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Germany

Last update: 24.08.2023 - older versions

DAB+ in Germany in the first half of 2023: More use, more variety, more radio

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.

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 from January 2020.

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.

Liechtenstein plans DAB multiplex as Lake Constance group discuss digital radio

31.03.2023 - OFCOM Switzerland WorldDAB Member - Bayerische Landeszentrale fur neue Medien (BLM) WorldDAB Member - Germany - Austria - Switzerland - Liechtenstein

Rainer Schnepfleitner, Head of the Office for Communications (AK) in Liechtenstein, and Severin Näscher, Regulation Audiovisual Media of the AK, presented a project to set up a DAB+ multiplex to cover Liechtenstein. Stefan Rauschenberger, head of the media law department at RTR Medien, provided information on the status of DAB+ in Austria and the current consultation on a selection principle ordinance with the aim of putting out to tender another nationwide or regional DAB+ multiplex in Austria.

(RTR) Read more

More radio for Schleswig-Holstein

30.03.2023 - Media Broadcast GmbH WorldDAB Member - Germany

As of 30 March, DAB+ listeners in the northern-most federal state can receive a significantly expanded range of stations. With the launch of the new DAB+ bouquet in four regions, the total number of stations that can be received digitally between the North and Baltic Seas via DAB+ in the best quality has increased to up to 52, which is a multiple of the existing FM station offering. By dividing the transmitter network into four regions with separate programme packages, the greatest possible variety of transmitters with national, regional and local programmes was realised.

(Media Broadcast) Read more

NDR's new DAB+ antenna in Flensburg ensures better digital radio reception

30.03.2023 - Germany

NDR has put a new DAB+ antenna into operation at its transmitter site in Flensburg-Engelsby, achieving greater transmission power and radiation in all directions. This means that NDR radio programmes can now be received in even better quality not only in northern Schleswig-Holstein, but also in large parts of northern Schleswig in Denmark. In the area between Böxlund, Lindewitt, Langenhorn and Ladelund west of Flensburg, as well as in the area between Steinbergkirche, Falshöft and Süderbrarup, modern digital radio will now also be received indoors - as it was previously in and around Flensburg. At the same time, the coverage gap on the B199 between Gelting and Rabel will also be closed for mobile reception in cars.

(Norddeutscher Rundfunk) Read more

Top reach for DAB+ in Germany

30.03.2023 - Germany

DAB+ is one of the clear winners of the current radio reach study "ma 2023 Audio I". Distribution via DAB+ continues to gain in importance, while online audio loses slightly. DAB+ is heard by 28.5 percent of the population (ma 2022 Audio II: 27.0 percent) in the so-called widest circle of listeners (WHK) and is used disproportionately in the target group of 30 to 59 year olds (WHK: 32.0 percent – ma 2022 Audio II: 30.1 percent).

(Digitalradio Deutschland) Read more

Schleswig-Holstein: Private radio stations can now be heard statewide on DAB+

29.03.2023 - Germany

After the commissioning of the last multiplex at the Heide site and the migration of previous pilot projects in Lübeck, Kiel and on the island of Sylt, private radio stations in Schleswig-Holstein can now be heard throughout the state via digital radio DAB+. After several switch-ons and switch-offs, the provisional allocations should now be on the network. In the future, even more stations are expected. Radio 21, for example, also wants to supply large parts of Schleswig-Holstein with its rock programmes on DAB+.

(SatelliFax) Read more

Radio Bollerwagen can now also be received in Flensburg and on Sylt via DAB+

28.03.2023 - Germany

It is the fourth nationwide DAB+ multiplex in Germany in which the party station of the ffn media group from Hanover is represented. Radio Bollerwagen can now also be received on DAB+ in Flensburg and on Sylt. "After our successful launches in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse and Hamburg, we are pleased to now also broadcast on DAB+ in Schleswig-Holstein - in Flensburg and on Sylt to be precise - and to reach new target groups," says Harald Gehrung, CEO of the ffn-mediengruppe.

(Infosat) Read more

89.0 RTL now also on DAB+ in the Free State of Saxony

28.03.2023 - Germany

The radio station 89.0 RTL continues to expand its broadcast area and can now finally be received by more than 3.7 million people in the Free State of Saxony. The young format had already secured one of the coveted spots on the state-wide private DAB+ multiplex on channel 12A last year. The station is thus continuing its steady growth and will be receivable nationwide via DAB+ digital radio in five federal states when it goes on air in Lower Saxony later this year.

(Funkhaus Halle) Read more

State-wide DAB+ platform in Saxony is launched

27.03.2023 - Media Broadcast GmbH WorldDAB Member - Germany

From 27 March, listeners in Saxony can receive nine new radio stations via DAB+ in the best quality at home and on the move. With the launch of the state-wide DAB+ platform, Media Broadcast is providing an attractive range of stations, increasing the number of receivable local, regional, state-wide and national programmes from private and public broadcasters in individual regions of Saxony to over 70 digital radio stations.

(Media Broadcast) Read more

#RDE23: Saying hello to DAB+: three countries, three experiences

27.03.2023 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Norway - Germany - Czechia

Countries adapting the DAB+ technology can benefit from its many benefits, however, they also face significant challenges. Ole Jørgen Torvmark from Norway: It was the first country to close off FM and as Torvmark states, “radio there is actually still alive.” The biggest change was the growth of stations in the country. With the FM technology and difficult topographical situation there were only five stations. After the switch to DAB+ this number has grown to 33. “We all believed in digital future and importance of broadcasting for years to come,” he said, but he also stressed the importance of the listener’s initiative. “In the end, people did the biggest job, upgrading their radios and cars to be able to listen to the new radio,” he finished.

(Radiodays Europe) Read more

DAB+: Tests from new sites in Schleswig-Holstein

27.03.2023 - Germany

Extensive tests are reported from Schleswig-Holstein on DAB+. The private ensemble Kiel (channel 5A) can now also be heard at the Hennstedt location near Itzehoe, while the Lübeck ensemble (channel 9D) went on the air from the Mölln and Bungsberg locations. Meanwhile, the private station Radio Flensburg had announced that they were ready for the start of regular operation, which should take place at the beginning of April.

(SatelliFax) 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