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With the symbolic pushing of the green button by representatives of the companies and institutions involved, ten new radio programmes went on air via DAB+ throughout North Rhine-Westphalia at 2pm on 29 October. Another six programmes will follow in the coming weeks and months. Head of the State Chancellery, State Secretary Nathanael Liminski, said: “Today's start of the state-wide private DAB+ multiplex symbolizes the strength of the radio landscape in North Rhine-Westphalia and the spirit of innovation of all involved."

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.

VRT Radio is strengthening its offering on DAB+ with two sub-brands. Both Radio 2 Bene Bene and StuBru De Tijdloze are already existing popular radio programs and digital music streams in the apps. From now on they will also be available on DAB+. "With this extra offer, we are strengthening the further digitisation of the radio landscape," says manager VRT Radio & Audio, Els Van de Sijpe. "Already 38% of the listening volume in Flanders is digital. DAB+ is driving this evolution as a digital successor to FM, with complementary listening via web players, apps or via digital TV. A richer offer will further accelerate digital listening."

Commercial radio is reaching 36.8 million people across the UK, the biggest audience it has ever recorded, according to official audience data provided by RAJAR. While the latest figures have been calculated using a modified survey methodology, they also show that the total combined audience for all UK radio (BBC and commercial) is now the highest level recorded at 49.5m people. That represents 89% of the UK adult population.

Digital listening in the UK has surged to 65.8% of all radio listening. DAB is now the predominant platform for radio listening accounting for 43% of all listening compared to 34.2% for AM/FM. The strong performance of digital platforms has been boosted by the launch of a number of new digital stations in the last 18 months. Digital listening in car now accounts for 53% of all in car listening, with DAB in car accounting for 46.6% of listening (compared to AM/FM’s 33.1%). Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, said: ‘’The new RAJAR listening data for Q3 2021 confirms the importance of digital listening and digital platforms which now account for two thirds of all radio listening. It’s funny to consider that some radio industry commentators used to question the viability of DAB which is now comfortably the predominant radio platform accounting for 25% more hours of listening than FM and AM combined. It’s good to see the new distinctive digital-only stations launched during the pandemic finding audiences and supporting digital growth.”

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."

On Monday, Qmusic in Flanders will launch Q-DOWNTOWN on DAB+. Michael Dujardin, channel manager Qmusic in Flanders in a press release about the new radio station: “We are very happy to announce Q-DOWNTOWN today, because from now on we can offer a large group of young people a broad and accessible radio station that completely matches their way of life. As a Flemish media company, we see it as our task and responsibility to create an inclusive offer that fully reflects how our society is structured today."

From 29 October radio listeners in North Rhine-Westphalia can look forward to a large selection of additional programmes via DAB+. With a total of 16 channels in the new, state-wide programme offering from audio.digital NRW GmbH, the variety will again increase significantly. Together with the regional and nationwide DAB+ programmes already broadcast, a total of up to 60 radio programmes in the best digital quality will then be available in Germany's most populous federal state, both at home and in the car.

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”.

On Monday, Polish Radio, together with 13 regional public radio stations, announced a tender for DAB+ broadcast services in more locations. Up until now coverage was focused on cities, and with this extension applies more to the main roads. DAB+ today reaches 67 percent of inhabitants of Poland, increasing to approximately 80 percent after the spring 2022 expansion.