As of 15 January, RTL has strengthened its reception throughout France. The radio station can now be heard without interruption on France's roads and motorways. "RTL is considerably improving its broadcasting across the country, replacing the broadcasting of long-wave radio", explains the station. The towns affected by this improvement are Metz, Nancy, Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse, Montbéliard, Bensan?on, Voiron, La Tour du Pin, Pont-Audemer, Le Havre, Dourdan, Meaux, Villebon, Dunkirk, Calais, le Touquet, Paris, Orléans, Tours, Angers, Le Mans and Chartres. The regions concerned are Champagne-Ardenne, the C?te d'Opale, the area between Lyon and Grenoble and the region around Paris.

https://www.lalettre.pro/RTL-ameliore-sa-diffusion-grace-au-DAB_a33813.html

11.01.24, Switzerland

Dashboard Dialogue - Edison Research - Zoom (free)

Jan 31, 2024 02:00 PM UTC

In 2023, WorldDAB commissioned a major survey of recent and prospective car buyers conducted by leading audio research company Edison Research.

"Dashboard Dialogue" provides an in-depth review of DAB radio’s usability in the car - with videos from consumers detailing their likes and dislikes, plus what they love about radio in the car today. The new research was conducted across France, Germany and the UK, through in-car interviews with radio listeners, and over 2,400 online interviews.

Register here : https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kRGgWGFEQ-mMYyp3k9yIxw#/registration

WorldDAB's new President, Jacqueline Bierhorst, set out her aim to ensure “every person can enjoy free-to-air digital radio on the move, at home or at work, with DAB+ at the heart of the listening experience.”

18.12.23, Spain

https://www.radioworld.com/global/rtve-moving-forward-with-dab-in-2024

Nicky Horne announced this on air this afternoon:

18 December 2023

Hello London!

This is an important announcement ONLY if you listen to Boom on DAB in the London area.

If you do live in London, please check the display on your DAB set. If it says 'Boom Radio UK' - relax, nothing changes for you.

If your set says just 'Boom Radio' then you just need to retune across to 'Boom Radio UK' instead. The programmes you hear will be the same.

You can do that now and be prepared in advance of the changes on January 24th. Just click Boom Radio UK on your list of channels.

If, however, you cannot see Boom Radio UK or, when you click on it, there is no sound, then you possibly have one of the older DAB radios which sadly do not receive the newer stations like Boom which use DAB+.

There's a great range of new radio sets which can receive DAB+, including some really excellent models from our friends at PURE. Do check them out here. Radio sets these days look great - and pick up stations in many ways.

Of course, you can also continue to listen to us online via Alexa or Google - or on your phone, laptop or tablet. More information about these ways is detailed here.

Thanks for listening to Boom - do spread the word to your family and friends.

Have a query? Drop us a line and we'll try to help.

https://www.boomradiouk.com/hello-london/

Redtech
By Ruxandra Obreja

6 December 2023

Ministers have come under mounting pressure to protect traditional TV and radio of tens of millions of people in the UK. TV and radio transmitted through an aerial is only guaranteed until the mid-2030s under current plans by the Government. But Broadcast 2040+, a coalition of campaigners, will use the data to press for terrestrial services and Freeview to be protected for at least another 17 years. The document, seen by the Daily Express, argues: “Millions of people access TV and radio content through broadcast services. Ofcom’s Media Nations 2023 report stated that broadcast TV has a strong weekly reach of 79% and the use of DAB radio services is rising with 88% of adults listening in for an average of 20 hours each week, the majority choosing terrestrial radio.”

Read more:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1842783/broadcast-tv-radio-2040

12 December 2023

Radio Today
10 November 2023

A pop-up station, Virgin Radio Celebrates Diwali, is launching online today to mark the festival of lights.

Virgin Radio says the station aims to be ‘the ultimate musical companion for your annual celebrations, ensuring your day is filled with joy and a festive atmosphere’.

It will feature hits from both Bollywood and British Asian artists for the British Asian community.

