its development of DAB-only programmes, is helping to increase DAB household penetration. RTBF is currently testing four DAB+ audio & data programmes. The aim is to plan a roadmap for DAB+ in French speaking Belgium, together with the private broadcasters, subject to approval from the Government and the CSA. For further information on this, please contact the Project Office.