News

The launch of the long-planned DAB+ multiplex in Chemnitz is apparently imminent. Listeners report in the "Rundfunkforum" about first tests in the planned channel 5B. On 19 January, the stations Radio UNiCC and egoFM were broadcast from the transmitter tower in Chemnitz-Reichenhain. Network operator Divicon Media had announced the launch of the platform for spring 2023.

The data comes from the listening survey carried out throughout Italy by TER (Tavolo Editori Radio) and referred to the entire year 2022. The data comes from the audience survey carried out throughout Italy by TER (Tavolo Editori Radio) and referring to the entire year 2022. The positive trend sees an increase in the number of 'Average Day Listeners' (+10%) and 'Quarter Hour Listeners' (over +50%) compared to the year 2021. "A figure that we were expecting," said Editor Enzo Pagano, "which is also the result of continuous technical and coverage updates: for more than six months now, RadioCassinoStereo has also been present in DAB+ in Rome and its province."

The Poznan DAB+ digital radio multiplex, operated by Dabcom, has extended its coverage. This is the result of moving its transmitter from a high-rise building in the centre of Poznan to the chimney of EC Karolin. The multiplex is still broadcast on channel 5C. Thanks to the relocation of the transmitter, the radio stations available via this multiplex can be listened to not only by the inhabitants of Poznan, but by the entire region. Dabcom's Poznan DAB+ multiplex currently comprises nine stations: Muzo.fm, Radio Elka, Radio Konin.FM, Wasze Radio FM, Radio Profeto, Disco Radio, Mega Radio, Radio Nuta and WP Radio.

With the commissioning of another DAB+ transmitter, radio listeners in Papenburg will be able to receive NDR radio programmes in even better quality from 24 January 2023. The new transmitter at NDR's 75th transmitter site serves the region between Surwold, Dörpen, Rhede, Weener and Saterland and can be received on block 10A. The DAB+ programme range continues to include the NDR programmes also broadcast on FM, such as NDR 1 Niedersachsen, NDR 2, NDR Kultur, NDR Info and N-JOY. In addition, NDR Schlager, NDR Blue and NDR Info Spezial can be heard exclusively on digital radio.

Radio Orient has added a new coverage area, ensuring continuity of reception of its programmes in new major towns and on several major roads. Radio Orient programmes are now also available in Le Mans on DAB+ since 19 January. This new launch brings the number of areas operated by Radio Orient to 37 on DAB+ and 11 on FM. Radio Orient is one of the largest DAB+ networks in France today.

Towercom is planning to increase its digital radio coverage with a new transmitter. The company expects DAB+ coverage to increase to around 70 per cent of the population this year. "During the first half of 2023 we plan to launch the transmitter in Borski Mikulas," a Towercom representative told Živé.sk. The network mainly broadcasts RTVS stations or the Rádio Rock circuit. With digital radio, the frequency band is used more efficiently and the cost of disseminating one programme service is also reduced compared to FM broadcasting.

LifeGate Radio adopts DAB+ technology. The radio station that focuses on sustainability issues, can be listened to via DAB+ in eight regions and 28 Italian cities and areas, as well as the French Riviera. "For LifeGate Radio, the adoption of DAB+ technology represents a fundamental, necessary and natural step in the path of growth in the name of sustainability issues, as well as a competitive advantage because it allows us to be present in new cities and regions without switching from FM, with lower energy consumption and emissions, while maintaining a high sound and music quality," says Enea Roveda, CEO of LifeGate.

New dance music station Juice Radio is to extend its DAB coverage by joining the North Wales & West Cheshire DAB multiplex. The service launched in December across Blackpool and Leeds on small-scale multiplexes. Juice Radio is a new Dance & R&B format broadcasting from Preston in Lancashire playing a mix of “today’s dance music and yesterday’s biggest throwbacks”. Ste Owens, Station Manager for Juice, says: “With the small-scale multiplexes opening for new starter radio stations, an idea we had worked on for years finally has a chance to grow into a great station for the North West."

Under the Broadcasting Act, only two broadcasting licences can be held by one private radio operator. The amendment to the Act was intended to change this restriction from the analogue broadcasting era and open the way for future DAB+ networks to be filled. "The timing of the adoption of the necessary amendments to the Broadcasting Act depends on the manner in which the draft is submitted to the Chamber of Deputies. The specific procedure is currently under negotiation and in about a month we could provide information on further developments in this matter," Jana Malíková, spokesperson for the Culture Ministry, told Televizníweb.cz.

Teleko Příbram has included a hybrid RadioDNS function on its DAB+ multiplex, which combines traditional and internet reception. The company highlighted the news with a practical demonstration on Facebook. "Radio ZUN from the TELEKO DAB multiplex now supports RadioDNS functionality, which among other things enables DAB ⇔ WEBstreaming," the operator informed in a short post, which is accompanied by a practical demonstration in the form of a video. In it, interested parties can see the listening of the ZUN station and its transition between DAB+ digital radio broadcasting and Internet distribution. The function is implemented as an additional service for drivers.