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In 2017, Norway switched off its FM radio services, compelling Norwegians to tune to DAB+. In 2024, Switzerland is set to switch off its own FM services, forcing the Swiss to use DAB+ for over-the-air radio too. The impact of these “FM switch-offs” on domestic commercial radio was examined during the WorldDAB Summit 2022. It was held by WorldDAB, the global industry forum for DAB digital radio, at London’s Kings Place and online on Nov. 17. In a session entitled, “Norway 5 years on and Switzerland 2024,” Digital Radio Norway CEO Ole Jørgen Torvmark asked Norway’s Kenneth Andresen (VP/Head of Radio at Viaplay Group aka P4 Group) and Switzerland’s Nicola Bomio (Head of Radio with CH Media Entertainment) for commercial radio’s take on replacing FM/analog radio with DAB+/digital radio.

"DAB+ offers lower distribution costs than FM, uses less energy to broadcast and is more resilient for broadcasting alerts, especially outdoors," said Patrick Hannon. "It is essential to protect the key benefits of broadcasting - it is free, universal and reliable in an emergency. DAB+ is the guarantor of the sustainability of these attributes," he added.

The NDR has switched on two more DAB+ filler transmitters in Lower Saxony relatively unnoticed in recent weeks. These are the locations Wolfsburg (channel 6C - regional network Braunschweig) and Celle-Stadt (channel 7A - regional network Hannover). The transmitting power is a relatively low 100 and 200 watts respectively. Network expansion also continues in Bavaria. On 4 November, BR switched on the sites in Pegnitz (Upper Franconia) and Fuchsmühl (Upper Palatinate). On 11 November, the transmitter for Neustadt am Main (Lower Franconia) went on air, followed by a transmitter in Schweinfurt (Lower Franconia).

Back to the traditional in-person format after the pandemic, on Nov. 17, the WorldDAB Summit 2022 brought together global DAB+ experts to Kings Place, London. Online attendance was also possible, resulting in the first “hybrid” edition of this WorldDAB event. In his keynote speech, Patrick Hannon, WorldDAB president and V.P. for corporate development at Frontier Smart Technologies, pointed out three key action items each DAB+ stakeholder should focus on.

DAB+ is delivering on all fronts for the European countries who have adopted this digital radio standard. That was the message delivered by WorldDAB President Patrick Hannon as he opened the WorldDAB Summit 2022 on Nov. 17. Held in person this year at Kings Place, King’s Cross in London and online, the summit is WorldDAB’s annual flagship event. Hannon opened his “WorldDAB Global Update” by declaring that radio itself plays a really important role in the lives of European citizens. “Eighty-five of Europeans listen to radio every week,” he said. “Ninety percent of car buyers say that radio should be standard in every vehicle. And radio is the medium most trusted by European citizens for 12 years in a row.”

When it comes to listenership and market share, UK live radio is experiencing a “sonic boom” of success; however, the UK government needs to step in to ensure the industry’s future survival in an increasingly online/smart speaker world. That was the gist of Radiocentre CEO Matt Payton’s talk, entitled “Powering the Sonic Boom,” at the WorldDAB Summit 2022 on Nov. 17 in London. Radiocentre is a UK commercial radio industry association. WorldDAB is the global industry forum for DAB digital radio.

Three E’s — economics, environment and emergencies — will drive the case for DAB+ adoption, said WorldDAB President, Patrick Hannon, opening the organisation’s annual Summit in London on Thursday. “DAB+ offers lower costs of distribution than FM, coupled with lower energy requirements, and greater resilience in emergencies, especially out of home,” said Hannon. “It’s essential to protect the core benefits of broadcast radio - it’s free to air, universal and reliable in emergencies. DAB+ is key to securing this,” he added.

By the end of 2024, all local public broadcasters in the Netherlands will be received via DAB+, the digital successor to FM. The government will make extra money available for this in the near future. This will allow local broadcasters to continue to reach and serve their audience well in the future. Marc Visch, director-director of NLPO, the sector organisation of Dutch local public broadcasters, said: "Anyone who buys a digital radio today, and thus switches from FM to DAB+, will no longer be able to receive local broadcasting. It is therefore very good news that the government recognises this problem and is willing to invest extra in maintaining the accessibility of local radio."

After one year, RTI cz has completed the construction of one of its largest sites - the Čerchov transmitter in Domažlice. After the sites Klatovy-Doubrava, Plzeň-Sylván, Javorník and Jáchymov-Klínovec, Čerchov has become another strategic point for the development and dissemination of digital radio broadcasting. Construction began in July 2021 and was fully completed on 11 November this year. It is a 25-metre high conical mast with a container for broadcast technology next to it. The site is equipped with a backup power source and a modern surveillance system for all technology.

Radio station HITZZZ!!! can now be received throughout Friesland via DAB+ on channel 5A, it has announced. HITZZZ!!! could already be heard via DAB+ in Groningen and Drenthe. In those provinces, the station can also be heard via FM in Groningen, Assen and Winschoten. According to the station, many responses to the broadcasts also came in from Friesland. For listeners in this province, the radio station can be heard on digital. The radio station broadcasts via the regional network in Friesland on channel 5A with a broadcast quality of 96 kbps.