News

Ofcom is proposing to make all small-scale radio multiplexes offer DAB+ services only. The regulator wants to amend the Digital Radio Technical Code to include the condition so that no original format DAB is allowed.

Hundreds of new local digital radio stations could start broadcasting in the UK from 2020, under proposals outlined by broadcast regulator Ofcom. Following successful trials, the regulator is now consulting on how it would implement Government legislation to create a framework for the licensing of small-scale DAB radio on a permanent basis. It would like to hear from interested parties by October 4th and intends to start advertising licences early in 2020.

The rapid rollout of DAB+ in France continues as regular DAB+ services have launched in Nantes. 41 DAB+ stations are now available to listeners in Nantes and the wider region of Pays de la Loire in the west of the country.

The Italian Communications regulator, Agcom, has approved a revision scheme for digital radio regulations in Italy. According to the revisions, which are subject to approval, private (DAB Italia/ EuroDAB) and public (RAI) network operators will be obliged to allocate part of their transmission capacities to independent broadcasters.

The Radio and TV Festival organised as part of the 50th anniversary of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), held in Tunis at the end of June, served as an opportunity to highlight the launch of regular DAB+ services in Tunisia, and the expansion of DAB+ in the Arab world.

In this interview, senior figures from the public and private radio industry in Germany - Deutschlandradio's Stefan Raue and Die Neue Welle's Willi Schreiner - highlight the strong growth and future prospects for DAB+ in Germany and across Europe.

Following initial launches in Paris, Nice and Marseille in 2014, and significant milestones achieved in 2018 (including launches in Lille, Lyon and Strasbourg areas), France is gearing up to launch DAB+ in Nantes and Rouen in the second part of 2019, while all eyes are already turning to 2020.

Nation Broadcasting is looking for radio stations of all genres and sizes to work alongside it on a number of upcoming DAB digital radio projects being rolled out across the UK. Nation currently operates DAB multiplexes in Mid & West Wales, North Wales and Glasgow. It also has shareholdings in DAB multiplexes in Suffolk and North East Wales & Cheshire.

Public and commercial radio stations in the Netherlands for the start of the sixth edition of the digital radio week, which kicks off on Monday 8 July. Various campaigns and initiatives - including DAB+ radio giveaways - have been put in place by broadcasters across the country to promote DAB+ radio throughout next week.

Improvements to the Audemat DAB probe include the decoding of FIG tables for a more detailed analysis of the streaming content received; and the display of real audio and PAD bit rates, so broadcasters can visualise the real audio quality and have the possibility to listen to radio remotely. The Audemat DAB probe is designed to monitor DAB signal quality and service continuity at the transmitter site or in a coverage area.