Germany

Last update: 20.08.2024 - older versions

World premiere of DAB+ Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) system

WorldDAB and Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. proudly announce the launch of the "Automatic Safety Alert (ASA)" system after two years of intensive collaboration. This pioneering innovation in DAB+ digital radio technology aims to protect the public during emergencies by delivering reliable safety alerts without requiring an internet connection.

Listeners will benefit from a system that alerts them even if mobile or internet connections are disrupted. ASA operates automatically in the background, can be regionally adjusted for the location, and boasts high resilience thanks to the robust DAB+ radio transmission network. The new standard will be published globally shortly, with initial tests scheduled for the IFA Berlin and the nationwide Warntag in Germany in September. By mid-2025, new generations of DAB+ radios will support the ASA standard. 

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 the federal states: An overview

DAB+, the radio standard of today and the digital successor to FM, will continue to be the most important driver of the digitalisation of radio broadcasting in 2024. Listeners benefit from the continuously growing variety of DAB+ programmes: well over 300 radio stations are available via DAB+ in different regions; over 100 of these are broadcast exclusively digitally. 

Digitalradio Büro Deutschland has produced a useful overview of DAB+ in the federal states.

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: 20.08.2024 - older versions

WorldDAB and Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. proudly announce the launch of the "Automatic Safety Alert (ASA)" system after two years of intensive collaboration. This pioneering innovation in DAB+ digital radio technology aims to protect the public during emergencies by delivering reliable safety alerts without requiring an internet connection.

Benefits for listeners

Listeners will benefit from a system that alerts them even if mobile or internet connections are disrupted. ASA operates automatically in the background, can be regionally adjusted for the location, and boasts high resilience thanks to the robust DAB+ radio transmission network. The new standard will be published globally shortly, with initial tests scheduled for the IFA Berlin and the nationwide Warntag in Germany in September. By mid-2025, new generations of DAB+ radios will support the ASA standard. 

Jacqueline Bierhorst, President, WorldDAB said: “Radio is consistently named as one of the most trusted media around the world. It’s also rightly recognised for its critical role in times of crisis. Now, with this important digital innovation, DAB+ is future proofing this, offering listeners the reassurance of receiving Automatic Safety Alerts, tailored to their location.”

Collaboration of public and private organisations

Public and private radio broadcasters, device manufacturers, and German safety authorities such as the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) have joined forces to create a critical component for crisis communication using DAB+ digital radio. With powerful transmitters covering large distances, DAB+ can send regionalised warnings, ensuring people in affected areas receive timely and accurate alerts.

The catastrophic flood in the Ahr Valley three years ago, which resulted in numerous fatalities, spurred this development in Germany. Given the current global instability and climate change, ASA holds significant international importance as DAB+ is available in around 70 percent of Europe. ASA allows radio broadcasters worldwide to enhance the safety of their listeners.

Enhanced warning clarity

Additional text and image information accompanying spoken alert messages make warnings clearer and more understandable for affected individuals. International standardisation and resource-efficient programming further ensure the system's future viability on a global scale.

ASA functionality
  • Alerts: Spoken alert messages convey all relevant information about the emergency.
  • Wake-up Function: Radios can be activated by DAB+ signals, crucial for future generations of radio alarm clocks.
  • Switch Function: Receivers analyse references to alerts on other radio stations, increasing the flexibility and reach of warnings.
  • Location Codes: The DAB+ signal indicates warning areas accurately, ensuring only those in affected regions are notified.
  • Synchronisation: Wake-up cycles are very short, reducing power consumption and conserving battery power for portable receivers. Synchronisation with the radio signal ensures that all devices activate simultaneously and receive alerts concurrently.
Hardware development

WorldDAB, Digitalradio Deutschland e.V., and chip manufacturer Frontier Smart Technologies are working closely with manufacturers such as TechniSat and JVCKenwood to bring ASA-compatible devices to market, via their Siena Pro module and Kino 4 Pro chip with a new software SDK version.

With the standard's release, all DAB+ radio manufacturers worldwide are encouraged to integrate ASA into their product lines to ensure public safety through a wide range of brands. Frontier Smart Technologies have announced that the production version of ASA-compatible solutions will be available in Q4, enabling manufacturers to offer new devices to the market next summer. Other chip manufacturers are expected to follow suit.

