News

WorldDAB and the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) presented a technical webinar series last week, attracting over 350 broadcasters, network operators, regulators and other radio stakeholders from over 50 countries. The series, which extended for three days, presented a panel of experts who explained the features and opportunities that DAB+ offers broadcasters in the MENA region.

Touching on the upcoming launches of DAB+ in Toulouse and Bordeaux, the French regulator's president highlighted radio's digital transition as a key turning point that will provide consumers with increased sound quality and listening comfort.

Through this article - which outlines the development and status of DAB+ in Europe and beyond - the Jamaica Observer challenges the new minister of technology to call for an immediate review of the steps to digital broadcasting and create a task force to implement same within a reasonable time frame.

Dashboard technology is changing faster than ever before - broadcasters must react to the new dashboard environment, prioritise metadata and work hard to create a positive radio experience ensuring their station and branding looks as good as it sounds in the car.

Operated by Antenne Deutschland, Germany's new national multiplex will launch on 5 October and host a total of 16 commercial stations, including four of Antenne Deutschland's Absolut stations.

Germany is about to launch its second national multiplex; France is planning the launch of its national DAB+ services, and Switzerland has just revealed its plans for the phase-off of FM services. Using expert opinion from leaders in these three markets, this article lays out the status of DAB+ in these countries, and draws out the progress made by DAB+ across Europe, as the deadline of the EECC draws closer.

The European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), which entered into force on 20 December 2018, must be transposed into national legislation by EU Member States by 21 December 2020.

Frontier Smart Technologies has become the first company to receive the upgraded Digital Radio Tick Mark. The Digital Radio Tick Mark indicates to consumers that devices are tested and approved to meet the UK Government agreed specification for digital radios and are able to receive FM, DAB and DAB+ stations.

Luxembourg's Media and Communications Authority is working towards the launch of DAB+ digital radio. According to RTL, a trial DAB+ multiplex operated by their subsidiary BCE was launched on 18 September with the hope of a national DAB+ launch by spring 2021. RTL state that the motivation for launching DAB+ is to improve coverage and reception of existing radio stations, and to permit the launch of new radio programmes in Luxembourg, given the FM frequency is full.

The European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), which came into force on December 20, 2018, must be implemented in national law by the EU member states by December 21, 2020. This particularly applies to equipping new cars with DAB + receivers.