News

Radio Vidovdan can now also be heard on the DAB+ mux Hessen Süd (channel 12C). The programme for migrants from the former Yugoslavia was previously broadcast in the muxes Hessen Nord (channel 6A) and Bad Kreuznach (channel 12A). Radio Vidovdan broadcasts regional information in Serbo-Croatian as well as music from Balkan countries.

The Media Council of the Bavarian regulatory authority for new media (BLM) wants to decide on the Audio Strategy 2025 in its meeting on 7 December 2023. The audio strategy is a model developed by the BLM which orients the upcoming migration from FM to DAB+ to milestones of market development and not to a fixed switchover date. Dr. Thorsten Schmiege, President of the BLM: "The figures presented in the audio strategy are clear. Too early or too late migration would lead to a loss of diversity - but timely migration means maintaining local radio diversity, especially in rural areas. That's why with the Audio Strategy 2025 we are relying on a solidarity model that takes large and small stations along. I am convinced that the industry must act together and focus on DAB+ in terms of distribution and financing."

The Czech Telecommunications Office is finalising preparations for the launch of the live auction phase, in which it plans to distribute up to two nationwide and 27 regional networks to operators. Jiří Duchač, director of the ČTÚ's spectrum management department, announced this at the Radiokomunikace 2023 industry conference on Tuesday. According to him, the long-awaited operation was delayed by a bug in the auction software. The live phase is currently scheduled to start on Monday 23 October for all participating operators with the appropriate financial guarantee. In total, the CTU plans to distribute up to two nationwide and 27 regional networks.

České Radiokomunikace is currently working intensively on the preparation of eight new transmitters, which should complete the network of the CRo DAB+ multiplex by the end of this year at the latest. The construction of the new sites may be complicated, for example, by adverse weather conditions. "I expect that it could be launched within a month, but the deadline is no later than the end of the year. Currently, the technical implementation of the new sites is underway," said Karel Zýka, director of the Czech Radio's Technical and Administration Department.

The Medientage München will take place from 25-27 October. Under the motto "Intelligence", over 100 sessions will take place in the conference as well as selected master classes over three days. Bayern Digital Radio will focus on the topic of "Green Radio" in this year's presentation. Based on the study of the same name by Bayerischer Rundfunk and the BLM, the presentation will show how radio can also make a contribution to overcoming the climate crisis and achieving the climate goals, and what role DAB+ plays in this. DAB+ radios from Albrecht, Imperial, Sangean, Soundmaster and TechniSat, among others, will be on display.

Initially, DAB+ broadcasting was only possible in Warsaw and Katowice. In 2020, Polskie Radio launched further DAB+ transmitters in important conurbations. "By the end of September 2023, we had 41 broadcasting sites. New stations have already been launched in recent days, and from 1 October these are: Jelenia Góra, Trzebnica, Zakopane and Rabka," informs Marek Walczyk. "In several locations the power of the stations has been increased, while it is likely that several more stations will be added by the end of the year. A bigger change will take place after the New Year, when we will reach a total of 81 stations, i.e. twice as many as we had reached by 30 September," he emphasises.

The "Action Plan for the introduction and development of digital radio broadcasting in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan" was approved by the Order No. 818s of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated October 7, 2023. AZERTAC was told by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport that the introduction of DAB+ standard digital radio in the European Union and other developed countries in connection with the transition to digital radio broadcasting made it necessary to take appropriate measures in connection with the transition to this standard in Azerbaijan.

Manchester’s ALL FM 96.9 is launching on DAB from this Friday 20th October at 7pm. This will increase the station’s reach to a potential of over one million people across Manchester and Salford. ALL FM Director, Ed Connole said: “ALL FM’s ethos is ‘by the community, for the community’, so being able to engage audiences on DAB means we can continue to be inclusive, dynamic and talk with communities across the city.” ALL FM is part of the Manchester DAB group, which was awarded the small-scale DAB licence by Ofcom. The group includes Gaydio, Legacy 90.1, North Manchester FM, Reform Radio and Salford Community Radio.

The "Action Plan for the introduction and development of digital radio broadcasting in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan" was approved by the Order No. 818s of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 7 October 2023. From August 26, 2019, a test broadcast of DAB+ standard digital radio is being carried out in Baku city and the Absheron peninsula. As a result of the implementation of the approved Action Plan, it is planned that by 2026, about 70 percent of the republic's cities and regional centres, as well as highways, and 99.6 percent of the country's territory will be covered by digital radio broadcasting. At the end of this process, a full transition to digital radio broadcasting will be provided in the country.

From Monday 16 October, Absolute 80s and Absolute Radio 90s will be available in stereo across the UK with DAB+. The good news is you probably won’t need to do anything, and we’ll sound better! If you switch your radio on and it’s all gone quiet, scroll through the station list or do a re-scan. In addition, Absolute Radio Country and Absolute Classic Rock are going national and will be available to more people across the UK.