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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.

WorldDAB to host Interoperability workshop

29.10.2021 - Germany

This year’s interoperability workshop, a technical test session organised by the WorldDAB Technical Committee (TC), will be a hybrid event held on 10 November from 11:00-16:00 CET at the Select Hotel Erlangen in Erlangen, Germany. The purpose of the workshop is to provide a discussion platform for all technical aspects of operating the DAB system. Transmission side experiments and receiver prototypes can be matched, and interoperability issues can be identified and addressed. Conclusions reached will be reviewed by the TC and may lead to specification updates.

(WorldDAB) Read more

Green light for "Oldie Antenne" to launch on DAB+

27.10.2021 - Germany

At its meeting on October 21, the Bavarian media council (BLM) granted Antenne Bayern permission to host and distribute state-wide the DAB+ radio service "Oldie Antenne". Said BLM President Dr. Thorsten Schmiege: “In terms of programming, Oldie Antenne is an interesting addition to the radio market and contributes to its diversity. In terms of media policy, the new station is a further commitment to DAB+ digital radio. Antenne Bayern is now a pioneer in DAB , and with this decision confirms the clear DAB+ strategy. Last but not least, the decision to offer the new station in the best DAB quality to a state wide audience strengthens Bavaria as a media location."

(Infosat.de ) Read more

egoFM officially starts on October 29th via DAB + in NRW

26.10.2021 - Germany

Radio listeners in North Rhine-Westphalia can look forward to ten new DAB + digital radio stations. The private broadcaster egoFM has also been there from the start. The station is looking forward to surprising listeners in NRW with a “beautiful, new world of radio”. The innovative audio platform egoFM, two-time German Radio Prize winner, promises a special radio programme based on the motto: Music that changes everything. Diversity that broadens your horizons. Ideas that save the world. "We are very pleased to be able to expand our broadcasting area with the DAB+ network of North Rhine-Westphalia," said Christian Strohmeier, Managing Director of Radio Next Generation GmbH & Co KG. This means that the station can potentially reach an additional 18 million people in a largely urban region. “From our point of view, the perfect audience for a station like egoFM”.

(Infosat.de) Read more

Schlager Radio launches state-wide on October 29th

25.10.2021 - Germany

Schlager Radio will start broadcasting on the North Rhine-Westfalia DAB+ multiplex to launch on 29 October. The launch of the station fills a gap in the offer to listeners, by providing a channel that plays the popular music genre "Schlager". North Rhine-Westphalia is the "Schlagerland" of the Federal Republic. Nowhere is the enthusiasm for the genre of music in Germany greater than in NRW and many popular artists come from North Rhine-Westphalia and have a huge fan base all over Germany.

(Infosat.de ) Read more

DAB+ multiplex in NRW opens new multimillion market

20.10.2021 - Germany

Radio listeners across North Rhine-Westphalia can listen to a wider selection of programmes from 29 October with 16 services via DAB+. Said Jan-Uwe Brinkmann: “Finally, a real radio market will also emerge in NRW with attractive nationwide providers and competition in private radio. According to estimates by market observers, up to 100 million euros in advertising money per year are wasted because the previous politically wanted radio landscape was unable to offer the appropriate advertising space. We and the other platform programmes will now change that with our nationwide offers. In this respect, the launch of DAB+ in NRW opens up a new multi-million market."

(Radioszene) Read more

Hanover tests alternative DAB+ programme feed in event of a disaster

15.10.2021 - Germany

DAB+ stations whose programme feed is interrupted due to interference receive the programme terrestrially from another DAB+ station, convert it to a different frequency (channel) and broadcast it again with a short time delay. The programme that has been distributed in this way can now be received by other DAB+ stations and broadcast on a different frequency. In this way, comprehensive broadcasting coverage can be achieved even in the event of a disaster. Manufacturers of receivers and receiver chips, as well as the automotive industry, are invited to test their receivers with regard to re-broadcasting.

(InfoDigital) Read more

German radio industry joins forces for nationwide DAB+ Christmas campaign

11.10.2021 - Germany

ARD, Deutschlandradio, private broadcasters and other members of the Digitalradio Deutschland association are together promoting DAB+ together with a nationwide campaign. From November 22nd to December 5th, the various measures on TV and radio as well as in print and online are under the motto: “Hear what you want, but hear it right. With the new generation of radio." The cross-media campaign elements used include TV spots, nationwide radio spots and program trailers on public and private radio, as well as image motifs for use in print and online marketing, and on social media platforms. The multichannel communication will include training courses for employees in over 2,200 retail stores.

(dabplus.de ) Read more

German city of Görlitz promotes itself nationwide via DAB+

06.10.2021 - Germany

The city of Görlitz promotes itself all over Germany via the three national DAB+ programs FEMOTION RADIO, SPORTRADIO DEUTSCHLAND and dpd DRIVER'S RADIO, which can be received via the national DAB+ platform, the so-called 2nd DAB+ Bundesmux, and thus reaching over 67 million people in Germany. Through emotional spots and other audio content, listeners can hear how liveable and multifaceted the city of Görlitz is. German city of Görlitz promotes itself nationwide via DAB+

(Radioszene) Read more

Germany's 2nd national DAB+ platform celebrates one year on air

06.10.2021 - Germany

Germany's second national DAB + platform is celebrating its first birthday: operated by Antenne Deutschland the national multiplex has been on air since 5 October, 2020. In the meantime, 15 of the up to 16 new commercial radio stations can be received nationwide, including well-known radio brands and attractive new formats. A total of 28 DAB+ radio stations are now broadcast nationwide in Germany.

(dabplus.de) Read more

DAB+ network expansion in Germany

29.09.2021 - Germany

Public broadcaster MDR has expanded its DAB+ transmitter network to further improve DAB+ coverage in the region. The expansion improves digital radio reception in buildings for around 85,000 households in the region - mobile reception in the area is already at around 99 percent.

(Radio Szene) 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