News

On 23-28 September, with the joint participation of representatives of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the National Communications Commission of Georgia, a joint radio monitoring of radio, television and mobile communication networks in the border areas and a coordination meeting was held in the city of Ganja. In connection with the transition to DAB+ digital radio broadcasting, the frequencies of DAB+ standard digital radio broadcasting stations to be installed in the western and north-western regions of the Republic have been pre-coordinated.

The Agency for Electronic Media (AEM) has launched the procedure for awarding licences for new digital radio stations to broadcast via the DAB+ network. It has published a call for expressions of public interest in providing DAB+ digital radio media services in a number of areas, including national "MUX1" covering the Republic of Croatia. Interested parties are asked to submit a written statement on the significance of the digital radio channel's activities in their area, in which they should specify the target audiences, as well as programmes or content to be especially represented. The deadline for submission of expressions of interest is November 25, 2024.

In collaboration with the Service Général de l'Audiovisuel et des Médias, the services of the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel have launched the procedure for optimising the mux of independent radio stations with the designated technical operators. Technical commissions will shortly be organised to examine requests for optimisation. We invite radio stations to contact their technical operators to ensure that they are in possession of their digital coverage requests. Requests must be sent to the CSA - by the operator only - by 2 December at the latest.

It has been put off several times, but this time it's the right time: the end of FM broadcasting is scheduled for 31 December. On that date, the SSR will switch off its antennas in favour of DAB+, although private radio stations will be granted an extension. This technology offers a number of advantages in terms of cost, sound quality (no more crackling or interference) and a wider range of services. ‘On an FM frequency, you can only put on one radio programme at a time. On the other hand, on a DAB+ frequency, you can put on 18,’ says Philippe Zahno, President of the association of regional radio stations in French-speaking Switzerland.

Pure Audio has announced a new member of its Classic range of retro-styled DAB+ radios, the Pure Classic Mini. Like its siblings it mixes retro styling with modern innards and, to my eyes, it's the best looking Classic model yet. It's also the most affordable, coming in at £10 less than the Pure Classic H4. It's very small too. There are two colour options here, called Cotton White / Oak and Coffee Black / Walnut, and prices and specifications are the same for both. Pure describes the design as "charming" and I think its right.

Whether morning show or drive-time, three out of four people listen to the radio digitally. The digitisation rate is already at 75 per cent. The media authorities presented their annual ‘Audio Trends 2024’ report at the Media Days Munich on 24 October. The special analysis of ma 2024 Audio II shows that 75 per cent of radio listeners in Germany now use digital services. Digital radio, whether via DAB+ or the internet, has become an integral part of the everyday lives of 49 million people. This corresponds to three quarters of all listeners. Web radio and - in the clear lead - DAB+ are very popular.

NLPO intends to select Broadcast Partners and Radio Netwerk Nederland (RNN) as suppliers of collective DAB+ services in Layer 6. The aim is to make DAB+ services available in all allotments through these two parties in the first half of 2025. The collective offer will soon provide local broadcasters with a completely worry-free management and maintenance service. The network structure and coverage rates to be provided are guaranteed to meet the set DAB licence conditions and specific requirements per allotment. The service is monitored 24/7, and is covered by a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with a minimum availability of 99%. Broadcasters remain solely responsible for the delivery of the audio stream.

The next location where listeners will be able to tune into the TELEKO DAB multiplex from the new parameters will be Zlín - Mladcová. Instead of frequency block 11C, it will be channel 10D. As part of its efforts to improve coverage and strengthen its position in the digital radio market, Teleko digital is switching to a single channel 10D in the eastern part of the country. Thanks to the launch of the Zlín transmitter on the final parameters, ZUN radio, which reminds listeners of the motto "The most house in the ether", is returning to Zlín after a year.

TOPradio moves and listeners move with it. For instance, TOPradio scored extremely well in the latest CIM measurement period from May to August 2024. It saw its market share rise from 1.6% to 2.3% among Flemish people over 12 years old. The increase in listening figures is in all age groups and in every province. The new wave is confirmation that TOPradio's beats and dance pop are being enjoyed. The radio station is also looking confidently to the future. Since the beginning of September, TOPradio activated a new radio project: TOP2. This station serves fans with a beating heart for electronic music. House, techno, retro and hard dance, you can hear it live 24/7 on DAB+ and online.

It was a very good CIM wave for Nostalgie, which once again confirmed its status as market leader, and more broadly for all NGroup radio stations, which now have a 21.3% market share¹. NGroup's DAB+ radio stations are also continuing to grow. Nostalgie+ recorded a slight increase of 0.1%¹, reaching a market share of 1.3%¹, consolidating its position as the leading DAB+ radio station in French-speaking Belgium. NRJ+ remains stable with 0.4% market share¹. Together, the Nostalgie family (Nostalgie and Nostalgie+) has 15.2% market share¹, while the NRJ family (NRJ and NRJ+) has 5.3%¹.