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The community radio sector is celebrating after the federal government today announced $6 million over the years to enable community digital radio services to stay on air.

The latest developments in the German broadcasting industry can be seen in the recent yearbook publication released by the German Media Authorities and private broadcasters in Germany. In it there is evidence that there has been sustained growth in the number of private radio stations thanks to the increasing digitization of radio programs. There are currently 270 stations available up on the previous year of 255.

Onkyo has announced a value for money iPhone 5 compatible mini Hi-Fi called the CS-255DAB. The new system features Apple certified connectivity for the iPhone 5 as well as older models.

A mass switch-off of community digital radio in Australia has been averted after the federal government made an 11th-hour commitment to provide an extra $6 million to the sector.

The future of community digital radio in Australia has been secured with the Federal Government announcing a multi-million dollar commitment to the service.

The Volkswagen Golf S 1.2 TSI now comes with DAB.

It seems a long time since 2009, when Lord Carter’s Digital Britain report proposed a target of 2015 for phasing out the radio analogue transmission network.

The stations are joining others around the country to fight for a Federal Government decision, to cut $1.4 million in funding for community radio, to be reversed. They say if the funding is not reinstated, they will have to turn off their digital broadcasts next year, meaning services will be compromised and some volunteer roles may need to be axed.

Digital radio or Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has been with us since the early 1990's but the take up rate has been much slower than with digital television. DAB Radio, however, offers many advantages over standard analogue AM and FM radio. What's more, uncertainty surrounding DAB radio looks largely to have been lifted now that many of today's sets are fitted with DAB+ chips so that they can operate in those countries that have adopted the more advanced DAB+ format.

A DAB multiplex for Cardiff and Newport could be extended to cover the Heads of the South Wales Valleys if Ofcom approves a request. The change has been sought by multiplex owner Now Digital, who also wants to change the frequency it operates on to reach an extra 100,000 households.