News

The most recent Digital Migration (DigiMig) working group report reveals that listening via DAB+ digital radio has surpassed FM radio for the first time.

53 percent of all radio listening in Switzerland is now digital, taking it ahead of analogue for the first time. Digital radio listening has increased by eight percentage points in a year, rising from 45 percent in the spring of 2015 to 53 percent in the same period of 2016. Analogue FM transmission in Switzerland will gradually be replaced by digital radio as of 2020. 

Bayerische Rundfunk has started three new Franconian regional networks for digital radio with eight DAB+ transmitters. DAB+ will now be available in the regions of Bayern, Mainfranken, Bavaria Central and Upper Franconia.

This model has a DAB+ digital radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob, and it also scores paddle-shifters, and an auto-dimming rear mirror.

Over the past 12 months, more than 70,000 DAB receivers were sold in France. This represents an increase in sales of 32% year on year.

The Portsmouth minimux, owned and operated by Angel Radio, is now a year old and has 17 services broadcasting, with two more expected to launch soon. Twelve of the programs being broadcast feature some flavor of Portsmouth-targeted content, and thirteen are broadcast in stereo, a record for a UK DAB multiplex.

At IBC2016, Italian firm Aldena is introducing the ADC omnidirectional coaxial antenna for vertical polarization. Suitable for DAB/DAB+ applications, the lightweight, low wind load antenna features a gain of up to 6.5 dB.

In his blog, WorldDAB President, Patrick Hannon writes about the significant developments of DAB digital radio technology in Germany and Belgium over the past sixth months.

The software developer console Labs, launched its new hybrid DAB + app for Android smartphones with integrated DAB+ chip on Swiss Radio Day 2016. With the app, the user can listen to their favorite DAB+ stations and simultaneously listen to other content such as podcasts or internet radio. The app is initially available in Germany, Austria, UK and Norway.

On 29 August, Deutschlandradio and ARD are devoting a day of radio programmes focusing on the future of digital radio. Throughout the day there will be special interviews and features exploring the latest developments in digital radio.