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Frontier has launched FS2260 Magic X, a next generation SmartRadio (sometimes called hybrid radio) module combining state of the art module design, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, with market-leading Frontier DAB/DAB+ technology offering a comprehensive user-listening experience. Magic X offers internet radio, podcast, DAB+, FM, Bluetooth, and iOS/Android app control, amongst other features. The module is suitable for a range of audio applications including table top radios, clock radios, micro-systems, portables, and wireless speakers.

Digital terrestrial radio (DAB+) continues to roll out across France. After Clermont-Ferrand, listeners in Angers can now tune in to digital terrestrial radio and rediscover Forum, the 'collector radio' that broadcasts listeners' favourite hits from the 90s and 2000s... "DAB+ makes listening to the radio simpler and better. As with FM, reception of DAB+ radio is completely free," explains Groupe 1981.

On 13 July, the Council for Electronic Media passed a Decision based on the 'Notice of Intention to Grant Concession No. 05/23 for the provision of digital radio media services - DAB+'. Radio Slavonija from Slavonski Brod was chosen as one of the two most favorable bidders in this round - a regional media with a 25-year tradition, which with this licence became a leader in this part of Croatia, but also far beyond - at least when it comes to all local radio stations in the territory of the Croatian Republic.

Swiss Federal Councillor Albert Rösti will propose to the full Federal Council a "final" extension of the current FM broadcasting licences until the end of 2026. On 13 July, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) informed the radio associations of this proposal, pointing out that some broadcasters had experienced local and regional problems in recent months that required individual solutions. "OFCOM is currently examining the possibility of extending FM radio licences until 2026 and will prepare an amendment to the corresponding legislation for this purpose", explained OFCOM spokesman Francis Meier. The Federal Council will probably decide by the end of 2023 whether it wishes to approve this extension, he added.

According to ma 2023 Audio II, 52 million people use radio services daily (Mon.-Fri.). In the most recent study published by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse (agma), DAB+ radio has maintained steady growth: DAB+ is listened to by 28.6 per cent (ma 2023 Audio I: 28.5 per cent) in the segment of the widest listener group (WHK) and is especially used in the target group of 30- to 59-year-olds (WHK: 33.6 per cent - ma 2023 Audio I: 32.0 per cent). According to the study, it is particularly the radio stations broadcast nationally via DAB+ that are recording significant increases in listener numbers.

Discover the latest trends in radio audiences. The EBU's annual radio audience report presents the latest figures for listening times, reach and public service media market share across Europe. How many minutes of radio do European citizens – and especially young people – listen to each week? How has radio listening time evolved over the past 5 years? What market share do public service media achieve among young listeners? And more...

On 13 July, the official starting signal for Antenne Schlager was given in Hanover. From now, the station, which is hosted by Antenne Niedersachsen GmbH & Co. KG can be received by 10.6 million people in Lower Saxony, Hamburg and Bremen via DAB+ and online. Programme director Benni Kostal said: "We want to make sure that listeners can simply forget their everyday worries and play all the current Schlager hits for them, plus their favourite cult hits - with crystal-clear digital sound via DAB+ throughout Lower Saxony, Hamburg and Bremen and online everywhere."

Operation of the state-wide private DAB+ platform in Lower Saxony started on 13 July. From now on, listeners can receive 18 different private radio programmes in ten distribution areas in Lower Saxony via DAB+. Now, among others, Antenne Niedersachsen, radio ffn, Radio 21, Radio Nordseewelle and Radio Osnabrück can be received via DAB+ in various regions of Lower Saxony. "The launch of the private DAB+ platform in Lower Saxony is a milestone for the radio landscape in Lower Saxony: DAB+ enables the broadcasting of a large number of programmes, and does so in a resource-saving manner with a regional focus," said Prof. Christian Krebs, Director of the Lower Saxony State Media Authority (NLM).

While 96% of new cars sold in the European Union are equipped with DAB+, this technology is also continuing to be rolled out in France and its regions, and by this summer will cover 50% of the French population. Following on from Bayonne, Metz and Nancy, listeners in Clermont-Ferrand will now be able to tune in to Ado and Oüi FM. In a few days' time, listeners in Rennes will also be able to tune in to Oüi FM with digital audio quality.

On Thursday 13 July, TDF launched a transmitter at Saint-Barthélemy d'Anjou (Maine-et-Loire) to broadcast digital radio. Thirteen radio stations will be brought into service. The service area covers the Angers conurbation. To enable these radios to be broadcast in DAB+, TDF teams have installed new technical facilities. The work involved installing new antenna systems, multiplexing cells and associated transmitters at the broadcast sites. Infrastructure adaptation work was also carried out.