News

On 1st December the final report on digital migration in Switzerland was submitted by the Digital Migration Working Group. The report contained 15 measures, which are aimed at different addressees circles and open into a roadmap for the transition to DAB+. Read the full reports.

Government industry coordinator, Nina Wormbs, hands over her plan for digitisation of Swedish radio later today to the Minister of Culture. Developed in collaboration with the radio industry, the report recommends the rollout of DAB+ and FM switch off by 2022. FM is full and in order for the radio sector to develop, more channels are needed. Swedish Radio has only four channels - Swedish commercial radio is basically a duopoly with little competition.

Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) and Sony have partnered on a retail bonus offer for DAB digital radios this Christmas, supported by a national radio ad campaign that promotes digital radio as a gift of 'unlimited entertainment'. Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer, Joan Warner says, “We’re pleased to partner with Sony and key retailers JB Hifi, Myer, Bing Lee and The Good Guys again for another wide-reaching Christmas campaign, showcasing what a great Christmas gift a DAB+ digital radio is with free to air, easily to access, unlimited entertainment.”

Asia’s radio industry website Asia Radio Today has been sold to leading Australian radio industry publisher radioinfo. Radioinfo plans to expand the services offered by Asia Radio Today, offering advertisers and musicians a means to easily reach radio stations across the whole region with their products, technical services and new release music. “Nik and James have worked hard to build a publication that unites the radio industry across the diverse countries and cultures of Asia. We are delighted that they are entrusting us with the business that they have built up over the past few years,” said Peter Saxon, owner of www.radioinfo.com.au

Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is likely to adopt digital audio broadcasting (DAB) technology for digital radio in the country, reports Bangkok Post.

Speaking on today's announcement from ARD on the future of digital radio, Chairman of the Radio Department at VPRT commented: "...A process for the discussion on the criteria necessary for a transition towards digital radio needs to take place. VPRT continues to rely on a broad approach to digitisation, across all platforms, and without being limited to one particular path."

Community radio station will become the sixth station to be made available to listeners of local DAB in Somerset. Ofcom has approved the addition of Pulse Radio, which until now has provided a service for Cheddar and surrounding villages around the foot of the Mendips on FM and online. The approval is valid from 1st December.

Half of Norway is to get local digital radio through local DAB network. Local DAB currently operates in Oslo / Akershus, Buskerud, Østfold and Hedmark. From March, local digital radio broadcasting will be extended to Bergen, and Trodheim.

ARD wants to move ahead with the transition to radio broadcasting via DAB+. From the perspective of the ARD network of regional broadcasters, digital radio is a relevant distribution platform with high added value for listeners. The simulcast phase, i.e. simultaneous radio broadcasting on FM and DAB+ should be kept as long as necessary and as cost-effectively as possible. At the same time, users should be given sufficient time for their transition to the digital distribution channel. Download English translation.

In the five years since the launch of DAB+ digital radio in metropolitan Australia, around 1.7 million digital radio devices have been sold and PwC have forecast digital radio household penetration to reach 23.3%. Currently 2.8 million people or 21.4% are listening to DAB+ digital radio each week in the five state capital cities.