News

On the initiative of the Ministry of Information Technologies "CRRT" DUK, from December 27 of this year, DAB+ standard digital radio channels were launched in a test format for the residents of the city of Tashkent from the Tashkent TV Tower. At a time when Europe is moving from analogue FM to modern digital broadcasting, the Republic of Uzbekistan was one of the first in Central Asia to introduce modern technologies in the field of radio broadcasting to launch DAB+ standard digital broadcasting in a test format.

Swiss radio station JAMES FM is expanding its DAB+ broadcasting area to include the important economic region of Zurich. What began as a DAB+ station in Central Switzerland has now a loyal audience throughout Switzerland. Since the beginning of the year JAMES FM can also be received on DAB+ in the greater Zurich area. Advertisers can book campaigns in the entire DAB+ broadcasting area or in the individual DAB broadcasting regions “Central Switzerland” and “Zurich”. In addition to long-standing advertising customers, well-known new partners have joined for the DAB+ launch in Zurich.

Czech Republic's DAB+ network operators are preparing to expand the coverage of their digital radio networks. New transmitters are currently undergoing international coordination with regulators in neighbouring countries who must comment on their technical parameters.

A new folk music radio station - VM 1 - has launched has launched via DAB+ digital radio and as a live stream. VM1 will play a mixture of folk music, hits, traditional Viennese song and country music. A VM1 programme can already be heard across Austria on streaming platforms and via its website www.vm1.at. Nationwide expansion of the station is being planned for the near future.

Radio Mont Blanc launched on 20 December on DAB+ in the Savoie and Haute-Savoie regions, notoriously one of the most difficult areas in France to cover with a radio signal due to the challenging topography of this mountainous region.

The launch of Radio Orient in the central France region of Roanne brings the number of zones covered by the radio station on DAB+ to 28 (in addition to the 11 zones covered by FM), making it one of the largest radio networks broadcast on DAB+ in France. The station promises to launch in further regions throughout 2022.

Pending the final decision of the Vlaamse Regulator voor de Media — the Flemish media regulatory body — some 60 Flemish local stations will broadcast on DAB+ in early 2022, as part of local DAB+ trials.

The National Broadcasting Council will grant 3 nationwide DAB+ licences for general or specialised radio programmes. These places would probably go to commercial radio players RMF FM, Radio Zet and Radio Maryja. The Council also wishes to grant 6 licences for regional broadcasters - to either existing or completely new players. Three places will be allocated to Polish Radio.

“Co-driver” displays — those targeting the front-seat passenger — are among “mega trends” dominating the European automotive industry. Another is Android Automotive. Martin Koch of Volkswagen CARIAD said the arrival of “co-driver” displays will increase the demand for high-quality visual content in the dash. Radio has to act fast to respond to both of these trends, said Koch.

Poland's National Broadcasting Council announcedon 29 December its plans to issue licences for a nationwide DAB+ multiplex, R1. Three licences on the multiplex will be for for nationwide radio programmes, a further six licences will be issued, and three of the places on the multiplex will be allocated to Polish Radio's national radio programmes.