News

In March this year, the CREVEX complex exercise began, which has involved several months of exercises in different security and internal security agencies. Kadi Luht-Kallas, adviser to the Rescue and Safety Policy Department of the Ministry of the Interior, told Digigenius that the test, which will take place today at 19.30, can be said to be a quick pre-test for DAB+. "For up to 60 seconds, Klassikaraadio will be routed to the channel and a text about the test will be displayed, after which the radio itself should move back to the previous setting, but this may vary depending on the device," she described.

Cumulative DAB+ digital radio receiver sales reached 52.4 million in the UK, the highest in Europe, latest figures show. This included car sales and meant total DAB and upgraded DAB+ digital radio coverage reached 97.3% of the UK population in 2023, compared to 94% in 2013, according to new figures from WorldDAB, a global industry association for DAB digital radio. WorldDAB found 98% of new cars had DAB or DAB+ fitted in the UK and two-thirds (66%) of UK households had DAB or DAB+ receivers.

When the RedTech team made its way across the halls of this year’sIBC2023 meeting those crafting the most exciting tech in the radio and digital audio tech, there was added energy in the handshakes. The annual RedTech IBC “Best In-Show” Awards, which acknowledge outstanding technological innovation, are a vital part of the international event, and it seems the recognition is coveted. The judges evaluate the nominees according to market relevance, design, business benefits, operational benefits, innovation, technical excellence and cost-effectiveness. This year’s winners include WorldDAB members: GatesAir — MultiD DAB Transmitters; Inovonics — Sofia 563 DAB+ SiteStreamer+ Monitor and Receiver.

Several new digital radio stations are about to launch in South Devon. The date has been set for DAB digital broadcasting network TorDab to go live, meaning local organisations can bring radio services to a wider audience. It will launch on Wednesday 1 November, from transmitters in Torquay, Bovey Tracey and at Teignmouth Golf Club, subject to approval by broadcast regulator Ofcom. TorDab's technical partner Viamux worked with on neighbouring service ExeDab and is due to fit Devon's other DAB service PlymDab, which has yet to announce a launch date. Devon's Radio Exe is a partner in all three services.

Good news for the radio industry came from the WorldDAB session at IBC2023 on Sunday, Sept. 17, in partnership with Broadcast Networks Europe. According to the EBU Media Intelligence Service, radio emerged once more in 2022 as the most trusted medium in Europe — 56% of EU citizens trust radio. “This trust has been preserved since the very beginning,” said Edita Kudláčová, EBU’s head of radio, pointing out how the internet and online social networks scored a poor trust figure in the same survey. “Radio for us is a combination of live radio, on-demand content, as well as everything that goes on a podcast,” Kudláčová continued, confirming how the concept of “radio” is live and evolving.

In a new step to develop the driving experience and enhance passenger enjoyment inside its vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) is introducing the digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) service in its 2024 models. Bruce Robertson, Regional Director of JLR in the Middle East and North Africa, said: “At JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), we always strive to exceed our customers’ expectations and provide them with outstanding experiences, and the launch of the third generation of radio broadcasting (DAB+) comes In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it reflects our commitment to providing the latest technologies to improve the driving experience and luxury in our cars.”

Winners have been announced for the Best of Show Awards programme offered by several Future brands at IBC 2023. The awards recognise excellent broadcast products and solutions on display at the show. The Radio World recipients include WorldDAB members: Inovonics 541 FM Modulation Monitor; GatesAir Intraplex IP Link 100N with MicroMPX; and Xperi DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal. Participating brands of Future plc include Radio World, TVBEurope, TV Tech and Installation.

Speaking at IBC 2023, WorldDAB Project Director Bernie O’Neill highlighted the recent growth of DAB+. “In just the last two months we’ve seen DAB+ successfully on-air in Ghana, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and a renewed commitment to digital radio development from Thailand,” said O’Neill. “This builds on the ongoing DAB+ rollout across Europe — with significant market expansion well underway in France and Germany, alongside our already established core markets.” To highlight this growth, WorldDAB presented an updated infographic with new data from the first half of 2023.

The continued global growth of DAB+ is highlighted in the latest infographic from WorldDAB, with emerging digital radio territories leading the way, alongside the well-established DAB+ auto market. The updated graphic, which shows over 125 million DAB+ devices sold to date, and almost all new cars across Europe coming with DAB as standard, was published to coincide with the annual IBC Show in Amsterdam.

The Acting Director of Engineering at the National Communications Authority (NCA), Rev. Edmund Fianko is billed to speak at the WorldDAB Conference as part of the ongoing International Broadcasting Convention (IBC2023) in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The selection of Ghana’s representative as a speaker for this year’s WorldDAB conference is a testament to Ghana’s achievement as the first country in West Africa and fourth on the continent to have started DAB (digital audio broadcasting) technology, and on the back of a more advanced version, DAB+.