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Another interview with WorldDAB members exhibiting at IBC2023, and this time Joe D’Angelo, SVP Broadcast Radio and Digital Audio at Xperi tells us they'll be showcasing their DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal and DTS AutoStage video service, Powered by TiVo in the new BMW 5 series.

At midnight on 31 August, the deadline for applications to the tender for DAB+ networks closed. The Authority received applications from nine entities, six of which have deposited a cash guarantee in an amount allowing them to compete for nationwide networks (the first phase of the auction). The auction itself is scheduled to take place during October and will be conducted in four auction phases. "We are pleased with the interest shown in the auction of frequencies for the operation of commercial DAB+ networks, which is considerable, especially in terms of national networks," said Marek Ebert, the ČTÚ chairman.

The nine national commercial radio stations that obtained FM and DAB licences through an auction last summer can start broadcasting on their new frequency(ies) from today. DPG Media, Business Nieuws Radio, Financial News Radio, Mediahuis and Talpa Radio have until 1 December 2023 to actually use these frequencies for their broadcasts. The licences have a total term of 12 years (2023-2035).

The COLOR DAB+ multiplex started to support the RadioDNS function for the first radio stations, switching between traditional and online distribution. Miroslav Pýcha, the entrepreneur behind this digital network, has activated it for his own stations. These are Radio Sázava and Hey Radio, with Radio Color to follow shortly. Czech Radio also has this functionality active on its stations. "The RadioDNS system enables Czech Radio to optimally connect all three of our key distribution platforms, i.e. FM, DAB and the internet. This is a modern solution for hybrid radio," commented Karel Zýka, Director of Technology and Administration at Czech Radio.

Radio in Switzerland has never been as digital as it is today. Over 79% of the population listen to digital radio, while 8% still listen exclusively to FM radio. 48% listen to more than just digital radio, and 11% listen to no radio at all. These figures can be explained by developments in equipment. By the end of June 2023, DAB+ programmes could be received in 54% of vehicles on the road in Switzerland. A DAB+ device is installed as standard in 99.9% of all new vehicles.

On 4 September, Bretagne 5 began broadcasting its programmes on DAB+ in Brest. The arrival of Bretagne 5 in Brest is also the first step in extending its regional coverage, with the planned opening of new DAB+ frequencies in other towns in Brittany. Thanks to DAB+ digital broadcasting, listeners in Brest and the wider Brest area will now be able to tune in to Bretagne 5 with exceptional sound quality and without interference, whether at home, at work or in the car.

Malmö-based Mad Men Media was the big winner when the Swedish Press and Broadcasting Authority announced new additional licences for national and regional DAB+ in Sweden. Mad Men Media, which runs four FM stations in the southern region of Skåne, will have access to five of the seven new national licences from September 1. ”This is a way for us to secure access to the future of radio distribution. We applied for a national FM licence in 2018, when DAB was of marginal importance. Now DAB+ is a mature distribution platform and present in all new cars, and we feel it’s the perfect time to enter this market,” says Robert Persson, who is managing director and one of the three founders and owners of Mad Men Media.

Alongside WorldDAB Vice-President Jacqueline Bierhorst, and Nick Piggott from RadioDNS speaking on "DAB+ and the digital future for radio", more speakers have been added to this year’s Radiodays Asia, the leading radio and podcasting conference in the Asia-Pacific, to be held 5-6 September in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The DAB call for tenders ("Procedure for the assignment of the rights to use frequencies for the terrestrial digital radio broadcasting service") for the regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, Valle d’Aosta, Liguria, Tuscany, Umbria, Campania and Sicily was published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale Serie Generale no. 202. Applications to take part in the procedure must be submitted within 60 days of the date of publication of the notice.

KTO is continuing its roll-out and entering a new phase in its history with the launch of its radio channel on 4 September in digital quality using DAB+ technology. This method of broadcasting, whose development is accelerating in France, is of better quality, easier to use and more environmentally friendly than FM broadcasting. The programme schedule includes original creations (the morning show), joint live broadcasts with television (prayer times, major events, some editorial programmes), reworked television archive programmes (re-editing, sound enhancement) and programmes from partners (radio or podcast).