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Global DAB receiver sales have broken through the key 100 million milestone this year – reaching a cumulative figure of 110 million units, including both consumer and automotive receivers. The latest infographic released by industry body WorldDAB shows that despite the impact of the pandemic, sales continue to power ahead. In the last 12 months, for the first time, automotive DAB receivers exceeded 10 million units and consumer receiver sales registered over five million units.

With less than a week to go until the WorldDAB Summit 2021, it's still possible to sign up and hear the latest insights and developments about DAB digital radio. Here is a quick overview of who’s speaking about what at this year’s event.

Edita Kudlacova, head of radio, European Broadcasting Union, joins the list of prominent speakers for this year’s WorldDAB Summit on Nov. 9. Other speakers scheduled for the summit include Karel Zýka, technical and administrative director and head of Czech radio’s DAB switchover; Krystyna Roslan-Kuhn from Poland’s National Broadcasting Council; René Wehrlin, project manager of digitization and convergence of Ofcom Switzerland; and Tigran Vržina, chief technical advisor with Croatia’s OIV.

The toll-free number can be called by listeners for information about Czech Radio's switch off of analogue broadcasting on medium wave. At the same time, Czech Radio is preparing an information campaign to promote DAB+ digital radio, which will include all media types, such as online, outdoor and printed periodicals.

With the symbolic pushing of the green button by representatives of the companies and institutions involved, ten new radio programmes went on air via DAB+ throughout North Rhine-Westphalia at 2pm on 29 October. Another six programmes will follow in the coming weeks and months. Head of the State Chancellery, State Secretary Nathanael Liminski, said: “Today's start of the state-wide private DAB+ multiplex symbolizes the strength of the radio landscape in North Rhine-Westphalia and the spirit of innovation of all involved."

This year’s interoperability workshop, a technical test session organised by the WorldDAB Technical Committee (TC), will be a hybrid event held on 10 November from 11:00-16:00 CET at the Select Hotel Erlangen in Erlangen, Germany. The purpose of the workshop is to provide a discussion platform for all technical aspects of operating the DAB system. Transmission side experiments and receiver prototypes can be matched, and interoperability issues can be identified and addressed. Conclusions reached will be reviewed by the TC and may lead to specification updates.

VRT Radio is strengthening its offering on DAB+ with two sub-brands. Both Radio 2 Bene Bene and StuBru De Tijdloze are already existing popular radio programs and digital music streams in the apps. From now on they will also be available on DAB+. "With this extra offer, we are strengthening the further digitisation of the radio landscape," says manager VRT Radio & Audio, Els Van de Sijpe. "Already 38% of the listening volume in Flanders is digital. DAB+ is driving this evolution as a digital successor to FM, with complementary listening via web players, apps or via digital TV. A richer offer will further accelerate digital listening."

Commercial radio is reaching 36.8 million people across the UK, the biggest audience it has ever recorded, according to official audience data provided by RAJAR. While the latest figures have been calculated using a modified survey methodology, they also show that the total combined audience for all UK radio (BBC and commercial) is now the highest level recorded at 49.5m people. That represents 89% of the UK adult population.

Digital listening in the UK has surged to 65.8% of all radio listening. DAB is now the predominant platform for radio listening accounting for 43% of all listening compared to 34.2% for AM/FM. The strong performance of digital platforms has been boosted by the launch of a number of new digital stations in the last 18 months. Digital listening in car now accounts for 53% of all in car listening, with DAB in car accounting for 46.6% of listening (compared to AM/FM’s 33.1%). Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, said: ‘’The new RAJAR listening data for Q3 2021 confirms the importance of digital listening and digital platforms which now account for two thirds of all radio listening. It’s funny to consider that some radio industry commentators used to question the viability of DAB which is now comfortably the predominant radio platform accounting for 25% more hours of listening than FM and AM combined. It’s good to see the new distinctive digital-only stations launched during the pandemic finding audiences and supporting digital growth.”

At its meeting on October 21, the Bavarian media council (BLM) granted Antenne Bayern permission to host and distribute state-wide the DAB+ radio service "Oldie Antenne". Said BLM President Dr. Thorsten Schmiege: “In terms of programming, Oldie Antenne is an interesting addition to the radio market and contributes to its diversity. In terms of media policy, the new station is a further commitment to DAB+ digital radio. Antenne Bayern is now a pioneer in DAB , and with this decision confirms the clear DAB+ strategy. Last but not least, the decision to offer the new station in the best DAB quality to a state wide audience strengthens Bavaria as a media location."