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Germany

Last update: 01.07.2024 - older versions

DAB+ in Schleswig-Holstein: Switching from FM to DAB+ digital radio

Private and public radio stations have reached an agreement with the state government and the state media authority to gradually switch to DAB+ digital radio broadcasting via FM antennas in the northernmost federal state from 2025 to 2031.

In 2025, RADIO BOB! rockt Schleswig-Holstein, delta radio and Antenne Sylt will migrate completely from FM to DAB+ and IP web radio. Further stations will then follow, including Deutschlandradio which will switch to purely digital coverage with DAB+ for 16 FM stations from mid-2025. The switchover from FM to DAB+ will then be completed for all parties involved with the R.SH station at the end of June 2031.

DAB+ in 2023: Steady development in radio's anniversary year

DAB+ radio draws a positive conclusion on the centenary of radio. Despite a challenging market environment, digital radio will continue to enjoy stable growth in 2023. More and more people are listening to digital radio, more and more programmes are available via DAB+ and the steadily increasing attractiveness is also reflected in the usage and sales figures.

According to the "Audio Trends 2023" study by the media authorities, the number of DAB+ radios in households (car and stationary devices) grew to 28.3 million, which is 4.4 million more than in the previous year. This corresponds to a relative increase of 19 per cent.

New digital radios are replacing decommissioned FM sets: Compared to the previous year, the number of FM radios is down by 5.5 million. In cars, buyers of new vehicles are benefiting from the digital radio obligation. With 94 per cent DAB+ in new cars and 41 per cent DAB+ in used cars, digital radio has reached a new record here.

Read the Digitalradio Büro Deutschland press release

Launch of second national multiplex

In October 2020, Antenne Deutschland launched a second DAB+ multiplex that will host up to 16 new national commercial radio stations. In addition to distributing its own programs, Antenne Deutschland also plans to offer stations to third parties. The NRJ Group will be also be broadcasting its popular Nostalgie station on the multiplex.

DAB+ regulation

According to Germany's Telecoms Law, all new car radios should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21th Dec 2020 – as required by the European Electronic Communications Code.

The law also requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example, DAB+ or IP) – from the same date. Read the press release on the new German national legislation here

An overview of the status of DAB+ digital radio in Germany is available at www.dabplus.de/sender

Last update: 08.10.2020 - older versions

Digital radio is available in all metropolitan areas. The total coverage (combined coverage of ARD multiplexes and the national multiplex) is 98% of the population.

The 1st level road coverage of the national network is 12,700 km which is equal to 98%.

Detailed information on the network coverage can be found on www.digitalradio.de/empfang.

Last update: 10.05.2023 - older versions

In this country there are

on air.

An up-to-date overview of the DAB+ digital radio services on air in Germany is available at www.dabplus.de/sender.

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.

	Simulcast on AM / FM	Exclusive on digital	Total of services
DAB+ programmes	200	70	270

Last update: 16.02.2022 - older versions

94% of new cars sold equipped with DAB+

In Germany, as of H2 2021, 94% of new cars were sold with digital radio as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2022).

Amendment to the Telecommunications Act, Section 48, para. 4 and 5

According to Germany's new national legislation on digital radio, all radios in new cars should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21 Dec 2020 – as required by the European Electronic Communications Code. The law also requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example,DAB+ or IP) – from the same date.

The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.

Last update: 04.03.2021 - older versions

Receiver sales and revenues

In 2020, over 1.83 million DAB+ receivers were sold in Germany - this represents a 15.2 percent growth compared to 2019.

Revenues from DAB+ receiver sales also grew by 13 percent, from €216 million in 2019 to the current record of €244 million in 2020.

As of Q2 2020, cumulative DAB/DAB+ receiver sales stood at 16,623,000 (including line fit automotive).

German Government mandates Digital Interface in most radios

In September 2019, the German federal parliament reiterated its commitment to DAB+ by passing a revision to its Telecoms Law. The law was approved, and made official in November 2019.

The law requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example, DAB+ or IP) – from the same date. The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.

Initiative Digital Radio Deutschland Product Finder

Overview list of the digital radio receivers available on the German market

The 2020 Digitisation Report carried out by Die Medienanstalten during IFA 2020 is available here (in German)

Digital Radio Germany's 2020 DAB+ report is available here (in German)

Last update: 18.07.2022 - older versions

There are currently no news available for this section.

