News

Digital radio is gradually making it's way into the car across Europe...In a panel discussion on in-car digital broadcast radio at IBC 2014, digital radio executives made a strong case for the technology. Article taking from the AutomotiveIT Executive Report which can be accessed from: www.automotiveit.com/executive-report

Ted Baker Audio has expanded its product range with the release of a new DAB radio with Bluetooth.

According to SIRTI (Syndicat Interprofessionnel des Radios et Télévisions Indépendantes): "100 days after the official launch of DAB+ digital radio in France, 98 radio stations are already on air in Paris, Marseille and Nice". There are now 46 programmes in Paris, 31 in Marseille and 21 in Nice. SIRTI calls for a national rollout of DAB+ across France.

In his letter to Minister for Culture, Fleur Pellerin, he says: "...it is urgent to create equal access to frequencies by attributing remaining FM spectrum to independent radio stations, by deploying free to air broadcast digital radio across the country and by bringing together all broadcast radio stations on a single player as a service to the public.”

Mediamobile, is offering proof of concept of its latest range of V-Traffic services on DAB by taking part in a pilot project for digital radio launched by automotive manufacturer Continental. The joint objective of this partnership – also involving the broadcaster VDL, Radio France, and local radios – is to deliver a practical illustration of the many advantages of DAB radio for the French automotive industry.

In an interview with Newseria Biznes, the head of the Polish broadcasting council KRRiT Jan Dworak outlined the perspectives for the transition to digital radio broadcasting.

Although France launched DAB multiplexes in Paris, Marseille and Nice last June, the government and the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel, appear to have gone silent on the subject of digital radio, which currently covers 20 percent of the population.

The real concern here isn't that DAB set sales are down: it's that all radio set sales are down. DAB is outperforming total radio; but if radio receiver sales are down by 11.3% - in an economy generally felt to be improving - isn't that more a cause for concern?

Meanwhile, Magic will go national on DAB digital radio in January 2015, taking it outside of its London audience, while Kisstory will launch on DAB in various UK cities including London and Birmingham.

Hong Kong's Communications Authority (CA) has given three DAB licensees an additional three and a half years to provide an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) for their digital radio services. The original date of September 2012 was extended to September this year.