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DAB+, the radio standard of today and digital successor to FM, will continue to be an important driver of the digitisation of radio in 2023. Figures from the HEMIX (Home Electronics Market Index) show around 1.9 million DAB+ radios sold in 2022. DAB+ is also one of the clear winners of the last radio audience study ma 2023 Audio I. Distribution via DAB+ continues to grow in importance, while online audio loses slightly. DAB+ is listened to by 28.5 per cent of the population (ma 2022 Audio II: 27.0 per cent) in the so-called widest listener group (WHK) and is used disproportionately in the target group of 30 to 59 year olds in particular (WHK: 32.0 per cent - ma 2022 Audio II: 30.1 per cent).

Jules Lund, former primetime radio host and founder of influencer agency Tribe, has become the latest new media kid on the block. Lund will join Disrupt Radio, which alongside news outfit Scire has voiced a challenge to traditional media structures. Scire is set to cover business, technology, politics and power, while Disrupt Radio will similarly target a business and entrepreneurship audience. “We’re DAB+ radio first,” says Benjamin Roberts, founder and CEO of Disrupt Radio. “With a niche format like Disrupt, we’re uniquely positioned to bring some ownership back to the medium. Live radio and real conversation are very much centre stage for us.” So, it appears Disrupt will be expecting consumers to come to them, as Roberts adds: “Yes, we’ll be available on other audio platforms, but only selectively.”

As of this month, digital radio is available in the Učka tunnel, where the pilot project of DAB+ broadcasting in road tunnels was launched. The activities of testing and implementation of the equipment started in January 2023, with the ultimate goal of quality coverage of the existing pipe of that tunnel with a DAB+ MUX 1 signal.

A study in Austria points to encouraging growth in digital radio. The survey, conducted in Q1 of 2023 and commissioned by RTR Medien GmbH, is the fourth by Ipsos Market Research since 2020 focused on digital radio consumption. Using computer-assisted telephone and web interviewing, the researchers surveyed 2,900 representative people in Austria between the ages of 15 and 70. The survey showed that in the coverage area, 54% were aware of digital radio — an increase of 11% since 2020 and up 7% compared to last year.

A new company has been set up to apply for the recently advertised Sittingbourne & the Medway Towns small-scale DAB licence. Medway & Swale DAB Limited, a joint venture between Sittingbourne Community Radio Ltd and Kent Capacity Co Ltd, is also supported by several other community radio stations in the local area including Sheppey FM on the Isle Of Sheppey. Peter Flynn, Director of Sittingbourne Community Radio Ltd said: “Our vision for small-scale DAB is a diverse collection of radio stations, with a ‘local first’ approach which will deliver an amazing choice of locally programmed radio services, as well as services from further afield, for listeners across the area to enjoy.” Sittingbourne & the Medway Towns is one of 32 areas recently advertised in Round 5 of the small-scale DAB process.

A second DAB+ project has started in Estonia. The company Duo Media Networks OÜ has put its own multiplex on the air. The following programmes are broadcast: Raadio KUKU, Radio ELMAR, MyHits, HAPODHOE RADIO, DFM Tallinn, Raadio Duo. Since 30 April, the service has been broadcasting from the Tartus transmitter on channel 5A and the Pärnus transmitter on channel 6A.

Bayern Digital Radio was founded 25 years ago on 8 May 1998 and was the first licensed transmitter network operator for DAB/DAB+ in Germany in 1999. The shareholders are Bayerischer Rundfunk, Media Broadcast GmbH and Bayerische Medien Technik GmbH. The interests of the commercial broadcasters are represented by the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for Commercial Broadcasting (BLM). The company's core business is the rapid and efficient expansion of the transmitter networks for DAB/DAB+ in Bavaria.

Former SCA presenter Jules Lund is the latest signing by Disrupt Radio. He will be heard in the 4pm – 6pm timeslot, reportedly focused on business, entrepreneurship and innovation. Lund joins former ABC presenter Libby Gorr on the expanding talent roster at Disrupt Radio which is set to hit the airwaves on DAB+ in coming months.

Leading UK Asian radio station, Sunrise Radio has launched Sunrise Smooth in London. The service went live on Monday 8th May 2023. It will feature laid back Asian hits. Sunrise Smooth will initially be available exclusively on DAB in London.

Manx Radio listeners in Douglas and Onchan will be able to listen to the station on DAB for the first time from 2 May. At 8am, the station will begin its trial of the technology, having been granted a three-year licence by the Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority. The trial will cost around £20,000, it's hoped the digital service will replace Manx Radio's AM transmitter.