News

At the WorldDMB European Automotive Event held today in Brussels, broadcasters from across Europe called for digital radio to be fitted as standard in all cars to give drivers access to the benefits of digital radio services. The last six months have seen a stream of political developments across Europe in support of digital radio.

DAB+ dominated the discussion at the recent Senate round table, at which all of the French radio landscape was represented. Patrice Gélinet highlighted the many contradictions of those opposing the CSA's recent report on DAB+. He continually called them out on their criticism of the presumed cost and obsolescence of DAB+, pointing out their continued use of AM - "a technology dating from the 1930s, overpriced and no longer viable", and emphasizing the role of the public broadcaster which should launch DAB+ digital radio. The debate marked a new stage in the long road towards digital radio, with the arguments of those opposing seeming to be without foundation and disconnected from economic and strategic reality ... and showing a lack of conviction towards the future of radio as a medium.

The UK radio listening audience will get a new selection of digital radio stations next year when the country’s second national commercial DAB multiplex goes on air. The licence has been awarded to Sound Digital, a consortium of Bauer Media, UTV Media and transmission network provider Arqiva, which promises DAB+ capability for at least one station.

Since last week, the first DAB+ information signes appeared along Dutch roads. Over the coming months, more DAB+ signs will appear along the Dutch (fast) roads.

Volkswagen is launching a DAB digital radio network across its van range. According to the brand it is the first commercial vehicle network to be fully accredited by DAB authority Digital Radio UK. The choice of units has been developed with leading consumer electronics manufacturer and in-vehicle DAB pioneer Pure.

There are a number of DAB digital radio changes, including the addition of a further BBC Radio service in Northern Ireland, a change to Kiss in South Essex and details about the forthcoming BBC Radio 2 Eurovision service.

Digital Radio UK says it’s pleased by the news that Ed Vaizey will continue in his role as Minister for Culture and Digital Economy following the cabinet reshuffle. Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, said: “We welcome the return of Ed Vaizey as Culture Minister. He is passionate about radio and a great advocate for the sector. Ed’s reappointment will ensure strong leadership and continued Government support for delivering UK radio’s digital future.”

The Danish Broadcasting Corporation, also known as DR, has recently completed the installation of a DAB+ radio headend system at its headquarters in Copenhagen.

Said Patrice Gélinet, CSA, "There is no question of denying the success of the internet. But that is only one of several ways of listening to radio. If the listener is not listening via DAB+, it's because it exists only in Paris, Marseille and Nice... The cost of broadcasting via DAB+ is much lower than via FM or AM. €10,000 per year per zone. DAB+ is progressing, slowly perhaps, but it is progressing. Norway has even decided to switch off FM in favour of DAB in 2017".

1A German Hits adn 89.0 RTL In The Mix, two new commercial radio stations for the Saxony-Anhalt region have been licensed on DAB+ and will broadcast from July this year. Both stations previously trialled on the internet.