Denmark

Last update: 30.03.2016 - older versions

Multiplex 2’s coverage was improved during 2012 and both multiplexes now have close to 98% indoor coverage.

Estimated timeline for DAB+ gatekeeper beauty contest

Last update: 03.03.2021 - older versions

In this country there are

• National multiplexes: 4 Regular
• Regional multiplexes: 12 Regular
• Local multiplex: 1 Trial

Please note:

(a)    These web pages are updated regularly to reflect current services on air, however they may not be exactly up to date.

(b)    The logos shown on these pages are for illustrative purposes only – manufacturers and broadcasters are directed here for information on implementing station logos.

Last update: 18.06.2021 - older versions

In Denmark, following a relaxation in tax rules which treated digital radio as a “luxury good”, the proportion of cars fitted with DAB as standard has increased dramatically to 62% as of H2 2020 – up from 5% in 2015 (Source: JATO Dynamics 2021).

Last update: 08.10.2020 - older versions

Cumulative sales of DAB receivers have reached 1.9 million (excludes scrapped units) (Source: Branchen ForbrugerElektronik estimate Q2 2015). Approximately 300 specialised electrical retail stores currently sell DAB radios. Supermarket and food chains are also significant players with frequent product offerings. For information on the Danish market please visit http://www.digitalradio.dk. 

In January 2015 Danish Retailer Elgiganten reported 50% increase on sales year on year compared to Christmas 2013, and two other retailers Fona and Hi-Fi Club in South Jutland reported tripling of nationwide sales.

Last update: 10.09.2013 - older versions

A local trial is conducted in DAB+ by grass roots station Kanal Plus based on off-the-shelf hardware and encoder/modulator software. The multiplex comprises local radio stations from the area north-northwest of Copenhagen.

Last update: 06.03.2019 - older versions

On 29th April 2015 the Danish Ministry of Culture, together with all political parties, finalised and published a new roadmap for digital radio, saying "the limited frequency space on FM means that we will eventually turn off FM". Read the press release here.

The overall focus of the roadmap is to speed up the process of utilising capacity in the DAB network and to secure a more rapid development of the network. 

Key features of the roadmap are:

- decision to switch off FM to be taken when 50% of listening is digital

- swap of content on MUX1 and MUX2 at the end of 2016 which will ensure that available frequencies can be brought into use, making it possible to have a commercial network operator of MUX1

- "Gatekeeper Model" will be adopted for MUX 1 (currently owned by Danish Radio) which will drive the market

- full transition from DAB to DAB+ by 1 Oct 2017

- new licences for spare capacity in MUX3 available by end 2015

The consensus is that FM shutdown is inevitable, in order to offer listeners more choice and the goal is to stimulate new channels on DAB.  By end 2015 new licences will be available for application, and a shift from DAB to DAB+ is now underway. 

Denmark has one of the highest numbers of DAB users per capita in the world, with 40% of the population having access to a digital radio.  Public service broadcaster DR (Danish Radio) began regular services in 2002 and more than 36% of all radio listening is digital.

Last update: 21.04.2020 - older versions

Denmark's Palaces and Culture Agency, with communications agency Prime Time, produced a public information campaign on digital radio which was broadcast across Denmark in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The campaign inform everyone that DAB radio will be transmitted in DAB+ from 1st October 2017 and have furthermore as its goal to move radio listening from analogue to digital. 

An industry forum has been established with the participation of major stakeholders, as well as a website portal - www.mereradio.dk - providing information on digital radio in Denmark.  The campaign will receive basic public funding and will be supported by the Danish radio industry.  

Download flyer 

Facebook profile

YouTube profile (campaign videos)

Christmas Campaign 2017

A video advertisement will run on national TV and also on Facebook, web tv and YouTube.