News

The RAJAR Q1, 2015 radio listening infographic shows a growing increase in DAB listening with 26 million adults having access to a DAB receiver, a 3% Year on Year increase. DAB radio continues to be the most popular device when it comes to listening digitally, accounting for 65% of all digital hours.

More people are listening to radio in London via a digital platform than they are on analogue, according to the latest RAJAR figures. Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, says “The surge of digital listening to almost 40% share is a landmark moment for digital radio, and shows the achievability of the 50% listening criterion set by Government for a radio switchover.”

At the WorldDMB European Automotive Event held today in Brussels, broadcasters from across Europe called for digital radio to be fitted as standard in all cars to give drivers access to the benefits of digital radio services. The last six months have seen a stream of political developments across Europe in support of digital radio.

DAB+ dominated the discussion at the recent Senate round table, at which all of the French radio landscape was represented. Patrice Gélinet highlighted the many contradictions of those opposing the CSA's recent report on DAB+. He continually called them out on their criticism of the presumed cost and obsolescence of DAB+, pointing out their continued use of AM - "a technology dating from the 1930s, overpriced and no longer viable", and emphasizing the role of the public broadcaster which should launch DAB+ digital radio. The debate marked a new stage in the long road towards digital radio, with the arguments of those opposing seeming to be without foundation and disconnected from economic and strategic reality ... and showing a lack of conviction towards the future of radio as a medium.

The UK radio listening audience will get a new selection of digital radio stations next year when the country’s second national commercial DAB multiplex goes on air. The licence has been awarded to Sound Digital, a consortium of Bauer Media, UTV Media and transmission network provider Arqiva, which promises DAB+ capability for at least one station.

Since last week, the first DAB+ information signes appeared along Dutch roads. Over the coming months, more DAB+ signs will appear along the Dutch (fast) roads.

Volkswagen is launching a DAB digital radio network across its van range. According to the brand it is the first commercial vehicle network to be fully accredited by DAB authority Digital Radio UK. The choice of units has been developed with leading consumer electronics manufacturer and in-vehicle DAB pioneer Pure.

There are a number of DAB digital radio changes, including the addition of a further BBC Radio service in Northern Ireland, a change to Kiss in South Essex and details about the forthcoming BBC Radio 2 Eurovision service.

Digital Radio UK says it’s pleased by the news that Ed Vaizey will continue in his role as Minister for Culture and Digital Economy following the cabinet reshuffle. Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, said: “We welcome the return of Ed Vaizey as Culture Minister. He is passionate about radio and a great advocate for the sector. Ed’s reappointment will ensure strong leadership and continued Government support for delivering UK radio’s digital future.”

The Danish Broadcasting Corporation, also known as DR, has recently completed the installation of a DAB+ radio headend system at its headquarters in Copenhagen.