News

The BBC has launched a further 20 national DAB transmitters bringing the total number of transmitters to 299 and covering more than 95% of the UK population.

Ofcom has advertised a new local radio multiplex to provide DAB digital radio stations in Suffolk. Ofcom will assess applications to run the new multiplex on Frequency Block 10C against specified criteria, including the proposed coverage area, timetable for launch and how services will broaden choice and cater to local tastes and interests.

The Ministry of Economic Development has began the procedure to assign the frequency blocks for local and national (commercial and public) digital radio services for the regions of Valle D’Aosta and Umbria, for Torino and Cuneo provinces, in Piedmont. This procedure will be closed the 20th of April 2015.

As part of the ongoing digital survey TNS Gallup on behalf of Digital radio Norway 1,000 respondents were interviewed about digital radio and their listening habits. In the survey, respondents were asked about radio in the car. Presently, 63% of new cars in Norway come with digital radio.

Mitsubishi revealed a new version of its L200 pick-up at the Geneva motor show last week. There are more gadgets than before, with keyless entry, a rear view camera, a DAB radio, and dual-zone climate control.

British digital radio manufacture Pure welcomed the findings of the CSA on digital radio. "The official launch of Digital Terrestrial Radio (RBT has been long awaited in France and the report clearly reaffirms that DAB radio enriches the offering without excluding other radio access modes" explains Pure.

A poll by Group SOS has revealed that almost half of the general public has heard about RNT (DAB+), with many also familiar with what it is - people are prepared to pay an average of €21 for a receiver.

Speaking during a visit to Panjab Radio, Mr Vaizey revealed how he felt that some of the existing broadcasting rules are overly restrictive and outdated. Vaizey also said Panjab Radio, which has just taken over an analogue frequency in North London, was a ‘fine advert for Digital Radio’.

Former Radio Tees and Radio 1 presenter Mark Page wants one of Ofcom’s 10 small scale DAB trial licences, to broadcast to Teesside. He says the area has not been served by a local commercial radio station since TFM moved to Newcastle in 2013, and is looking for investors and other stations who can afford to be on the multiplex with him.

Geneva International Motor Show is one of the best motor shows to review DAB+ presence in the car because of advanced DAB+ deployment in Switzerland with many radio stations available on air in Geneva and in the halls of the show.