News

Applications are now open for the seventh round of small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences for 29 areas across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In total, the small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of over 100 multiplexes. So far, 70 multiplexes have launched and the guidance notes for small-scale DAB multiplexes has also been updated for anyone submitting a fresh application.

Stefan Gruhner (CDU), Head of the State Chancellery in Thuringia responds to questions from medienpolitik.net: "It would be absurd to continue broadcasting FM and DAB+ in parallel for decades because of those unwilling to spend 25 euros on a new radio. MDR is setting a good example in this area: it has announced that it will switch off 37 of its 173 FM transmitters in the 2025 to 2028 contribution period. Deutschlandradio has already given up 52 of its previously more than 300 FM frequencies since 2018. I expect the state broadcasters and Deutschlandradio to have a plan for a complete FM phase-out during the 2029 to 2032 contribution period by 2027 at the latest."

Applications have opened for the seventh round of small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences for 29 areas across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Each Ofcom-licensed small-scale multiplex allows grass-roots community services, specialist music stations, and services aimed at minority groups and other under-served audiences to take to the digital airwaves. In total, the small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of over 100 multiplexes. So far, 70 multiplexes have launched broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. The closing-date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 29 April 2025.

The launch of Radio Maria on Liverpool’s small-scale DAB+ platform will provide 24/7 access to Catholic programming, including daily Mass, prayers, inspiring teachings, live talk shows and uplifting music. The inclusion of Liverpool in Radio Maria’s digital coverage is part of a broader mission to bring Catholic radio to as many people as possible across the Britain. Supported entirely by listeners’ prayers and donations, the station continues to grow as a vibrant, volunteer-driven ministry dedicated to evangelisation, prayer, and fellowship. Liverpool SSDAB provider, David Duffy said, ‘I am delighted to have worked closely with Pierre Petrou at Radio Maria to establish this great Catholic radio station on our multiplex.’

Among the WorldDAB highlights at the show is a presentation on the DAB+ Automatic Safety Alert (ASA), nominated for the Paris Radio Show Grand Prix 2025 in the “Best Innovation” category. The ASA, designed to save lives and enhance public safety during emergencies, will be demonstrated live at the WorldDAB exhibition booth throughout the event. O’Neill will lead a dedicated session on the ASA on Jan. 29 at 3:30 p.m. CET. The presentation will explore how this technology can deliver critical safety alerts effectively via DAB+.

The Czech Republic has the thirteenth private radio licensed for terrestrial digital broadcasting in the DAB+ standard. The authorisation from the Radio and Television Broadcasting Council was granted to American Radio of Simpli Media, the company behind the owner of Hey, Color and Sázava radios Miroslav Pýcha. The station, focused on American country and rock, has been testing since December on the HQ test programme position in the COLOR DAB+ multiplex in Prague, which is operated by Pýcha's other company Joe Media. It is in Prague that the new radio should officially launch. Later on, Americano Radio will appear on the COLOR DAB+ digital network in České Budějovice and in February at the latest also in Pilsen and Karlovy Vary.

Czech Radiokomunikace has announced that it will launch the Czech Digital Group's DAB+ multiplex at the beginning of next month. The network will include commercial radio stations and represents a significant step in the digitalisation of radio broadcasting in the Czech Republic. Radio United Broadcasting, a key player in the Czech radio market, will join the new multiplex with its own stations.

Dave Minneboo, Creative Director Audio, shared the news that work is underway on a new DAB+ channel featuring only Dutch-language music. ‘If you look at past years, Dutch pop music has really taken off. Just look at the success of Suzan & Freek, Yves Berendse and Roxy Dekker in the charts as well as on social media. We want to give this popular homegrown genre a stage and are therefore bringing back Radio Noordzee Nationaal.’ Fans of Dutch-language music can also join SBS6 later this year. Frans Klein, Creative Director Video, reveals that artist Roxeanne Hazes will present the new programme Het Holland Huis there.

The Local DAB Multiplex Association has launched to bring together SSDAB licensees from across the UK. The new organisation will provide a unified voice for multiplex operators and a shared vision for the development of the local DAB radio sector. Since the first SSDAB licence was awarded in March 2021, 114 licences have been awarded, with more coming soon. 64 multiplexes are already fully operational, covering just over 30% of the UK population. The Local DAB Multiplex Association board is made up of multiplex operators from around the country. It will aim to foster collaboration between licensees and the sharing of experiences – working together to identify opportunities within the sector.

Following the switch-off of FM programmes in the cable network, the time is right for radio listeners to switch to DAB+ digital radio. DAB+, the digital successor to FM, offers clear reception without additional costs for internet access. Stereo systems can be easily retrofitted using an adapter. Listening to the radio via DAB+ offers enormous advantages: Digital terrestrial radio offers a wider selection of programmes than cable FM, with clear and noise-free quality. Depending on the location, up to 80 digital stations are available, offering a variety of programmes to suit every taste. For example, the three Deutschlandradio programmes Deutschlandfunk, Deutschlandfunk Kultur and the digital-only youth programme Deutschlandfunk Nova are reliably available nationwide via DAB+.