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Last update: 04.07.2024 - older versions

Arcom White Paper on Radio

The result of more than 30 hearings and consultations with the main players in radio, Arcom has published its White Paper on the future of radio in France, which provides a broad overview of the sector and its economic, legal and technical aspects, as well as changes in usage.

The White Paper on Radio was presented by Roch-Olivier Maistre, President of Arcom and by Hervé Godechot, Arcom member and chairman of the Radio and Digital Audio working group, at the Assises de la radio 2024 conference on Tuesday 18 June at the Arcom headquarters in Paris.

Arcom is proposing a two-phase trajectory, aiming to achieve predominantly digital broadcasting by the end of 2033 and requiring the mobilisation of the entire ecosystem:

• Phase 1: Preparation (2024-2027): Establishing a balanced radio ecosystem within a legislative and technological environment that facilitates continued digitisation under optimal conditions.

• Phase 2: Migration (2028-2033): Completing a market-initiated transition to a digital broadcasting model, six years after the preparation phase and nine years after the publication of the White Paper in 2024.

The transition will require regulation, metrics, planning, marketing and then resources.

Read more on the Arcom website.

Download the English-language summary.

 

DAB+ : a structural choice for the radio industry

Launched in 2014 in Paris, Nice and Marseille, DAB+ is now seen as critical to contribute to the future of radio and to address the saturation of FM. It is a means to preserve diversity and plurality. As DAB+ is reaching a turning point, the regulator, Arcom, is launching in 2023 a consultation with the radio industry which will include the switchover from FM to DAB+ both in the metropolitan area and overseas. The economics of radio are a key element of the expected white paper, as well as the potential acceleration of the deployment.

Deployment of DAB+

On 12 October 2021, France launched two new national multiplexes broadcasting 26 DAB+ stations, including national services from Radio France, leading private broadcasters and four new national services. The new multiplexes are broadcast along the major motorway corridors of Paris-Lyon-Marseille. The 26 services include four new DAB+ only stations and 22 stations that are also broadcast in FM. Extension to more main roads and highly populated areas is planned for the end of 2023. These 26 radios are in addition to the hundreds of radio stations already available regionally and locally on DAB+

The CSA rollout plan, the so-called "nodes and arcs strategy" described in 2017, which also includes continued regional and local rollouts alongside the launch of national services, was updated in 2021. 

Arcom says that "In total, it is expected that 17 multiplexes, extended or local, will have started broadcasting during the summer of 2023. At the end of these start-ups, the coverage of the metropolitan population by DAB+ will exceed 50%."

French DAB+ Broadcast Networks Factsheet

A new factsheet on DAB+ digital radio in France has been produced for automotive manufacturers, as the country achieves over 50% DAB+ population coverage.

The factsheet from WorldDAB - the global industry forum for DAB digital radio - was produced as part of the work of its Automotive Working Group, in partnership with network operator TDF, and RadioDNS which promotes hybrid radio.   

France DAB+ Broadcast Networks

Receiver legislation

Older pieces of legislation in France related to DAB+ in cars have been superseded by the transposition in November 2020 of the EECC into French legislation. This law passed the last stage and was made official in December 2020, with the transposition of the EECC into French law officially published on 28 May 2021. Domestic receivers, for which the reception function of radio services broadcast is not purely incidental, and have an alphanumeric screen, must be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio. Discussions are ongoing to make DAB+ mandatory in all receivers. 

Last update: 22.09.2023 - older versions

DAB+ digital terrestrial radio continues to roll out across France. With its arrival in towns such as Bayonne, Besançon, Brest, Clermont-Ferrand, Metz, Nancy and Pau, this summer DAB+ passed the symbolic milestone of covering 50% of the French population. A trial has also been underway in Martinique since January. With the continued roll-out of national antennas between October 2023 and March 2024, more than 60% of the population will be covered by DAB+ by early 2024.

In December 2021, the French media regulator CSA, published an updated DAB+ roadmap highlighting DAB+ developments plans for the 2022-2024 period.

According to the new roadmap, calls for applications will be launched for 50 local allotments in that period of time – these primarily concerned the cities of Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, Caen, Nancy, Paris, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Poitiers and Toulouse. An overseas trial has also been licensed in Martinique. 

Last update: 22.09.2023 - older versions

In this country there are

on air.

French DAB+ Broadcast Networks Factsheet

A new factsheet on DAB+ digital radio in France has been produced for automotive manufacturers, as the country achieves over 50% DAB+ population coverage.

The factsheet from WorldDAB - the global industry forum for DAB digital radio - was produced as part of the work of its Automotive Working Group, in partnership with network operator TDF, and RadioDNS which promotes hybrid radio.   

France DAB+ Broadcast Networks

 

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.

An interactive map showing all services currently on air in France, as well as those licensed to go on air, can be found at: Ma radio DAB Plus - CSA - Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel.

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB+ programmes 358 102 460

Last update: 18.07.2024 - older versions

In France, as of H2 2023, 98% of new cars sold are equipped with DAB+ as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2023).

