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Cilla Benkö on digital radio: “It’s high time politicians make their minds up”

01.12.2014 - Sweden

“Swedish Radio is one of the most significant broadcasting corporations in Europe when it comes to creating content that has social impact. Swedish Radio plays a crucial role in a well-functioning democracy. Moreover, Sweden’s ambition is to be a leading IT-nation. In order to live up to these goals, we must see this crucial infrastructure project realised. Swedish Radio must get the resources necessary for a successful investment - and that is a decisions only politicians can make,” Swedish Radio’s director general Benkö says in her response to the study by the Swedish government’s digital radio coordinator, Nina Wormbs, into the transition from FM to Digital Audio Broadcasting.

(Sveriges Radio ) Read more

Analysis of use of Mobile Telecommunications Networks to Deliver Broadcast Radio in Australia

01.12.2014 - Commercial Radio & Audio WorldDAB Member - Australia

The Coutts Report, Australia, published November 2014 finds that mobile broadband communications networks, particularly in regional areas, are not a replacement for broadcast free to air radio. The Report highlights that mobile networks in regional Australia are less cost effective compared to a potential DAB+ digital radio rollout in regional areas. Even with upgraded 4G networks using the most advanced LTE broadcast mode, there are technical and economic reasons for radio to be delivered using free to air broadcast technology in both regional and metropolitan areas.

(Commercial Radio Australia) Read more

Swiss radio industry plans to phase out FM

01.12.2014 - OFCOM Switzerland WorldDAB Member - Switzerland

By 2020 all radio programme services are to be broadcast only digitally in Switzerland, mainly on DAB+ platform. This is the goal of the radio industry, which will cease analogue broadcasting of its programme services by 2024 at the latest. On 1 December 2014, representatives of the SRG and the private radio stations presented a corresponding roadmap to Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard.

Roadmap to digitalize terrestrial radio in Sweden

01.12.2014 - Sweden

The main purpose to digitalize is to further develop radio in Sweden and to maintain and modernize a critical information infrastructure able to reach every citizen. The plan consists of three parts: a mutual launch, extension of the licenses for commercial radio actors to broadcast analogue, and a conditional shutdown of FM transmissions. The full report (in Swedish) can be downloaded at www.regeringen.se/sb/d/18245/a/250902

(Regeringen) Read more

Radio industry paves the way for FM exit in Switzerland

01.12.2014 - OFCOM Switzerland WorldDAB Member - Switzerland

On 1st December the final report on digital migration in Switzerland was submitted by the Digital Migration Working Group. The report contained 15 measures, which are aimed at different addressees circles and open into a roadmap for the transition to DAB+. Read the full reports.

(OFCOM ) Read more

FM is full and mobile broadband is not enough

01.12.2014 - Sweden

Government industry coordinator, Nina Wormbs, hands over her plan for digitisation of Swedish radio later today to the Minister of Culture. Developed in collaboration with the radio industry, the report recommends the rollout of DAB+ and FM switch off by 2022. FM is full and in order for the radio sector to develop, more channels are needed. Swedish Radio has only four channels - Swedish commercial radio is basically a duopoly with little competition.

(Debatt) Read more

The Gift of Entertainment - Digital Radio

01.12.2014 - Commercial Radio & Audio WorldDAB Member - Sony Corporation WorldDAB Member - Australia

Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) and Sony have partnered on a retail bonus offer for DAB digital radios this Christmas, supported by a national radio ad campaign that promotes digital radio as a gift of 'unlimited entertainment'. Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer, Joan Warner says, “We’re pleased to partner with Sony and key retailers JB Hifi, Myer, Bing Lee and The Good Guys again for another wide-reaching Christmas campaign, showcasing what a great Christmas gift a DAB+ digital radio is with free to air, easily to access, unlimited entertainment.”

(Radioinfo) Read more

Radioinfo Australia announces acquisition of Asia Radio Today

01.12.2014 - Australia

Asia’s radio industry website Asia Radio Today has been sold to leading Australian radio industry publisher radioinfo. Radioinfo plans to expand the services offered by Asia Radio Today, offering advertisers and musicians a means to easily reach radio stations across the whole region with their products, technical services and new release music. “Nik and James have worked hard to build a publication that unites the radio industry across the diverse countries and cultures of Asia. We are delighted that they are entrusting us with the business that they have built up over the past few years,” said Peter Saxon, owner of www.radioinfo.com.au

(Radioinfo ) Read more

Thailand likely to pick DAB+

30.11.2014 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member

Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is likely to adopt digital audio broadcasting (DAB) technology for digital radio in the country, reports Bangkok Post.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more

VPRT acknowledges ARD's position on digital radio

28.11.2014 - Germany

Speaking on today's announcement from ARD on the future of digital radio, Chairman of the Radio Department at VPRT commented: "...A process for the discussion on the criteria necessary for a transition towards digital radio needs to take place. VPRT continues to rely on a broad approach to digitisation, across all platforms, and without being limited to one particular path."

(VPRT) Read more