Virgin Radio Celebrates Diwali will launch on Friday 10th November at midday with Harpz Kaur who most recently fronted CBBC’s Saturday mashup and BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast Show for five years. The schedule will also feature international DJ and music producer Jags Klimax, Narinder Kaur, former Big Brother contestant and Rupa Mooker, presenter on Awaaz FM in Glasgow.

Kej Kamani, Executive Producer, Virgin Radio UK says: “Personally, Diwali is a chance for the family to come together and celebrate, a chance to enjoy all the good things in our lives, a chance to reflect on the year gone by and be with the ones you love. Virgin Radio Celebrates Diwali will be the perfect soundtrack for everyone to enjoy the festivities.”

Mike Cass, Content Director, Virgin Radio UK, comments: “I’m so pleased that Virgin Radio is creating another fantastic pop-up radio station – following the incredible success of Virgin Radio Pride this summer – this time to celebrate the incredible festival of Diwali. We’re pleased to create a space for everyone to celebrate this joyful occasion with fantastic music and fun – in classic Virgin Radio style.”

https://radiotoday.co.uk/2023/11/virgin-radio-celebrates-diwali-launches-to-mark-the-festival-of-lights/

Radio Today
2 November 2023

Newly obtained figures from the BBC reveal surprising insights into the distribution of listeners across FM, DAB, and streaming platforms for their national FM stations.

After eighteen months of investigation by Maxxwave as part of work they are undertaking into FM, DAB and IP platforms, we now have a glimpse into the changing dynamics of radio listenership in the United Kingdom.

Key Findings are:

BBC Radio 1: 44% of listeners still tune in via FM, while only 28% are on DAB and 25% utilise streaming services.

BBC Radio 2: 40% of listeners still tune in via FM, while only 36% are on DAB and 20% utilise streaming services.

In comparison, the latest RAJAR results issued last week say AM/FM share for BBC stations is 36.8% whilst DAB is 40.8% and streaming is 19.1%.

Maxxwave says the data has substantial implications for the future of radio broadcasting, particularly AM and FM services catering to niche audiences, and the sustainability of mainstream DAB-only radio services.

A representative of Maxxwave picks up the story:

Earlier last year, Maxxwave was commissioned by the majority of AM broadcasters to produce a study to explore the future of AM broadcasting. This research was focused on niche audience broadcasters who know that AM was clearly still needed well beyond the expected 2025 AM turn-off date but needed advocacy to ensure platform protection. The findings from this work were instrumental in a number of AM broadcasters bringing forwards their AM closures whilst safeguarding access to the AM band for the long-term for the stations who needed it. Following on from this work, Maxxwave has been commissioned to look at FM and SSDAB. The newly revealed BBC figures could potentially reshape the dialogue around the viability and sustainability of different broadcasting platforms.

These statistics not only shed light on the current state of radio listening but also prompt a deeper conversation about the future of broadcasting technology in the UK, and the need for a digital switch off. As commercial broadcasters, community broadcasters, public bodies and local authorities strive for effective communication strategies, this data could be instrumental in informing policy and investment decisions.

It is clear that the RAJAR data is being skewed by the large number of DAB-only stations who are members, as well as the lack of representation from the community sector, who are predominantly FM-only.

Wider conversations need to take place about the long-term role of all platforms, and ask if we are expecting something of DAB that it is not capable of delivering and that by expecting it to facilitate a “digital switchover” we are not exploiting the real strengths of the technology to the fullest.

Maxxwave is still undertaking their work into FM and small-scale DAB but early findings are strongly indicating that in certain areas of the UK, FM is the only viable means to broadcast for certain stations, and will remain viable for the foreseeable future. Certain stations are never going to be catered for by DAB/small-scale DAB and being on FM only is not an impediment. Conversely, in other areas of the UK, particularly the larger conurbations, small-scale DAB is bringing a plethora of new much-needed specialist services to the airwaves that would otherwise not be catered for by analogue. This work is ongoing and is currently looking at the mid-sized conurbations.

