News

Nation Broadcasting has added a new classic hits service to its Nation Player app. Nation Classic Hits says it plays the Best Variety of Classic Hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s and launched on 1 October. Nation Founder Jason Bryant said; “Informed by the success of Dragon Radio, our classic hits station for Wales, and our popular decades services of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, Nation Classic Hits will be an upbeat, nationally targeted oldies service delivered with contemporary production." Nation Classic Hits will sit alongside Nation’s decades stations of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, and is also on DAB digital radio in Tynemouth.

DAB+ Austria was once again a resounding success at this year's Electronics Retailer Days in Linz. In over 300 intensive discussions, the team informed the specialist retailers about the latest developments in DAB+. At the hama stand, the DAB+ Austria team presented the latest DAB+-capable devices together with the manufacturers hama, TechniSat, pure and Albrecht. The great interest shown by over 1,900 visitors emphasised the growing importance of digital radio in Austria. ‘DAB+ is more than just radio. It is an innovative product that offers our customers real added value’ says Michael Hofer - Managing Director of ElectronicPartner Austria. The Austrian Digital Radio Association will continue to work actively on the expansion of DAB+ in Austria. DAB+ already plays an important role in the Austrian radio market and will continue to do so in the future.

The Plzeň-based company RTI cz has scheduled the re-tuning of three DAB+ transmitters in the Karlovy Vary region for 2-3 October. They will form a single-frequency network on channel 9B. One of the two nationwide commercial radio networks, RTI cz's Multiplex C, is starting to launch its final transmitters in the very west of the Czech Republic. Today it has scheduled a seven-hour lockout of the Klínovec transmitter near Jáchymov, from where it is now transmitting on channel 9C at 1 kW power, to realign it to the final channel 9B acquired in the frequency auction. The transmitter's power will be significantly increased to 10 kW, which will significantly improve the coverage not only of the Karlovy Vary Region. A seven-hour lockout of the transmitters Karlovy Vary - sídliště and Toužim - Třebouňský vrch, which are now also transmitting on channel 9C, is also planned for 3 October and the operator will switch them to channel 9B.

WDR has been working on its second multiplex for some time now. On 2 October, test broadcasts were observed from several locations. The second DAB+ multiplex gives WDR the opportunity to offer all of its radio stations nationwide. Since the end of 2023, this has been operating under the identifier ‘K9A’, as it is currently being used again. However, it can be assumed that a different multiplex name will appear at the regular launch. Even though only nine test channels with a data rate of 88 kbit/s were currently audible, each with a 1 kHz tone, the occupancy indicates that the original package will not change from the end of 2023.

The operator RTI cz re-tuned its digital radio transmitter Toužim - Třebouňský vrch on 3 October. Listeners in the affected areas will have to retune their receivers to the new channel 9B after the lockout. Czech Radio Karlovy Vary, among others, will be better off with the change. After the West Bohemian transmitters Jáchymov - Klínovec and Karlovy Vary - sídliště, which have already been switched to the new frequency block 9B on 2 October, Toužim - Třebouňský vrch is also switching to the same frequency. At the same time, the power in this location is being increased from the current 1 kW to 10 kW. The range of RTI cz's DAB+ multiplex from Třebouňský vrch will increase significantly.

British chip manufacturer Frontier Smart Technologies presented a prototype of the next generation of DAB+ digital radios at IFA 2024. These devices are equipped with the new ‘Automatic Safety Alert’ (ASA) standard, which reliably warns the public in emergencies and crises. ASA transmits life-saving safety messages directly via the radio without the need for an internet connection. Typical alerts include severe weather warnings, evacuation requests or information on power outages. Thomas Pöcheim, Managing Director of the Austrian Digital Radio Association, was able to see the new ASA functions for himself at the Frontier stand. Watch the video for a demonstration of the new ASA system.

Radio X and Gold Radio are now available on DAB+ digital radio in the Channel Islands. The two stations have gone live to an additional 160,000 potential listeners across Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm broadcasting in DAB+. It’s the first time either has been broadcast terrestrially in the Channel Islands. Both stations are owned by Global, the Media & Entertainment Group, which already broadcasts Heart, Smooth, Classic FM, LBC and Capital on DAB+ to the Channel Islands. The Channel Islands DAB multiplex is operated by Tindle Radio - owners of Channel 103 in Jersey and Guernsey’s Island FM - through its Bailiwick Broadcasting subsidiary. The addition of Radio X and Gold Radio brings the total number of stations broadcasting in DAB+ to the Channel Islands to 24. According to industry listening figures from RAJAR* more than 40% of all islanders in Jersey and Guernsey tune into DAB radio each week.

Good news for all Christmas lovers! From 1 October, the theme channel Sky Christmas will not only be available online and via the Sky app, but now also via DAB+. That means you can now hear the best Christmas hits non-stop wherever you are. Whether you want to get in the mood for the festive season or simply enjoy Christmas classics all year round, Sky Christmas has everything you need. Don't miss it and fully enjoy The Most Wonderful Time of the Year with Sky Radio!

Christmas Radio has launched once again this year on DAB in Portsmouth. The station, which is also online, is playing “all your festive hits, all day” on the local small-scale multiplex till December 31st. The presenter line-up includes Santa, who will be playing festive songs and talking in between them. Station Owner, Gary Milchard said: “We at Christmas Radio are delighted to return to Portsmouth again. Christmas is such an exciting time for many of us and we can’t wait to share the festive period with everyone in the city.”

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) welcomes another record-breaking milestone, with commercial radio’s share of listening climbing to 75.1%. This figure not only surpasses last survey’s record but also marks the highest level since 2014, highlighting the vibrancy of Australia’s audio landscape. This growth is largely fuelled by the rise of digital distribution, which has allowed radio to adapt and maintain its audience reach. Commercial DAB+ only stations are making their mark, with TSL rising by 26 minutes year-on-year to 6 hours and 39 minutes per week.