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It is the radio format that has delivered the latest chart hits, news and talk shows in stereo to homes around the world for decades. But now the characteristic hiss of interference that accompanies most FM broadcasts is set to fall silent. Norway has announced that it will be the the first country in the world to switch off its FM radio signal.

Chairman of The Indés Radio (an association of 128 local radio stations), Jean-Eric Valli says “DAB+ is essential. We welcome the decision by Norway. Internet is not the only way, and we will soon be one of the few countries where a decision on DAB+ has not been taken. It is time that DAB+ is a reality everywhere in France, as is already the case in Europe.”

In a response to recent comments from Norwegian Google Managing Director Jan Grønbech on Norway's confirmed switch-off of FM services, Digitalradio Norge CEO Ole Jørgen Torvmark counters "The Digitisation of radio has aroused reactions from some sectors and much of the criticism comes from those who have interests in radio transmitted via the Internet...Through digital broadcasting, broadcasters can ensure a simple, free and readily available alternative radio."

Motoring technology is changing faster than ever, but your car doesn't have to be left behind for safety or in-car entertainment. A simple upgrade for many cars to allow a greater choice of listening options is to change to a digital DAB radio.

The Culture Ministry had set a number of criteria before the final switch was determined, such as at least half of all listeners must listen to DAB every day and that new autos must be equipped with DAB radios. These were met by January 1st, 2015. The country also achieved 99.5% coverage by 2014, another criteria for announcing the change.

Sony is giving away a free pair of Bluetooth wireless headphones worth $200 with the purchase of a specific DAB+ digital radio in the lead-up to Mother’s Day. This gift with purchase is part of a wider awareness campaign for the technology that will run across 42 commercial radio stations between now and Sunday 10 May 2015.

Commercial Radio Australia have again partnered with Sony with a bonus offer for swinging a DAB+ radio for your mum. The DAB+ Mother’s Day campaign will run until May 10 and was produced by Ralph van Dijk’s agency Eardrum.

Norway is one step closer to fully drawing down the curtains on its national FM channels by moving to digital radio and the transition from the old to the modern will complete in the next two years.

The majority of van models from Ford and Vauxhall are now coming with digital radio as standard. Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, added: “We are delighted to see the ongoing growth of new registrations and the continuing drive to digital. The great progress being made by manufacturers in the line-fitment of digital radio – and the introduction of new products in the aftermarket – demonstrates the importance the automotive sector attaches to this technology.”

Norway will become the first country to scrap FM radio after it announced final plans to switch to digital radio in the next two years.