News

Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock gave his first public speech on radio at yesterday’s Radio Festival and reinforced that he would continue the existing policies on the sector’s priorities of deregulation and digital radio . The longest section of Matt’s speech was devoted to the importance of digital radio and the progress made on listening , cars and coverage as well as the successful small-scale DAB trials

Albrecht Audio presents the DR 316 C a successful hybrid digital radio-model now in a wooden finish. The elegant wooden case and the stereo speakers guarantee a very high quality audio.

The Assembly of the Hesse State Institution for Private Broadcasting and New Media (LPR Hessen) has granted approval of the programme "Antenna Mainz" via DAB+ in the Hesse area. Radio Broadcasting Live Mainz GmbH will be responsible for the roll out of DAB+ in the area.

Across the range changes include the company’s new 7.0-inch Smartphone Link Display Audio infotainment system – which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility – along with DAB+ digital radio, a new centre console, a 12V socket in the cargo area, and a new shark fin antenna on the roof.

Hancock revealed that he plans to introduce legislation at the “earliest opportunity” for the licensing and regulation of small-scale DAB multiplex services. It follows the successful outcome of Ofcom’s Local DAB trial. “I have asked my officials to look at options for introducing legislation at the earliest practical opportunity to create a light touch licensing and regulatory framework which would be more appropriate for these types of services,” he added.

Matt Hancock MP announced the plans at the Radio Festival, the radio industry’s annual conference, held in the British Library in London. The minister also announced he is looking at introducing legislation for the regulation of small-scale DAB multiplex services, following a trial by Ofcom. Services on DAB are free from any rules on providing local content. Ofcom was asked to consider how to create a level playing field for analogue and digital audio broadcasting radio services.

Marius Lillelien, Director of Radio at NRK, explores the upcoming digital switchover in Norway, the new programmes planned for DAB+ and the challenges of a FM shutdown.

The Astra will come well equipped with the R, priced from $21,990 getting 17-inch alloys, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, digital radio and a reversing camera as standard.

Wireless Group stations including talkSPORT, Virgin Radio, Pulse and Signal Radio are now officially owned by News Corp after the sale was approved. News Corp says there are significant opportunities to grow reach in the world of sport and entertainment, share talent and cross-promote brands with the new stations, but will run the company on a standalone basis.

Ofcom has concluded that the small-scale DAB trial has successfully achieved all three of its aims.The regulator says the trials could pave the way for hundreds of local digital radio stations, reporting that the technology worked well, and the stations co-ordinated effectively with the multiplex licensees.