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To ramp up awareness ahead of going national on DAB digital radio in January, Magic has its marketing strategy with a TV advert from Bray Leino sitting at the centre of efforts.

The digital radio sector is booming and continues to grow, with 38% of all UK radio listening now done via a digital platform. These changing times are evidenced by the success of digital stations such as BBC Radio 6 Music, which recorded its biggest ever audience and extended its lead over BBC Radio 3. Absolute Radio 80s is close to matching the listening figure for the main Absolute Radio station, something that would have been unimaginable a few years ago.

The UK Office of Communications (‘Ofcom’) is soliciting comments over a proposed trial of ‘small-scale DAB,’ the aim of which is to provide small commercial and community radio stations with a low-cost means to transmit via DAB digital radio. Many smaller broadcasters in the U.K. have avoided DAB due to the cost, and Ofcom is proposing low-cost, small scale trials, to see if smaller stations can be persuaded to take part in the new technology.

Antonella Giacomelli, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development, reported at the WorldDMB General Assembly in Rome: "We look to analogue radio as something that is behind us, digital radio is the present and the future. We want to start a shared reflection on a road map that leads us to foster the emergence of technology innovative and we shall take advantage of Italy's six-month Presidency of the EU to convene all stakeholders from the world of broadcast radio at the European level".

Local radio stations may waive offer their programs on the FM band and opt for digital broadcasting on DAB+ in January. The Federal Council amended the ordinance on Wednesday, offering various concessions to private broadcasters.

The WorldDMB General Assembly, which brought together more than 120 delegates from the European and Asia Pacific digital broadcasting industry concluded today in Rome. In an interview with Giorgio Guana, regional manager at Pure, he described the current digital broadcasting situation positively. "Sales of digital radios are going well, especially in countries such as Germany where two and a half million receivers were sold last year. Switzerland now has digital coverage of 99% with 450,000 receivers sold."

Listen figures in Norway are now at 51 percent, exceeding the statutory requirement of 50 percent digital listening. The measurement is made in the period August to October. "We have long seen a very positive development in digital radio listening. Now we are delighted to have reached a new milestone. Such figures inspires us in our continuing efforts to offer more content to more listeners toward FM-extinction in 2017." says Trygve Rønningen, CEO and Editor in Chief in P4 group.

View Quest is announced as a speaker at the 20th WorldDMB General Assembly. Known as a global industry forum for digital radio, this prestigious event provides manufacturers across Europe with solutions and advice on all aspects of the digital switchover, licensing, technical trials, marketing and digital radio content.

The 20th WorldDMB General Assembly will take place this week in Rome, bringing together over one hundred delegates from Europe, Asia and Australia as well as the secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development with responsibility for Communications, Antonello Giacomelli and NRA Commissioner Antonio Martuscello. During this event the development of DAB+ digital radio and it's performance will be discussed. Topics will also include the automotive industry, where in Italy it has responded well by proposing this technology in about 120 models. The national operators who have launched the Digital Radio is the public broadcaster RAI and the Italian company Consortium Club DAB and EuroDAB grouping Radio Deejay, Radio Capital, m2o, Radical Radio, Radio Maria, RDS, R101, Radio 24, RTL Radio Italy Radio Padania and Vatican Radio . The service is particularly strong in South Tyrol where you can get 98 different programs and additional services such as warnings of civil protection.

Today and tomorrow, the WorldDMB Forum on Digital Radio will take place in Rome where more than a hundred delegates from Europe, Asia and Australia are expected to attend. The event brings together key stakeholders in the public and private radio broadcasting industry. (Daily Media)