News

39 radio stations will start broadcasting in DAB+ in Lille, which includes 27 that are not broadcast currently on FM. The CSA has also planned to launch calls for applications for two national multiplexes which will be able to accommodate up to 26 additional radio stations.

In Switzerland, it is expected that in the autumn of 2019 a decision will be taken whether FM will go off completely in 2021, according to radio.nl. The original plan was that this would take place in phases between 2020 and 2024.

On the 9th of June 2018 from 18:00 to 24:00, in cooperation with Czech Broadcast Radio Ostrava, RTI will host an event titled "DAY WITH DIGITAL RADIO DAB+." The event takes place within the Ostrava Museum Night.

The EBU has published an update to its guidelines for DAB network planning – the first significant revision since 2003. This strategic report provides guidance on the key elements necessary to plan and design a DAB network.

Manchester’s AM and digital station Key 2 – formerly known as Magic 1152 and Piccadilly – has had a slight name change as a result of the launch of Hits Radio. The station, which shares all its programmes with the other Bauer ‘2’ network stations in England (except Radio City 2), has become Key Radio.

In New Zealand, DAB+ trial operator Kordia has written to Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran to extend the trial that will expire on 30 June. In Australia, Aqipa has relaunched the radio brand Pure.

Not only does it have tuners for both FM and DAB radio, this little unit also embraces that classic radio term 'wireless' in a thoroughly 21st century way, with the inclusion of Bluetooth streaming.

In order to meet the critical shortage of FM frequencies, the Polish government wants to roll out DAB+ for commercial radio stations, as well as for radio stations that cannot afford the climbing costs of FM broadcasting. Currently, a permit for DAB + capacity costs half of an average FM license, but to stimulate radio stations to broadcast via DAB +, the amount is further reduced.

New Zealand will debate whether its long-standing DAB trial will be extended beyond its current deadline of 30 June. Operator Kordia states that DAB can be implemented across the country for NZD 10m, and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage will now make a recommendation to Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran.

As well as having FM and DAB / DAB + tuners and Bluetooth connectivity, this small unit also includes alarm and clock functions and a 3.5mm headphone output. It is powered by a rechargeable battery with an autonomy of about 15 hours, which however become 22 hours with listening exclusively through headphones.