News

16 March saw the start of DAB+ broadcasts by the Veneto DAB consortium, a local DAB+ network operator belonging to the Aeranti-Corallo association system. The association hopes that MIMIT will initiate the procedures for the allocation of all Dab+ frequencies in each technical area under the PNAF (frequency plan) as soon as possible. Veneto DAB operates on frequency 8B with a transmitter site located in Terranegra (Padua). Elena Porta, sole director of Veneto DAB, expressed the hope that "the entire local digital radio system will be up and running as soon as possible."

Radio Rock, like many other broadcasters, is investing in DAB+ to expand its catchment area. The Rome-based broadcaster, however, is probably one of the first to launch a specific campaign on digital radio. And so these days, Radio Rock is present - also - in the printed press, reminding the potential Lombard audience of its almost regional coverage. Like others, it can be heard in digital quality in the provinces of Milan, Monza, Lodi, Pavia, Brescia, Bergamo and Cremona.

The 90’s group of stations from KIIS, 97.3, Mix and 96FM once again have the numbers in the DAB+ results for Survey 1. With 338,000 listeners nationally, they lead Coles Radio (325,000) and the 80’s group (WSFM, GOLD, 97.3 KIIS, Mix, 96FM) with 323,000. RnB Fridays was reasonably stable with 312,000, just in front of OLDSKOOL HITS 90’s with 304,000.

The Australian commercial DAB+ station audience grew over 30% in 2022 from 1.88 million to 2.45 million, according to GfK data released by industry body Commercial Radio & Audio. Commercial DAB+ radio stations took out the top seven spots of the 10 most listened to DAB+ stations over the year. CRA chief executive officer Ford Ennals said the strong result shows that more people are discovering the large variety of radio stations now available on DAB+ and online as well. “With DAB+ radio, people can widen their audio listening experience. Whether you are sports tragic, a lover of ‘80s or ‘90s hits or a dance music fan, there’s a commercial DAB+ radio station, or stations, that are for you,” Mr Ennals said. “The growing number of commercial DAB+ stations also enable advertisers to better target demographics in areas with DAB+ radio coverage,” he added.

Frisk Radio in the north east of England is launching on the small-scale DAB multiplex serving Middlesbrough and Redcar. The station launched two years ago and joined new local multiplexes in Tynemouth and Newcastle as they launched. Commenting on the expansion, Frisk Radio’s director, Stuart Landreth said: “Having grown up with legendary night clubs like Tall Trees, Liquid and Millennium, we know that there are a generation of clubbers across Teesside who are passionate about their dance music – and we’re here to cater to that in an untapped radio market.” Frisk Radio claims a monthly audience of 22,500 listeners in Newcastle and across Tyneside.

Last January, Arcom's president, Roch-Olivier Maistre, announced the Authority was preparing a white paper on the future of radio. Arcom's board of directors today determined the main themes of this study, which the regulator intends to complete within a year. The white paper will provide the broadest possible overview of the radio sector in France. It will also cover the major challenge of the transition from FM to DAB+ (digital terrestrial radio) broadcasting throughout the country, both in metropolitan France and the French overseas territories.

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) has officially launched DAB+ for community radio stations on the Gold Coast. Three stations, 4CRB, Juice, and Radio Metro, are now available to audiences via free-to-air DAB+ digital radio across the Gold Coast following a testing period that commenced in September 2022. This makes these three stations the first community radio stations to broadcast via DAB+ outside of Australia’s capital cities. CEO of the CBAA, Jon Bisset, says, “While digital broadcasting may have only just begun for the Gold Coast, the CBAA continues to work with community broadcasters around Australia to ensure the continued quality of their service. We are also striving to bring DAB+ to more stations and to expand the reach of digital community radio into other non-metro locations.”

Czech Radio, the Czech Republic’s public service broadcaster, is now connected to the global RadioDNS system. The broadcaster, the oldest in continental Europe, operates 12 nationwide stations and another 14 regional stations. All the stations on FM and DAB+ are now connected with web services such as audio streams and station logos. “The RadioDNS system enables Czech Radio to optimally connect all three of our key distribution platforms, i.e., FM, DAB and the internet. This is a modern solution for so-called hybrid radio, and although it is not yet standard equipment, the number of cars equipped in this way is growing,” says Karel Zýka, director of technology and administration at Czech Radio.

The second session in today’s ABU-Rai Days conference was titled Showcasing a sustainable media industry and explored how some major broadcasters in Europe and Asia Pacific have taken up challenges of making their organisations and activities more sustainable. ABC Radio Sydney Manager, Steve Ahern is Chairman of the Green Ears project in Australia, which focuses on sustainability in the radio and audio industries. He outlined the commitment of all Australian audio broadcasters to support increased sustainable practices through this initiative. Transmissions is generally the largest contributor to emissions (Broadcast and Streaming) however Digital (DAB+) transmission significantly reduces power usage with its multiple shared services on one transmitter.

Leicester Digital Partnership has switched on the small-scale DAB service for Leicester ahead of an official launch. The multiplex, supported by Maxxwave, was switched on last week and will be officially launching on March 19th 2023. Leicester Digital Partnership is a collaboration between community radio stations in Leicester, with EAVA FM, Kohinoor Radio, LCR2, Radio2Funky and Takeover Radio operating the licence on a not-for-profit basis. Dr Rob Watson, Managing Director of Leicester Digital Partnership said: “As a round three licence award we are very pleased that Maxxwave has commissioned our broadcast service so quickly and with such a cost-effective approach that will make this service sustainable."