News

Digital audio consumption is increasing and the WorldDAB session at IBC2018 entitled “Radio’s Digital Strategy” provided a comprehensive focus on audio delivering platforms other than the traditional broadcast airwaves. During the conference, several delegates emphasized that radio has to be easily available where the audience is looking for audio entertainment services. “Radio still is Europe’s most trusted media,” European Broadcasting Union head of radio Graham Dixon said.

We recently reached a milestone in radio consumption: in 2018 so far, 50% of radio listening has been delivered by digital for the first time, inclusive of both IP and DAB. This was one of the criteria set by the government for reviewing whether there should be a digital radio switchover. It is right that we take this moment to reflect on the future for radio, the success of DAB - which now makes up 36% of the UK’s radio listening - and how we best guarantee the next generation of radio listeners.

It doesn't matter how many years go by – or how many newer, better-sounding audio standards come into vogue – the good old digital radio is still going strong. Five of the best DAB radio receivers available in the UK are reviewed here.

NME 1 is now available on DAB+ via a local DAB multiplex in parts of central London, and has launched a new skill for Alexa devices along with its sister station NME 2.

More than 100 people attended WorldDAB's IBC seminar "Radio's Digital Strategy" on Monday 17 September, exploring that whilst the main focus was on how DAB and DAB+ are firmly at the heart of the fast-evolving new digital landscape – that includes the likes of Google, Amazon, Sonos and Apple – a key warning to emerge from new research is the importance of preserving a broadcast digital radio infrastructure.

With the majority of radio listening now taking place through digital devices – aided by the ubiquity of in-car DAB radios – commercial radio groups are increasingly confident of investing in stations that are not available on FM.

Vauxhall has announced prices for the new Combo van featuring DAB as standard, while the newcomer has also been awarded with the 2019 International Van of the Year title.

Online community radio station Wandsworth Radio has been crowned the Digital Station of the Year during a national radio awards ceremony. The Battersea based radio station took the prize at the Community Radio Awards in Sheffield at the weekend.

8 October marked 300 days since national radio stations in Norway switched off their last FM signals, and NRK director Jo Branaes details the lessons learnt.

Tunnels in the Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland are set to receive DAB+ signals, with the motorway between Ticino and Mesolcina already covered, while tests are running between Airolo and Chiasso and in the canton of Grisons. All services should be ready for full transmissions by the end of November.