The revelations by the BBC as part of this work are believed to be so significant that this element of the project has been released early such that it can spark debates and discussions that are so desperately needed.

The BBC’s release of these independent verified platform figures marks a significant milestone in truly understanding the evolving landscape of radio broadcasting, as it challenges the widely-held narrative that audiences are shifting to DAB and also the narrative that FM+IP-only stations will be left behind.

This potentially has a major impact upon policy, which is shaped based upon these claims. When these figures are taken alongside similar data gathered from other sources within the scope of this ongoing project, it is clear that IP based distribution is taking hold far earlier than previously forecast, and that the previously-held view that FM is a “legacy platform” is incorrect.

https://radiotoday.co.uk/2023/11/bbc-platform-figures-obtained-for-its-national-fm-radio-stations/

Radio programmes can still be broadcast on FM until the end of 2026. At its meeting on 25 October 2023, the Federal Council extended the FM licences due to expire in 2024 for another two years. This will give broadcasters more flexibility to successfully migrate from analogue to digital radio. The Federal Council has made it possible for existing FM radio licences to remain valid beyond their current expiry date until the end of 2026. Radio broadcasters can also choose to discontinue analogue broadcasting before then; they have not been required to broadcast on FM since 2020.

Here is the Swiss OFCOM announcement:

Hampshire Chronicle
By Adele Bouchard
13 October 2023

Uncertainty surrounds the future of DAB radio stations in Winchester and Basingstoke after their operator entered liquidation.

UK DAB Networks has started proceedings for voluntary liquidation due to the business no longer being “viable”.

The company currently operates 19 community radio stations in Winchester and 13 in Basingstoke, which will either be taken over by new owners or be stripped of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB).

Without DAB, some of the stations could be forced to close.

All the networks have clubbed together to form a consortium and start making a business plan, in hope of staying on DAB.

The digital airwaves, provided a lifeline to the radio social enterprises, coming out of the pandemic and into the cost-of-living crisis, when it was introduced around a year ago.

Particularly for stations like, Basingstoke Community Radio, Hospital Radio Basingstoke and Winchester Today, that aren’t available on FM.

Osman Sen-Chadun from another local station Outreach Radio has been leading the consortium, with the hope that the liquidator will be able to transfer the licence to the group if Ofcom allows.

All the stations are still available on DAB but Mr Sen-Chadun said they could lose connection any day.

If cut from DAB, the networks would not be able to get it back for around two years as they would have to restart the Ofcom licencing process from scratch.

Mr Sen-Chadun, from Chandler’s Ford, said: “The risk is radio stations could go under if not protected. It’s terrible really when you consider all the organisations we are talking about. To not have these stations which do a lot to support local people would be a really big blow to everyone.

“Losing DAB is a very big deal for us. We’re slightly different to community stations which have a certain patch as we’re Hampshire wide.

“Winchester is part of our heartland area. Losing Winchester and Basingstoke would leave a gaping hole in our coverage between Aldershot and the south. We’ve had to freeze all commercial deals and talk to existing customers. We just don’t know how this is going to play out.

“We’re seeing if there is a way to transfer the licences to the group we have set up but Ofcom would have to validate if that is suitable.

“It’s heartbreaking as UK DAB was more than just a supplier. Ash Elford (company owner) was a pioneer of DAB, it was his dream but we also have to find a way that this closure doesn’t have a knock on to us.

“Outreach Radio was born in the pandemic and DAB has been incredibly helpful in allowing us to get into local areas. To be able to grow the service like that would not normally be affordable.

“Some of the consortium would be able to hang on without DAB. I’m sorry to say that it’s highly probable that some might not make it through this. If we don’t have the airwaves it will be a hell of a blow.”

DAB also allowed stations like VoiceFM and Awaaz in Southampton to be aired in Winchester. Unlike FM, listeners to DAB do not have to find the right wavelength, with the digital sound having a greater range and quality.

In a statement to service providers, UKDAB owner Ash Elford, said: “I am gutted that it has come to this having spent the last eight years working hard on small scale DAB.

