News

The testing period for the DAB+ digital radio service, which started at the end of last year, is extended until 31 December 2023. Digital radio test transmitters are operating in the Tallinn TV Tower, in Koeru and in Pehka in Haljala Rural Municipality. Duo Media Networks has also installed test transmitters in Pärnu and Tartu. "The tests confirm that the new generation digital radio is much more advanced. Signal quality and availability in the planned coverage area sometimes even exceeded expectations. We intend to launch the transmitter on the Valgjärve mast in the autumn, fulfilling the initial plan to create a test opportunity for the entire Tallinn-Luhamaa route. One of the reasons for extending the testing period is listener interest and positive feedback - many people want to listen to digital radio in their cars, especially in summer," said Cristo Kaasan, Levira's Director of Technology and IT.

In its meeting on 27.06.2023, the Media Council of the Saxon State Media Authority (SLM) granted further broadcasting licences for the DAB+ local muxes in Chemnitz, Dresden and Freiberg. The respective licences are initially granted for a limited period of ten years. In addition to the local private multiplexes for the cities of Leipzig, Dresden, Chemnitz and Freiberg, Saxony also has a state-wide uniform private DAB+ multiplex and a DAB+ multiplex divided into three regions with different programme offerings. At present, including the nationwide offerings, approximately 70 private programmes are broadcast; in the future - after all multiplexes are switched on and all capacities are used - this number could be around 90.

From the 26th week of 2023, Dance Radio from the Active Media Group is part of the station offer of the České Radiokomunikací digital radio network. In the broadcaster's portfolio it complements the programmes Evropa 2, Frekvence 1, Rádio Bonton and Pigy rádio. The multiplex can be tuned in from three locations - Prague, Plzeň and Ostrava; the network does not broadcast in Brno. In the CRa DAB+ multiplex, not to be confused with the public Czech Radio network, Dance radio has replaced Radio Zet.

Car manufacturers have recently launched YouTube, TikTok, app stores and games to increase the choice of entertainment in addition to radio, podcast and music streaming services. As the world of infotainment changes and a myriad of content choices make their way into the dash, giving users exactly what they want when they want it, and in a safe and frictionless manner becomes paramount, writes Gereon Joachim, Xperi’s vice president of automotive sales and strategy for EMEA.

Middlesex DAB Ltd has announced plans to apply for the West London DAB multiplex. The company is a venture between Nation Broadcasting, the UK’s leading independent radio group and the leading London based Asian commercial radio groups – Lyca Media (Lyca Radio & Lyca Gold Radio), Sunrise Radio and Panjab Radio. Also on the team are Subdigital and local community radio service The Beat. Surjit Singh ​Ghuman MBE, founder of Hayes-based Panjab Radio said, “Since the year 2000 we have been at the heart of the West London community. I have backed DAB for over twenty years and have seen the positive impact it can have to broaden choice and bring new listeners to radio in general. I look forward to bringing not only more choice to listeners, but an affordable DAB multiplex for smaller and non-profit broadcasters.”​

A new consortium led by London Greek Radio has announced its bid for a small-scale digital radio multiplex licence. The group includes Nation Broadcasting, Scout Radio, Kol Radio, and The Beat, alongside industry specialists Ash Elford and Dean Kavanagh. DAB North London Limited says the combination of London Greek Radio’s experience and the diverse expertise brought by the consortium members will create a dynamic and inclusive digital radio landscape for North London.

There will be no change in FM radio in the Basque Country, but this week an important step will be taken in the field of radio: for the first time, DAB or DAB+ digital audio transmissions will be launched (digital audio broadcasting). The first digital broadcasts can be heard on the coast of Lapurdi, from Friday. Christophe Betbeder, the main representative of the Syndicat National des Radios Libres (SNRL), highlighted that "a new potential radio offer" has arrived. And it will affect the offer. "There will be 26 digital radio stations, eighteen of which were not present in the Basque Country until now."

The Czech Telecommunications Office (ČTÚ) will probably announce an auction of frequencies for digital radio broadcasting DAB+ in August. In the 174-230 MHz band, 27 regional and two nationwide networks may be created, CTU spokeswoman Tereza Meravá said at a meeting with journalists. According to her, bidders will be able to submit their applications in September and the auction itself will start in October. The starting prices for the allocations for the nationwide networks are around CZK 1 million, while for the regional ones they reach tens to hundreds of thousands of crowns depending on the number of inhabitants of the region covered.

WorldDAB member Glovane Co., Ltd recently launched a new DAB chipset. We learn more about Glovane's offer in this interview with Louis Ryu, Marketing Director.

The Vale's local radio station has launched on DAB+, thanks to support from CJCH Solicitors. It means that listeners to the station, which was recently awarded Silver at the Radio Academy ARIAS will now be able to head into the Welsh capital for work or leisure, keeping connected to their local radio station – whilst those in the Eastern Vale will be able to hear the station on DAB+ enabled radios, as well as on FM, mobile and the stations dedicated website.