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Talk of using internet streaming as an alternative to traditional broadcasting isn't practical when it comes to radio stations, Steve Ahern says. "There are 3 million people in Melbourne, for example, and a radio station like Fox FM has a peak audience of around 800,000 listeners in the morning. If those 800,000 people tried to listen to Fox simultaneously on their home or mobile broadband connections, it would choke the internet for the whole of Melbourne. Radio transmissions are much more efficient and cost effective when you're trying to reach so many people at once, especially when you look to regional areas where bandwidth can still be scarce."

Some believe that digital radio (DAB + / Internet radio) is difficult to use. Some say, "Yes, it's complicated stuff, that." The fact is that digital is even easier to use than FM. You just have to not be afraid of new technology.

The further rollout of DAB+ will enable a successful digital migration for radio, maintaining radio's core features as well as adding some new: free to air, unlimited listening, diverse programme content, support for multimedia features and CD quality sound. 5 new partners have joined the Alliance - Médiamobile, Rohde & Schwarz, Itas-Tim / One Cast, and RadioCoop.

... Radio FG, Radiostad, Familie Radio and ClubFM will be available from two transmitters, with Norkring planning a total 20 transmitters to cover all of Flanders and Brussels. The public broadcasters RTBF and VRT already have 16 DAB channels available.

Leading provider of broadcasting services in the Nordic region will be launching DAB+ in and around Brussels at the WorldDMB European Automotive Event in Brussels on 20th May. Minister of Media Sven Gatz will officially preside over the launch.

Inside, the biggest change is the introduction of a new infotainment system. It now features MirrorLink technology, which mirrors certain smartphone apps on the car's screen, as well as DAB digital radio and voice control.

Scansonic DA310 allows you to enjoy high-quality sound as standard with DAB+. It comes in two colours and looks great in any room.

The Philips AE8000 is a portable DAB+ and internet radio with an elegant wood design, while the Tchibo SoundStation with DAB+ and Bluetooth comes with built in 5 watt speakers and is available in various colours.

IZT makes functionality of the IZT DAB ContentServer directly available on the IZT S1000 signal generator. In consequence, it becomes even easier to generate DAB test sequences and to test DAB receivers in real-time with the IZT S1000.

SIRTI welcomed the announcement from the CSA on their new public consultation on the deployment of Digital Terrestrial Radio in France. "These new areas...will allow us to cross the threshold of 20% of the population covered by RNT, which will ensure the rapid spread of RNT in France."