Certification and ASA brand logo

To save lives, certification of new devices is mandatory. Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. and WorldDAB have developed a certification scheme for hardware manufacturers, based on the well-known "Digital Radio Tick Mark," which additionally tests typical ASA scenarios such as waking from standby and evaluation of location codes. An internationally recognised testing lab will ensure compliance with the standard. The ASA logo, found on certified device packaging and radios, highlights the consumer benefits and builds trust in the technology. The ASA brand logo is a registered trademark with the EUIPO for the EU, UK, and Switzerland.

IFA Berlin and Warning Day in Germany

Frontier Smart Technologies will present an initial platform test of ASA for B2B customers and the device industry at the upcoming IFA in Berlin (6-10 September). The exhibition will demonstrate how the new functions can be integrated into future generations of devices. On the nationwide Warntag (Warning Day) in Germany on 12 September, public and private radio broadcasters, in collaboration with Fraunhofer IIS, will conduct the first tests based on the ASA standard with selected devices.

Details of the new DAB+ ASA standard

The new specification for ASA "Automatic Safety Alert" via DAB+ is expected to be standardised globally by ETSI in September. ETSI, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, develops international standards for telecommunications and digital technologies, ensuring global compatibility and safety of devices and systems.

  • ASA is standardised as ETSI TS 104 090 "Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB); Emergency Warning System (EWS); Minimum requirements and test specifications for receivers."
  • The corresponding system definition is ETSI TS 104 089 "Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB); Emergency Warning System (EWS); Definition and rules of behaviour."
Absolut Radio AI to go live via DAB+
30.08.2023 - Germany Germany
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is currently the hot topic in the tech world, in society and in companies. Media companies move between rejection and innovation. Antenne Deutschland took a courageous step very early on and launched a fully AI-moderated station and put it online. The success now calls for the next logical step. Absolut Radio is going into terrestrial broadcasting in the Braunschweig area via DAB+. "The somewhat unexpected great success of Absolut Radio AI has virtually forced us to take this step," says Mirko Drenger, CEO of Antenne Deutschland. "AI presenter kAI has generated an enormous number of fans in just a few weeks. The streaming numbers are increasing daily. Braunschweig is a start. The sustainable success of DAB+ in Germany means that there are few free capacities. Of course, we do not rule out national distribution in the future," Drenger continues.

(RADIOSZENE) Read more


Start of DAB+ broadcasting for Radio Galaxy Saxony
30.08.2023 - Germany Germany
The Saxons can look forward to a new radio station: on 31 August, Radio Galaxy Saxony will be launched on digital radio/DAB and as an internet stream. The full radio programme geared to the Free State broadcasts the best current hits, important regional information and service tips for all young Saxons and those young at heart around the clock.

(Funkhaus Nürnberg) Read more


New radio station for NRW: bigFM to broadcast via DAB+ from 1 September
30.08.2023 - Germany Germany
A new radio station will be launched in North Rhine-Westphalia via DAB+ on 1 September with the national media brand bigFM. "We are delighted that bigFM with Germany's biggest beats will finally be heard on the radio throughout North Rhine-Westphalia," says bigFM Programme Director Patrick Morgan. "The whole team around the morning show presenters Kristina Fixemer and Rolf Vogel have been waiting for this for a long time."

(Audiotainment Südwest) Read more


Study shows continued DAB+ growth in Germany
25.08.2023 - Germany Germany
According to an Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analysestudy, DAB+ radio in Germany continued its successful course in the second quarter of 2023. The ma (media analysis) 2023 Audio II study notes that the use of DAB+ programs in Germany is growing while network expansion continues regionally and nationally. Broadcast launches in the states of Lower Saxony, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein bring more choice for listeners. In the latest study, agma highlights the nationwide stations showing notable growth via DAB+. For example, the Absolute brand grew 21.4% in listeners in the average hour. Similarly, the BOB! brand is also increasing its audience, primarily through digital distribution channels. Radio BOB! reaches 9.86 million contacts per day via various reception channels — an increase of 15.5% over the previous year.