Last update: 05.02.2021 - older versions

Receiver legislation 

In December 2018 DAB+ coverage reached 21.3% of the French population, which triggered a law requiring that all radio receivers (including in-car) sold in France be compatible with the broadcasting standards (ie DAB+). This 2018 law was amended in June 2020 to align with the EECC deadline of 20 December 2020.

In November 2020, the French parliament voted in favour of a law to transpose the EECC into French legislation. This law passed the last stage and was made official in December 2020, enabling the government to take a final decree which is expected by early 2021. The decree will confirm that new passenger cars in France will be required to include digital terrestrial radio from 20 December 2020, in line with the EECC. Additional obligations regarding consumer receivers have yet to be agreed and may also be included in that decree enacting the EECC.

More detailed information is in the WorldDAB EECC Factsheet. 

Last update: 04.07.2024 - older versions

  • La Réunion: Arcom has authorised two trials of DAB+ radio broadcasting in Saint-Denis from March 1, 2024.
  • La Martinique: trial authorised since January 2023 ; three sites in Martinique and 11 stations: Radio Fusion, Fusion 100 % Infos, Fusion Compas, Fusion Salsa Kl@moson, Fusion Gold, Maknet Jazz, Mixx FM Martinique, Radio Évangile Martinique, Radio Actif Martinique, Identité Radio and Martinique La 1ère.

Last update: 04.07.2024 - older versions

DAB+ regulation in France is outlined on the French Media regulator's website. 

Arcom's annual report

Arcom's White Paper on the future of radio

Last update: 04.07.2024 - older versions

Ensemble pour le DAB+

“Ensemble pour le DAB+” is an association created in 2022 on the instigation of the Bureau de la Radio, Radio France and SIRTI, with the aim of setting up and coordinating communication and marketing actions around the development of DAB+, both nationally and locally. The French Ministry of Culture is a partner of the Association.

The first global campaign took place in January 2024. The objective was to raise awareness of DAB+; the reach was 70% of the French population over 13 years old with a 1000 audio spots played during a week. It was completed by a social media campaign and a billboard campaign in the Paris metro, outdoors in the Ile-de-France region and in Nantes, Strasbourg, Lyon and Lille.

DABplus.fr

The website DABplus.fr was set up to summarise the deployment of DAB+ in France. It is paid by and for stakeholders of DAB+ in France. www.DABplus.fr

Horizon now available on DAB+ in Arras!
20.12.2024 - France France
For the past few days, the people of Arras have been receiving Horizon in digital quality, thanks to DAB+. A new transmitter has just been installed in Arras. Like FM, DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is a radio broadcasting technology but with digital quality, whereas FM is in analogue mode. DAB+ is to radio what DTT was to television: better quality and a richer range of programmes. In France, development continues. According to Arcom (formerly CSA), almost 70% of the population of mainland France is already covered by this technology.

(Horizon) Read more

1.6m French people listening to Indés Radios stations on DAB+
20.12.2024 - Top story - France France
In 2024, while Indés Radios once again confirmed its excellent reach, with more than 1 in 3 French people listening to its programming every week, the ad hoc EAR Insights Digital component of this programme, published this week, also provided the first DAB+ audience figures. Les Indés Radios were the first to integrate differentiated watermarking on all their streams, giving them a precise view of DAB+ listening. According to EAR Insights Digital, over 1.6 million French people listen to Les Indés Radios via DAB+ every week. Although this share is still modest, it represents a significant signal of the gradual adoption of this technology. Pioneers of DAB+, today more than 80% of the 129 member radio stations of Indés Radios are present on this technology, whether on a local, regional or national scale (via metropolitan DAB+).

(Les Indés Radios) Read more

"Ensemble pour le DAB+" announces an ambitious action plan to raise awareness
18.12.2024 - France France
As the ‘Ensemble pour le DAB+’ (Together for DAB+) association brought together the extended radio sector with professionals from the retail, automotive and institutional sectors on Monday 16 December, it is announcing a proactive plan to raise awareness of DAB+ in 2025 among the general public and professionals. The plan will include training and promotional activities. After an initial national campaign, and the recruitment of a managing director in 2024, ‘Ensemble pour le DAB+’ intends to step up its efforts to promote the digital terrestrial radio broadcasting standard among professionals and the general public.

(Ensemble pour le DAB+) Read more

‘Ensemble pour le DAB+’ strengthens its communication in 2025
18.12.2024 - France France
‘Ensemble pour le DAB+’ wants to step up the promotion of DAB+ in France next year. It unveiled its ‘proactive plan’ to raise awareness of the digital terrestrial radio broadcasting standard among professionals and the general public, at a meeting on 16 December attended by a wide range of players in the sector (retail, automotive, institutional, etc.). In particular, the association plans to step up its communication campaigns in 2025: four campaigns staggered over February, May, August and the end of the year. They will highlight DAB+, the purchase of compatible receivers at home and the use of this technology in the car. Communication tools will be made available to shops and dealerships, and campaigns on radio stations' social networks will round off the campaign.