Last update: 01.12.2022 - older versions

What about the radio button in the car?

Are audio systems and voice assistants in car user interfaces within the meaning of the State Media Treaty? This question is the subject of a legal opinion commissioned by the Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia. On 23 November 2022, the expert opinion by Prof. Dr. Ralf Müller-Terpitz entitled "Rechtliche Einordnung von Audiosystemen und Sprachassistenten mit dem Fokus Auto" (Legal classification of audio systems and voice assistants with a focus on cars) was published and can now be downloaded from the Authority's website.

The conclusion of the expert opinion is that integrated audio systems represent a user interface for linear radio reception in the car. The same applies to the manufacturers' own voice assistants which are responsible for the navigation of the audio system. Thus, car manufacturers fall under the Treaty and must in future comply with the regulations for linear radio reception in the integrated audio system. "The result of the expert opinion is essentially: What looks like a user interface and is operated like a user interface is a user interface. This is good news for radio, for journalism and for users," said Dr. Tobias Schmid, Director of the Landesanstalt für Medien NRW, commenting on the results of the expert opinion.

Read the full press release from Landesanstalt für Medien NRW

DAB+ regulation in Germany

In September 2019, the German federal parliament reiterated its commitment to DAB+ by passing a revision to its Telecoms Law.

The law was approved, and made official in November 2019. According to the revised law, all radios in new cars should be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio from 21st Dec 2020 – as required by the European Electronic Communications Code.

The obligation only applies to new cars, and does not apply to quads, trucks or other vehicles for goods transport. The law also requires all new consumer radios, capable of displaying a station’s name, to be able to receive digital signals (for example, DAB+ or IP) – from the same date.

The new German national legislation with explanatory text is available in English here.

Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions

The following websites provide information on all available services, the latest marketing and receivers for home and on the move.

dabplus.de

Rundfunk Forum

DAB+ promotion campaigns

In this 3-minute DAB+ promotional video published by German broadcaster ARD Digital, media personality Anni Dunkelmann explains to consumers the various benefits of DAB+, such as improved sound quality, a wider choice of listening and the ability of certain receivers to show visual displays.

YouTube tip: to see video subtitles in your local language, click on the settings icon located at the bottom right of the video, select settings, then auto translate, then your preferred language option.

Summer 2019

The German digital radio industry (public and commercial radio) organised a DAB+ promotion week from 13-24 May 2019. Cross-media activities included on-air radio spots, consumer and B2B print advertisements and advertorials, social media and on www.dabplus.de. The week included also training and promotion within the retail sector.

Summer 2018

A new German multimedia campaign promoting DAB+ will launch on 27 August, with the slogan "DAB+. Mehr Radio" (DAB+, More Radio) to be branded across TV, radio, print and online. On 30 August, an "Editorial Theme Day" will be held at IFA Berlin by German broadcaster ARD and other commercial radio stations to discuss the benefits of DAB+. The initiative is a collaboration between German broadcaster ARD and other commercial radio stations, as part of a nationwide rebrand of DAB+.

Christmas 2017

Christmas promotion "Give a DAB + Radio" Starting November 27th, in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, radio and TV spots will once again be broadcasting spots and actions about the DAB + listening experience at ARD, Deutschlandradio, private radio stations and other partners.

May 2017

ARD and Deutschlandradio started a cross-media nationwide marketing campaign for DAB+ radio from 2 May 2017. The campaign will include radio, television and internet, as well as images for print and online use. DAB+ has also received an eye-catching new logo, with which broadcasters, manufacturers and retailers can promote the new radio standard.

Examples of the implementation of new DAB+ logo can be viewed here: http://www.digitalradio.de/index.php/de/haendlerbereich. Download the Press Release.

Under the motto "As clear as if I were there", the ARD has a nationwide marketing campaign for DAB+ together with Deutschlandradio and other partners. This includes TV commercials as well as on numerous online channels. In the ARD, with Deutschlandradio and private broadcasters are broadcasting various radio adspots. In addition, there are print and online motifs on the new website www.dabplus.de.

Last update: 08.09.2020 - older versions

There are currently no news available for this section.

