Germany - Current situation - History
03.09.2011
On the 1st of August 2011 Germany broadcast digital radio services on a DAB+nationwide multiplex. Fourteen new stations from a football programme, to rock, pop, classical, talk and Christian radio can now be heard across Germany and with the national multiplex being shared between both publ ic and private broadcasters it is expected that the new stations on air will increase in number in the very near future.
The German Digital Radio project office (Deutchsland Digital Radio) was created to co-ordinate the efforts of all stakeholders on the national multiplex, the public broadcasters (ARD) and Deutschland Radio. Five Working Groups were createdto guide all areas of digital radio development and rollout . Areas covered include: Networks, Products, Marketing and Advertising, Traffic & Travel and Automotive.
The network operator, Media Broadcast, has 27 transmitters on-air in the first stage covering all major cities and autobahns (motorways) and plans for coverage of up to 99% in some areas are due by 2014.
A consumer on-air marketing campaign between broadcasters, manufacturers and retailers has been launched to inform the public and retail staff working in high street shops about the advantages of purchasing a digital radio.
Germany’s public service financing committee, the KEF provided funding to facilitate the roll out of national DAB+ digital radio in Germany. The funds, which allowed public broadcaster Deutschland Radio, to build out a national digital radio network using DAB+ technology, were made available for the industry by the KEF.
Space on the network is shared between public and commercial broadcasters giving the whole industry the opportunity to secure the future development of radio.
19.08.2010
Since the mid-1990's, Germany has tested and trialled all of the flavours of the DAB family of standards and there is currently a DAB network on air serving around 70% of the population.
Now, however, Germany is working towards a re-launch of digital radio using DAB+ and, to that end, the German Commission of broadcasting policies (Rundfunkkommission), has approved a nationwide multiplex which can transmit between 10 and 15 radio programmes.
The national digital channels will be supplemented by two or three multiplexes in each of the 16 regions to provide regional and local radio from public service ARD stations and private broadcasters.
Digital radio listeners in Germany will therefore be able to receive between 30 and 40 services (a mix of national, regional and local) wherever they are in the country.
Germany’s public service financing committee, the KEF is to provide funding to facilitate the roll out of national DAB+ digital radio in Germany. The funds, which allow public broadcaster Deutschland Radio, to build out a national digital radio network using DAB+ technology, will be available providing the industry meets a tight timetable set out by the KEF. Space on the network however will be shared between public and commercial broadcasters giving the whole industry the opportunity to secure future development of radio. Conditions require commercial and public broadcasters to sign contracts with Media Broadcast GmbH by the end of September. Funding will also be made available to ARD for programmes which will continue to be broadcast the federal states.
Germany’s commercial radio broadcasters and network operator, Media Broadcast, have agreed to work together to facilitate national digital radio.
12.08.2010
Germany’s public service financing committee, the KEF is to provide funding to facilitate the roll out of national DAB+ digital radio in Germany.
The funds, which allow public broadcaster Deutschland Radio, to build out a national digital radio network using DAB+ technology, will be available providing the industry meets a tight timetable set out by the KEF. Space on the network however will be shared between public and commercial broadcasters giving the whole industry the opportunity to secure future development of radio. Conditions require commercial and public broadcasters to sign contracts with Media Broadcast GmbH by the end of September. Funding will also be made available to ARD for programmes which will continue to be broadcast the federal states.
Germany’s commercial radio broadcasters and network operator, Media Broadcast, have agreed to work together to facilitate national digital radio.