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The entire sector (with the exception of the CraXX association of 16 community radio stations) is in favour of the voluntary and simultaneous cessation of FM broadcasts by 2030, in consultation with the Flemish and German-speaking communities, subject to two conditions, maRadio.be has announced. This could see most radio stations stop broadcasting on FM by the end of the decade. The sector has also agreed to take a joint stance to ask the next government to implement a major "Plan for the Digital Transition of Radio". The plan consists of support for the roll-out of DAB+ to significantly improve its coverage, strong economic measures to accompany the digital transition, and changes to the legal framework for radio that take account of the digital transition.

The key data on audio usage confirms the unchanged high overall performance of the radio/audio genre. In the widest group of listeners (WHK), 93.7 per cent (ma 2023 Audio II: 94.1 per cent) of the German-speaking population aged 14 and over use at least one traditional and/or online audio offering (Audio Total). Listeners remain loyal to their stations at a high level with more than four hours of daily usage (duration: 245 minutes) (ma 2022 Audio II: 242 minutes). Distribution via DAB+ continues to be a trend: DAB+ is listened to by 28.5 per cent in the WHK (ma 2023 Audio II: 28.6 per cent) and is used particularly heavily in the target group of 30 to 59-year-olds (WHK: 34.0 per cent - ma 2023 Audio II: 33.6 per cent).

DAB+ transmissions, on channel 7B, of the 17 broadcasters scattered throughout the Abruzzo region began on 11 March. In fact, a repeater covering the entire Abruzzo coastline and part of the interior has been activated. "We had been waiting for the authorisation for the activation of our first repeater for some time," says Giovanni Fimiani, president of the consortium. "Our consortium represents the historic radio stations of the Abruzzo region, the pioneers of the FM airwaves, and the three largest in the Mezzogiorno, with a net worth of all consortium members of around EUR 5 million.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has started consultations on local DAB+ capacity for commercial radio. In parts of the Netherlands, local radio on DAB+ is already available through temporary licences, but from September, local DAB+ will become available for the whole country. The 57 allotments will be used for both local and commercial radio. Local public broadcasters therefore had until February to apply for a licence. Over 200 broadcasters did so. They have now already received their licences. The remaining capacity on the 57 allotments will now be distributed to commercial radio. A total of 815 licences are involved. The number of available licences varies per allotment and depends on the number of local public broadcasters that have already received a licence. On most allotments, however, more than 10 licences are available for commercial radio.

The Communications Networks and Services Agency of the Republic of Slovenia has published a public call for tenders for the award of the T-DAB+ national network, for the R4 and R5 multiplexes. Interested bidders may submit their bids until 19 April 2024 at 10.00. The Agency underlines that digital audio broadcasting (DAB) is the future of radio sound broadcasting. In Slovenia, there is a national network R1 and a national network R2, divided into East and West, and a regional network R3. The deployment of the DAB networks R4 and R5 will complement the current infrastructure and provide comprehensive coverage. It will provide listeners with greater convenience, quality and diversity of radio content.

In late 2023, the bidding process was launched by the Flemish Media Regulator (VRM) after which several bids were evaluated based on a beauty contest. VRM, after reviewing the submissions, identified Broadcast Partners’ bid as the best proposal. Effective June 21, the current operator’s license will be transferred to Broadcast Partners. Due to the change of operator, adjustments must be made to the transmission towers. “Preparations are in full swing. Listeners are not expected to be affected by the operator transition.” Broadcast Partners is also the station operator for commercial stations in Flanders on FM such as Q-Music, Joe and Nostalgie. Also, Broadcast Partners has been managing the DAB network for VRT since 2018.

It is now possible to enjoy the programming of Radio Nacional, Radio 3 and Radio 5 in DAB+ in the metropolitan area of Santiago de Compostela, thanks to the start of broadcasts from Cellnex Telecom's broadcasting centre located on the emblematic Monte Pedroso, a prime viewpoint of the city. This start of broadcasts in Santiago de Compostela is part of RTVE's commitment to progressively increase RNE's DAB+ offer and the coverage of the service, starting broadcasts in different Spanish cities until the end of the year. Once deployed throughout Spain, DAB+ will allow Radio Televisión Española to provide the public radio broadcasting service in the terms currently entrusted to it by law: providing maximum geographical and social coverage with better quality, free-to-air broadcasts, complementary information and free reception.

Radioplayer, a leader in connected radio innovation, is excited to unveil a partnership aimed at enhancing audience experience and empowering the radio industry. This integration marks a significant milestone, securing distribution with Google Assistant, a key player closely tied to the connected user experience. Google's commitment to enhancing the listener experience underscores the significance of collaborating with a unified industry through Radioplayer. The announcement was made at Radiodays Europe, where Yann Legarson, CEO of Radioplayer, emphasised the collective strength and innovative spirit of the radio industry: "This partnership with Google represents a powerful testament to the unified voice of radio. Through Radioplayer, we are demonstrably driving positive change and delivering exceptional radio experiences to audiences everywhere, while empowering broadcasters with groundbreaking data insights, enabling them to fine-tune content strategies, drive innovation, and seize new opportunities like never before."

In an effort to help the broadcasting industry continue to elevate, innovate and reach new audiences, Xperi has been working to expand its offerings across the European market with the introduction of Nation Player and Rapid Four. Starting in June, Xperi’s All In Media (AIM) and Nation Broadcasting will begin offering a free to access radio and audio app in the UK. Aptly titled ‘Nation Player,’ the new aggregator app, which is powered by AIM Player technology, is open to radio operators and major podcast producers who want to reach a UK audience in the home, on mobile and in the car. Nation Broadcasting executive chairman, Jason Bryant, said, “As streamed listening share accelerates, the in-car, connected experience becomes critical for listeners. We wanted to build a platform that is united and industry wide.”

This marks a shift for Radioplayer, embracing a more innovative and forward-thinking approach as we transition into a future where radio is significantly more data-driven. All the products and services we are launching this year will create increased value and utility for radio listeners, broadcasters, car manufacturers, and tech giants alike. At the radio innovation and technology event Radiodays Europe, Yann Legarson, Radioplayer CEO stated: "This product launch represents a significant milestone for Radioplayer and the entire radio industry. We are committed to driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in radio technology. Our aim is to create products that not only meet the evolving needs of our listeners but also empower broadcasters, car manufacturers, and tech giants to deliver exceptional radio experiences."