(RedTech) Read more


DAB+ in Germany in the first half of 2023: More use, more variety, more radio
24.08.2023 - Germany Germany
DAB+ radio continued its successful course in the first half of 2023. The use of DAB+ stations is growing, while network expansion continues regionally and nationally. Broadcast launches in Lower Saxony, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein bring more choice for listeners. According to ma 2023 Audio II, 52 million people use radio services daily (Mon.-Fri.). In the current study published by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse (agma), DAB+ radio is holding its own with some growth: DAB+ is listened to by 28.6 per cent (ma 2023 Audio I: 28.5 per cent) in the "widest listener group" (WHK) segment. According to agma, it is also the services broadcast nationwide via DAB+ that are recording increases in listener numbers. For example, the "Absolute" radio programmes: With a growth rate of 21.4 per cent in listeners in the average hour, the stations are achieving new record values.

(Digitalradio Büro Deutschland) Read more


NDR continues DAB+ expansion: Better reception around Hamelin
23.08.2023 - Germany Germany
Amid steep cliffs, oak forests and special beech trees, NDR is now putting a new DAB+ transmitter into operation: in the Süntel in the Weserbergland. Radio listeners will be able to hear NDR radio programmes around Hameln in better sound quality and have more choice from Thursday, 24 August 2023. The areas of Hessisch Oldendorf, Bad Münder, Coppenbrügge, Salzhemmendorf, Emmerthal and Aerzen will benefit.

(Norddeutscher Rundfunk NDR) Read more


Radio’s digital future: DAB+ saving lives
23.08.2023 - WorldDAB News - Germany Germany
Following recent major natural disasters in Germany, such as those in the Ahr Valley and parts of Upper Bavaria in 2021, the country’s authorities recognize the value of emergency warnings and are turning increasingly to DAB+. The broadcast format, already loved by listeners for bringing them more of their favorite radio stations in digital quality, boasts technical parameters ideally suited for reaching those under threat. Its robust transmission and broad “high tower, high power” reach mean DAB+ can remain available in crisis situations, even if the cellular network infrastructure fails, such as due to flooding or the loss of DSL switches.

(RedTech) Read more


radio SAW: DAB+ for the Altmark, launch in Lower Saxony
18.08.2023 - Germany Germany
This year, VMG Medien and its strongest brand radio SAW are taking significant steps to position themselves even better digitally. "Among other things, we are investing extensively in the technical infrastructure of the DAB+ network," explains Harold Grönke, managing director and programme director at the Saxony-Anhalt media company headquartered in Magdeburg. "And we are doing so both in Saxony-Anhalt and in our broadcasting area in eastern Lower Saxony. By the end of the year, about 500,000 listeners will be able to receive our programmes either better or for the first time via DAB+."

(RADIOSZENE) Read more


Apollo Radio now also on DAB+
16.08.2023 - Germany Germany
You can receive Apollo Radio in the regions of Leipzig, Dresden and Chemnitz via DAB+, the new digital radio standard, around the clock. DAB+ is a modern technology for digital radio and allows you much better reception in Saxony and many additional features.

(Apollo Radio) Read more


bigFM and harmony.fm to launch on DAB+ in North Rhine-Westphalia
11.08.2023 - Germany Germany
radioWOCHE understands changes are coming to the state-wide DAB+ platform in North Rhine-Westphalia. At the end of the month, ZOUND1 MAX will be replaced by Audiotainment Südwest's bigFM, from 01.09.2023. RADIO/TELE FFH GmbH & Co Betriebs-KG would like to broadcast the programme harmony.fm via the platform, replacing ZOUND1 MIX. The other broadcasters were informed about the changes in the allocation of the platform of audio.digital NRW GmbH.

(radioWOCHE) Read more


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Key Information

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

Useful Links

Intelligent transport systems Action Plan and Directive
Bill of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy - Fourth Law amending the Telecommunications Act 
The Action Plan for the Transformation of Radio Broadcasting in the Digital Age Roadmap - Progress Report for the Digital Radio Board
dabplus.de
Digitization Report
DAB Technical Forum