News

Recently it was reported that Norway would shut off FM radio beginning in 2017. DAB allows for more programming to be encoded and transmitted than standard FM. In a press release, the government of Norway said, “Whereas the FM system only had space for five national channels, DAB already offers 22, and there is capacity for almost 20 more. In addition, more than half the population already has access to local radio on DAB, and there is considerable potential for further local channels.”

The Norwegian Ministry of Culture recently announced that the country will be completing its transition from traditional FM radio stations to Digital Audio Broadcasting, or DAB, by 2017. Aside from Norway, other European countries are contemplating a similar move. Both Sweden and Denmark estimate the switchover to happen by 2022, while the United Kingdom is considering a progressive switch-off between 2017 and 2022.

MDR-director Karola Wille welcomes the collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transport and digital infrastructure (BVMI) on the transition to a digital radio. Wille says "Laying the ground for the digital future of terrestrial broadcasting now, can only succeed in broad consensus."

The Phoenix FM team hopes Brentwood is one of ten pilot areas licensed by radio regulator Ofcom to trial small scale DAB digital radio services. If successful in their application, transmissions could start as soon as this summer.

As of 2017, analog broadcasting on FM will give way to digital terrestrial radio (RNT) in Norway. "This had never been done before, it's a pretty scary prospect for everyone," said the British consultant James Cridland, which presents itself as a "futurist radio". "All eyes are on Norway."

The CSA (regulator) announced in its report submitted on January 21 that it wants to continue the deployment of DAB+ in France in the border areas, where the FM offer is poor. Les Indés Radios ask for continued commitment, which areas and how many will be selected, and the timetable for the call for applications.

The ability of FM to cope with the demands of future developments were questioned during an event organised by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure in Berlin on 16 April.

By deciding to convert all of its radio stations to digital broadcasting by 2017, Norway has pioneered. Yet it is not the only country to pay close attention to digital broadcasting.

It is the radio format that has delivered the latest chart hits, news and talk shows in stereo to homes around the world for decades. But now the characteristic hiss of interference that accompanies most FM broadcasts is set to fall silent. Norway has announced that it will be the the first country in the world to switch off its FM radio signal.

Chairman of The Indés Radio (an association of 128 local radio stations), Jean-Eric Valli says “DAB+ is essential. We welcome the decision by Norway. Internet is not the only way, and we will soon be one of the few countries where a decision on DAB+ has not been taken. It is time that DAB+ is a reality everywhere in France, as is already the case in Europe.”