The future of radio in Germany is digital

09.12.2014 - Bayerischer Rundfunk WorldDAB Member - Germany

In a live television debate, Bayerischer Rundfunk Director Ulrich Wilhelm discussed with the audience that the future of the media world is digital and radio is no exception. It is the task of BR to convince the public of the benefits of digital radio and to ensure it's national rollout. Watch the full video.

(Bayerischer Rundfunk) Read more

VPRT acknowledges ARD's position on digital radio

28.11.2014 - Germany

Speaking on today's announcement from ARD on the future of digital radio, Chairman of the Radio Department at VPRT commented: "...A process for the discussion on the criteria necessary for a transition towards digital radio needs to take place. VPRT continues to rely on a broad approach to digitisation, across all platforms, and without being limited to one particular path."

(VPRT) Read more

ARD reiterates intention to develop digital radio in a consistent manner

27.11.2014 - Germany

ARD wants to move ahead with the transition to radio broadcasting via DAB+. From the perspective of the ARD network of regional broadcasters, digital radio is a relevant distribution platform with high added value for listeners. The simulcast phase, i.e. simultaneous radio broadcasting on FM and DAB+ should be kept as long as necessary and as cost-effectively as possible. At the same time, users should be given sufficient time for their transition to the digital distribution channel. Download English translation.

(pressportal.de) Read more

German radio welcomes DAB+ digital radio commitment from ARD

26.11.2014 - Germany

Germany radio director Dr. Willi Steul welcomed the clear commitment from the ARD for accelerated expansion of DAB+. At their meeting in Hanover, representatives of the ARD called on the legislature to create the conditions and increased incentives for switching from analogue to digital radio DAB+.

(Radio Woche) Read more

DAB+ to play key role in Bavarian Christmas campaign

25.11.2014 - Germany

Digital radio will play a significant role in a Bavarian campaign to celebrate the Christmas season. A newly launched Digital Radio Germany marketing campaign in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg will feature on digital radio and will be supported by print and online advertising. Michael Reichert, Head of ARD Project Office Digital Radio, SWR said. "We want to draw attention to Digital Radio. Buoyed by latest GfK figures, digital radio is the largest driver of growth in the segment portable radios ". Press release (German) attached.

SWR to commission new DAB+ transmitter sites

25.11.2014 - Germany

The Südwestrundfunk (the regional public service broadcaster of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate) continues expanding its DAB+ coverage: Over the next weeks, until the end of the year, new transmitter sites will be commissioned successively in the SWR network

(Bayern Digital Radio ) Read more

Portable digital radio receiver sales booming

11.11.2014 - Germany

A GfK report reveals that for the first time in Germany, revenue made from the sale of DAB+ portable radios exceeded that made from FM devices.

(teltarif) Read more

German Public Broadcasters Expand DAB+ Coverage

03.11.2014 - Germany

Germany’s public broadcasters are continuing the expansion of DAB+ coverage in their regions across that country. In Hesse, Hessischer Rundfunk is set to expand as a new transmitter at Hardberg will come on-air next summer. In the central part of the country, Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk is on the verge of a major re-organisation of its DAB+ networks in Saxony, Sanksen-Anhalt, and Thuringia. In the southwest portion of Germany, Südwestrundfunk (SWR) is available via channel 8D in the south portion of the state and on 9D in the northeast portion.

(Radio Magazine) Read more

First private digital radio platform for Hamburg. MA HSH has frequencies for DAB+

30.10.2014 - Germany

In Hamburg the media authority MA HSH has granted the digital radio platform to Media Broadcast. This is nationwide for the first time an entire transmission capacity of a DAB+ radio has been awarded to a platform operator to broadcast private radio programs.

(Medienanstalt Hamburg / Schleswig- Holstein (MA HSH)) Read more

First private digital radio platform in Hamburg

30.10.2014 - Germany

The Media Council of Medienanstalt Hamburg / Schleswig-Holstein (MA HSH) Media Broadcast GmbH has allocated transmission capacity for the operation of a digital radio platform in the Hamburg area. This is nationwide for the first time the total transmission capacity of a DAB+ channel has been assigned to a broadcasting platform operators. At the same time so that in Northern Germany clears the way for the spread of the first regional program package with private radio services on DAB+.

(Infodigital) Read more

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Key Information

Status:	regular
Population:	83.8 million
Population coverage:	98%
Services:	270 DAB+
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard:	95%
Total Sales (cumulative):	25,800,000 devices
Penetration by household:	34%
Last update: 26.02.2024