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On the nationwide warning day, functions of the new warning system via DAB+ radio, ‘Automatic Safety Alert (ASA)’, were successfully tested for the first time with pre-series devices from the TechniSat and Kenwood brands. From mid-2025, new generations of DAB+ radios will support the ASA standard and be available in electronics stores. In the event of a crisis, it is crucial that the radios are activated from standby mode and that the population is informed in a targeted manner. These two key functions of ASA have been successfully tested by the ARD regional broadcasters BR, HR, RBB and SWR during ongoing broadcasting operations. The results are analysed and incorporated into quality assurance. The radio stations are working closely with the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK).

The annual IFA consumer trade show ended yesterday. Starting as a show with the first radios in 1924, this year it introduced a new electronic warning system for DAB+ receivers and networks, in addition to a wide range of TVs and other home electronics. The exhibition showed how the new features can be integrated into future generations of devices. For the first time at IFA, Frontier presented a demo of its Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) system on its stand in Hall 14, Stand 401, alongside receiver prototypes from Technisat and JVC Kenwood.

As part of a global initiative with the DAB+ industry, Frontier has been working on defining and developing a new feature that will provide widespread benefits for digital radio listeners and their communities. Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) builds on top of the DAB+ standard and enables safety alerts to be automatically broadcast to listeners via audio, text and images, allowing for key information to be reliably and rapidly delivered to large numbers of people. ASA will be supported on Frontier's Kino 4 Pro chip and Siena Pro module with a new SDK version later this year. The chip and module, which powers over 25 million DAB radios, have passed the latest Digital Tick technology test plan and will be the first to pass the ASA certification in Q4 2024. First products are expected to go into mass production in early 2025.

At IFA, the British chip manufacturer Frontier Smart Technologies is presenting a prototype of the new generation of DAB+ digital radios equipped with the ‘Automatic Safety Alert ASA’ standard to trade visitors for the first time. The ASA warning system protects the population in emergencies and crises and reliably transmits safety messages digitally on the radio without an internet connection. Listeners benefit from a system that keeps them informed even when mobile phone or internet connections are interrupted. ASA works automatically in the background, can be customised regionally for the place of residence and offers high availability thanks to the DAB+ radio transmission network.

WorldDAB and Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. proudly announce the launch of the "Automatic Safety Alert (ASA)" system after two years of intensive collaboration. This pioneering innovation in DAB+ digital radio technology aims to protect the public during emergencies by delivering reliable safety alerts without requiring an internet connection. Listeners will benefit from a system that alerts them even if mobile or internet connections are disrupted. ASA operates automatically in the background, can be regionally adjusted for the location, and boasts high resilience thanks to the robust DAB+ radio transmission network. The new standard will be published globally shortly, with initial tests scheduled for the IFA Berlin and the nationwide Warntag in Germany in September. By mid-2025, new generations of DAB+ radios will support the ASA standard.

From next year, new DAB+ receivers will have better audio and text alerts in crisis situations. The current standard for alerts is called AAS (Alarm Annoucement Switching) and was introduced in 2020. In a crisis situation, receivers will switch to the station responsible for crisis information and the screen will also provide short text information. DAB+ also allows for the creation of temporary radio channels in crisis situations, which was used during the Brisbane floods in 2011. Over the past two years, the new Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) standard has been developed by WorldDAB and Digitalradio Deutschland in co-operation with chip manufacturer Frontier Smart Technologies and electronics manufacturers such as Technisat and JVC Kenwood. Among other things, receivers with ASA can be switched on automatically in emergency situations.

WorldDAB and Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. are proud to announce the launch of the DAB+ Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) System after two years of intensive cooperation. This groundbreaking innovation in DAB+ Digital Radio technology aims to protect the public in emergency situations by providing reliable safety alerts WITHOUT requiring an Internet connection. Listeners will benefit from a system that alerts them even if their mobile phone or Internet connection goes down. The ASA works automatically in the background, can be locally adjusted according to each location and is highly resilient thanks to the robust DAB+ radio broadcast network. Worldwide publication of the new standard will take place shortly, with initial trials scheduled for the IFA in Berlin and at the nationwide Warntag in Germany in September. By the first half of 2025, new generations of DAB+ radios will support the ASA standard.

Amidst increasing global uncertainties, including conflicts in Europe and rising natural disasters due to climate change, the importance of resilient communication networks has never been more evident. A new report from the EBU on radio in crisis situations highlights the indispensable role of terrestrial radio, such as FM and DAB+ technologies, in maintaining communication continuity during these extreme situations. Unlike other networks prone to failure during crises like war or natural disasters, terrestrial radio has consistently shown resilience. Matthieu Rawolle, Senior Media Analyst for the EBU Media Intelligence Service, presented key findings from the report at today’s Radio Assembly in Geneva. He emphasized that terrestrial radio distribution is not only robust but also a crucial lifeline during crises, and that investment in this infrastructure is imperative as it serves as a key pillar for societies during emergencies.

Following recent major natural disasters in Germany, such as those in the Ahr Valley and parts of Upper Bavaria in 2021, the country’s authorities recognize the value of emergency warnings and are turning increasingly to DAB+. The broadcast format, which provides more radio stations in digital quality, boasts technical parameters ideally suited for reaching those under threat. Its robust transmission and broad “high tower, high power” reach mean DAB+ can remain available in crisis situations, even if the cellular network infrastructure fails, such as due to flooding or the loss of DSL switches.

In times of emergencies, authorities need to deliver a clear message quickly and reliably. In Germany and other European countries, DAB+ has been identified as a robust and reliable way to send out messages to people with DAB+ receivers. As a member of a WorldDAB taskforce, Frontier is participating in developing a new EWS (Emergency Warning System) specification that will broadcast emergency warning messages over DAB+. The standard is expected to be finalised in 2024 – with compatible radios on the market by the end of the year.