“I am disappointed that I have not been able to make a success of Winchester and Basingstoke. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t make this business viable.”

The liquidation process is being handled by Stones & Co. It has been contacted for comment.

(via Richard G on [email protected] )

Radio World
By RW staff
September 17, 2023

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 (see link below).

The infographic includes several interesting points, including cumulative DAB+ receiver sales in the United Kingdome have broken the 50 million units barrier; DAB+ now covers 54.8% of the French population; and the launch of DAB+ trials in several new nations, including Ghana, Estonia and Montenegro.

The data covered in the infographic will be explored in detail at the WorldDAB Summit, scheduled for Nov. 8, 2023, in Munich, Germany.

Radio Today
26 September 2023 - 12:55 pm

Bauer is switching its national services on Sound Digital to DAB+ to make room for seven additional stations.

Absolute Radio Country, Absolute Classic Rock, Kerrang!, heat, Magic Chilled, Magic Soul, and Magic at the Musicals will all go national this autumn.

To make room for the extra stations, Absolute 80s, Absolute Radio 90s, Mellow Magic, Planet Rock and Scala Radio will switch to DAB+ and all services will be available in stereo.

Jazz FM, which also broadcasts on SDL aka D2, is already available via DAB+ broadcasting in stereo.

BFBS, Boom Radio, Capital Chill, Capital XTRA Reloaded, Radio X Classic Rock, Talk Radio, talkSPORT 2, Virgin Anthems and Virgin Chilled on SDL are already using DAB+, whilst Fix Radio, Premier Christian, Premier Praise, Sunrise and Times Radio remain in original DAB.

Peter Davies, Chief of Staff for Bauer Media Audio UK said: “With so many digital radios now being DAB+ enabled, this simple change allows us even greater opportunity to reach more listeners, while offering them a higher quality listening experience.

“And with 80% of our audiences listening on digital devices, the more services we can add to digital radio the better.”

https://radiotoday.co.uk/2023/09/bauer-switches-national-radio-services-to-dab-and-takes-seven-extra-stations-national-on-sdl/

Classic FM will be upgrading from DAB to DAB+ across the UK.

DAB+ provides superior sound quality, giving the best possible experience for those listening on DAB.

This change will only affect those with a DAB radio that does not have DAB+, which is a small minority of legacy DAB radio devices.

There is plenty of time to prepare for the upgrade in January 2024, but in case you need to change the way you listen to Classic FM, here’s what it could mean for you.

Make sure you’re DAB+ ready before the end of the year

What is DAB+ and how is it different to DAB?

GB News Radio is the nation’s Number One news station in prime time, according to official RAJAR ratings figures released last week.

The channel beat its established news rivals including Times Radio, TALKRadio, and LBC News UK, with an average audience of 17,200 listeners in the key 7pm to 10pm slot.

GB News Radio dominated the timeslot with 115% more listeners than seven-year-old TALKRadio and double the audience of LBC News UK. It is 61% bigger than Times Radio.

The strength was across the week, including Monday-Thursday prime time shows such as Farage, Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation, and Dan Wootton Tonight, and continuing into weekends, including Mark Dolan Tonight, and Andrew Doyle’s Free Speech Nation.

GB News Radio, a simulcast of the channel’s television output launched just 18 months ago, maintained a steady weekly average audience of 317,000 listeners in Q2, compared to 318,000 in the previous quarter.

GB News Radio was also the only news station to see growth in listeners accessing it on the internet (up 32%) and on smart speakers (up 90.4%).

The station is now well established as a much bigger brand than the Murdoch-owned Talk with an almost 30% greater total combined average television and radio audience.

Chief Executive Officer Angelos Frangopoulos said: “We’re aiming to be the UK’s Number One news channel by 2028 and these figures show we’re already resolutely achieving that in prime time across the board.

“Online, we have the fastest-growing news website in the country, and on television we are increasingly breaking the duopoly of Sky News and BBC News by winning the ratings at Breakfast and in prime time especially.”