News

On 16 April, NDR put the DAB+ transmitter Karenz in the district of Ludwigslust-Parchim in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern into operation. This can be received on channel 12B (225.648 MHz). The transmitter covers the region between Ludwigslust and Elbe. Radio listeners there can now benefit not only from the improved sound quality and stability of DAB+ reception, but also from the much-requested coverage of NDR 1 Radio MV. Indoor reception is possible in Eldena, Malliß, Neu Kaliß and Dömitz. NDR's DAB+ programme offering includes the NDR 1, NDR 2, NDR Kultur, NDR Info and N-JOY programmes, all of which can still be received via FM. Radio listeners can also tune in to NDR Schlager, NDR Blue and NDR Info Spezial exclusively on digital radio.

Radio Exe has launched an all speech radio station for Devon on DAB digital radio called Devoncast Radio. It features sport, talk, arts and culture, with podcasts produced in or about the county across much of the south of Devon, together with local news and what’s on guides. Station manager Brad Hardware says: “Audiences for podcasts are growing, and radio is an ideal way to reach a larger audience, especially people who don’t search out or download content. Devoncast Radio means people can now listen on digital radio, at home or in the car, and hear a broad range of content.”

The BBC is consulting on proposals to evolve BBC Radio’s portfolio to suit the needs of modern audiences with plans to launch four new, distinctive, digital music stations on DAB+ as well as proposals to extend the broadcasting hours of Radio 5 Sports Extra. They will give more choice to those currently underserved by the BBC, and whom Ofcom have challenged the BBC to do more for. The consultations will run for six weeks from 14 February 2024 to 27 March 2024. The music stations – extensions to BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 3 - look to delve deeper into specific genres and periods of music with context, curation and storytelling.

Australia's media regulator ACMA has published a report revealing that since 2017 the number of weekly AM listeners has declined 33% (now at 23%); weekly FM listeners have declined 25% (now at 56%); radio over the internet has dropped from 12% to 9% and DAB has remained steady.

As of 15 April 2024, the Ministry assigned the first definitive rights of use for planned networks in the local catchment areas to DAB+ network operators in implementation of the Provisional National Plan for the Allocation of Frequencies in the VHF-III Band (PNAF-DAB). Thus began, on the day that celebrates the first national Made in Italy day, a new phase for the digital radio sector that is sure to offer new impetus to the entire sector. The regions involved for the time being are Emilia Romagna, Marche, Sardinia, and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano.

After two years at the helm of Commercial Radio & Audio, Ford Ennals has resigned, with Jo Dick, CRA chief commercial officer, taking on the CEO role while the board undertakes a search for a new CEO. “I’ve had the privilege to successfully guide the CRA through a key period of transition. I extend my gratitude to the CRA team and our members,” stated Ennals. “I am confident that the commercial radio and audio sector is well-positioned for future growth and success.” Ciaran Davis, chair of the CRA Board, thanked Ennals for his leadership of CRA, stating “Ford has made some great contributions during his tenure with CRA. We wish him well for his future role.”

Mallorca Radio Group now has four new DAB radio stations on air since 27 February. The new stations are aimed at German and English tourists who are already familiar with DAB in their home countries, and know about its ability to offer more choice to the listener. Mallorca Radio Group's DAB Project Manager, Mateo Zanoguera Alfaro, said they realised they needed to enhance their offer after being contacted by listeners asking for the opportunity to listen to their own radio stations.

The Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (MIMIT) has awarded Digital Radio Group Scarl Consortium usage rights for local DAB+ network operations. This assignment represents a significant step in local broadcasting, and is a prelude to the assignment of remaining areas, filling the gap between national and local operators.

The radio industry is calling for fast action to ensure smart technology does not stop Australians from easily accessing local radio content. Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has welcomed the recommendation made by the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, following the inquiry into the Communications Legislation Amendment (Prominence and Anti-siphoning) Bill 2023, that priority is given to the implementation of radio prominence on devices such as smart speakers. “We are pleased that the Committee has recognised that radio prominence on devices such as smart speakers needs to be a priority, but we need reassurance that connected cars will be included in any consultation,” said CRA Chairman and ARN Chief Executive, Ciaran Davis.

50% of the Austrian population aged 15 and over are familiar with the term DAB+ digital radio, its logo or even both. 26% of all households in Austria state that they have at least one DAB+-capable receiver and almost a quarter of the population has already listened to radio programmes via DAB+ digital terrestrial radio. Five years after the nationwide launch, 18% of the total population, or 960,000 Austrians, even use DAB+ (almost) daily, several times a week or at least several times a month. These are the key findings of the "DAB+ Digital Radio Austria 2024" study presented on 11 April 2024, which monitors the current awareness and reach of Austria's nationwide digital radio service.