(CB News) Read more

1981 Group strengthens its broadcasting with 18 new DAB+ frequencies
13.12.2024 - France France
Groupe 1981, which describes itself as ‘France's leading independent radio station’, has taken another step forward in its commitment to DAB+ with the allocation of 18 new frequencies to its Wit FM, BlackBox, Ado, OÜI FM, Forum and Vibration stations, now covering 12 additional départements. Already a forerunner in the adoption of this digital technology, the 1981 Group is consolidating its position by increasing the population covered by its DAB+ radio stations fivefold compared with its traditional FM frequencies by 2024. For Jean-Éric Valli, Chairman of Groupe 1981, DAB+ represents a major revolution: "We have supported DAB+ since its launch 10 years ago, because this technology is transforming the way French people listen to the radio. With its superior sound quality, free listening and more stable, energy-efficient broadcasting, I'm convinced that this standard will become the benchmark."

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

Berry FM celebrates its 20th anniversary and extends its DAB+ broadcasting
04.12.2024 - France France
Berry FM is celebrating two things at the end of the year: the local radio station chaired by David Leroy is celebrating its 20th birthday and receiving two new frequencies to extend its DAB+ coverage in Bourges and Châteauroux. For two decades, Berry has been a local medium, forging strong links with its listeners through programmes rooted in local life. The announcement by Arcom marks a major step forward in its development, enabling the station to extend its reach even further into the Berry region. ‘Berry FM is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and Arcom has just given us the two greatest gifts we've wanted for several years. It's a further step in the development of our local media,’ said David Leroy.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

‘La Grande Musique’ on DAB+ in Paris soon
04.12.2024 - France France
Here's some great news for classical music fans. Arcom has just selected the new 100% classical music radio station, ‘La Grande Musique’, to broadcast its programmes on DAB+ in the Paris Ile-de-France region very shortly, and soon also in Blois, Châteauroux, Nevers and Niort, which will add to an already well-established presence on the Côte d'Azur and the Basque Coast. ‘Paris frequencies are rare and precious, so I'm immensely grateful to be able to offer listeners in the capital privileged access to this universal musical heritage: classical music,’ explained Emmanuel Rials, founder of the radio station. Broadcast on DAB+ in Monaco on the Côte d'Azur and on FM on the French and Spanish Basque coasts, it is about to cross a new threshold with its entry into the French capital.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

Radio Orient strengthens its broadcasts with 15 new zones
02.12.2024 - France France
Radio Orient is continuing to expand with the award of 15 new FM and DAB+ broadcasting areas, announced by Arcom on 27 November 2024. These extensions will enable the station to cover strategic territories while offering optimised sound quality and an enhanced listening experience for listeners.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

The future of digital at the heart of debates at the Maison de la Chimie
01.12.2024 - France France
On 28 November, the Maison de la Chimie in Paris hosted the 4ᵉ Colloque Avenir de la TNT, with a focus on key issues such as UHD, DAB+, technological innovation and content accessibility. As far as radio is concerned, the roll-out of DAB+ was presented as an essential development, necessitating the gradual switch-off of FM in order to guarantee the economic viability of stations. During the conference, Hervé Godechot, member of the Arcom College and chairman of the Radio and Digital Audio working group, stressed that the transition to all-digital - DAB+ and IP - is essential to preserve the sovereignty of the link between radio and its listeners, while renewing the terrestrial listening experience.

(Smart Integrations mag) Read more

The future of radio in France lies with DAB+
25.11.2024 - France France
At the WorldDAB Summit in Zagreb, Hervé Godechot presented the Arcom White Paper, which sets out an ambitious roadmap for bringing French radio into a fully digital era through the roll-out of DAB+. This action plan aims to modernise the sector while ensuring a balance between technological innovation and accessibility for all listeners.

(La Lettre Pro de la Radio) Read more

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    Radio in France looks to a digital future

    19.07.2024

    Arcom has recently published its “White Paper of the future of radio”. WorldDAB's Programme Manager in France, Jean-Marc Dubreuil looks at the country's radio sector and how DAB+ is at the heart of Arcom's proposals for the digital future.

    Read more

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    WorldDAB centre stage at events in 2024

    31.01.2024

    It’s another packed year of amazing industry events around the world. We start this year with Paris Radio Show, from 6 February. Plus we hope to see you at our own WorldDAB Automotive 2024, which we’re delighted to announce this year will be in the beautiful city of Prague on 13 June.

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    Paris Radio Show highlights DAB+ growth

    16.06.2022

    All parts of the French radio industry came together to celebrate the medium at the second edition of the Fete de la Radio during the Paris Radio Show, held at La Seine Musicale earlier this month. Will Jackson & Jean-Marc Dubreuil look back at the digital radio highlights of the event.

    Read more

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Key Information

Status: regular
Population: 65.2 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 54.8%
Services: 460 DAB+
Line-fit automotive sales (cumulative): 6,346,000 devices
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard: Sparkline Graph 98%
Total Sales (cumulative): 8,394,000 devices
Penetration by household: Sparkline Graph 13.7%
Last update: 18.07.2024

Useful Links

DAB+ services on air in France
Annuaire des radios Françaises en AM, FM et RNT
Regulator - ARCOM
Call for application for 2 multiplexes covering main roads
DAB+ in France - interactive map
DAB+ regulation in France
DABplus.fr
Ensemble pour le DAB+