VIDEO: Switzerland prepares listeners for FM switch off

Watch this week’s virtual presentation by René Wehrlin at Swiss media regulator OFCOM with the latest on DAB+ in Switzerland, where broadcasters are gearing up to switch off FM by no later than in 2024 – and possibly earlier.  René explains why Switzerland is switching off FM, outlines the recently launched Swiss DSO campaign preparing listeners for the final switch from FM to DAB+, and introduces us to the campaign mascot Dabsy. With the slogan "More programs, more sound, more radio", the campaign focuses initially on reinforcing the benefits of DAB+ ‘Your radio thinks of you’. Closer to DSO the campaign shifts focus to ‘Think about your radio’ mobilising listeners to buy a DAB+ radio in preparation for the FM switch off. DAB+ is now the most used radio reception platform in Switzerland with 37% of all listening, and digital listening making up 68% of all listening. Only 15% of listeners were using FM exclusively end 2019. Watch the video and download the presentation

TOP STORIES

Croatia expands DAB+ network, extends trials 19.05.2020 There are currently 12 stations broadcasting on DAB+ as part of the extended trial, with outdoor coverage standing at 88% and indoor reception at 53%. Commenting on the continuous development of DAB+ in Croatia, OIV CEO Mate Botica said“OIV sees DAB+ as the main future platform for radio. Our goal is to build a quality future-proof network and to start commercial services as soon as possible." (Radio World) Read more... Netherlands - 10 local DAB+ multiplexes in operation 19.05.2020 In the past few weeks, ten local DAB+ ensembles with over 40 stations have already gone into operation in the Netherlands. DAB+ licences have been issued for a total of 22 regions, with broadcasts on air in large cities such as Amsterdam and The Hague as well as rural parts of the country. (dabplus.de) Read more...

MARKET DEVELOPMENTS

New RTBF studio helps accommodate DAB+ growth 21.05.2020, Belgium Belgium's French language public broadcaster has added four new radio studios to its regional center in Mons. According to Hélène Ronveaux, RTBF Radio project manager, the first studio will be dedicsted to the VivaCité’s DAB+ channel Viva+." (Radio World) Read more... The Hague local radio station launches on DAB+ 15.05.2020, Netherlands The Hague's local radio station, Den Haag FM is now available to listeners on DAB+. Previously available as part of the DAB+ trial, the popular radio station has now been awarded a DAB+ licence to broadcast until September 2022. (Den Haag FM) Read more... Coverage also appeared in Radio.nl Uplink commissioned from WDR and MDR for DAB+ antenna construction 21.05.2020, Germany ARD stations WDR and MDR have commissioned the construction of DAB+ antenna systems in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia to Düsseldorf radio provider Uplink. As part of the agreeement, up to 28 antenna and satellite reception systems are set to be constructed across 34 locations between 2020 and 2022. (Radio Woche) Read more... New transmitter goes live in Czech Republic 19.05.2020, Czech Republic Czech Radio has launched a new DAB+ transmitter to expand the reach of its multiplex covering Prague, which will now also cover Pilsen as well as Ostrava. A total of 12 DAB+ stations are available on the multiplex, a number of which are only available to listeners on DAB+. (lupa.cz) Read more... Traditional radio listening remains strong in Australia 19.05.2020, Australia According to The Infinite Dial Australia 2020, AM/FM/DAB+ radio content, including live content and catch-up podcasts, continues to reach large numbers of those in Australia age 12+. "For radio, the study findings underscore the importance of being easily accessible on multiple platforms and devices as consumer behaviour evolves, but ultimately it's the content and unique service radio offers that drives listener loyalty," said Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner. (News Radio Online) Read more...

MEMBER FOCUS

WorldDAB member focus - DIGIDIA 15.05.2020, United Kingdom Pascal Olivier explains how DIGIDIA has helped support the successful and rapid rollout of DAB+ services in France in recent years. With more than 350 digital radio systems deployed worldwide, including Saudi Arabia, Monaco, Uganda and Ukraine, DIGIDIA is one of the leading companies for digital radio transmission equipment. (WorldDAB) Read more...

automotive

Volkswagen launch electric transporter with DAB+ as standard 18.05.2020, United Kingdom Volkswagen launches its first fully electric van - the eTransporter 6.1 - equipped as standard with a DAB+ radio system with 6.5-inch touchscreen and four loudspeakers, SD card slot, Bluetooth® handsfree and two USB interfaces (type-C) in the dashboard. (Business Vans) Read more...

events

6th WorldDAB and RadioDNS Automotive Workshop 19 June 2020 Online workshop IFA 3-5 September 2020 Berlin, Germany WorldDAB General Assembly 3-4 November 2020 Prague, Czech Republic

VIDEO: New Australia DAB+ campaign Commercial Radio Australia’s latest DAB+ campaign features 10 ads, with multiple versions of each creative targeting both younger and older demographics, allowing stations to run the most appropriate for their audience. Featured member: DIGIDIA DIGIDIA provides end-to-end DAB & DAB+ solutions for broadcast and test applications. DIGIDIA leads the way with straight forward software and hardware designs that are innovative, flexible and compact. VIDEO: Digital radio explained by GatesAir GatesAir's Rich Redmond explains how digital radio offers a wide range of services beyond simple audio delivery. He looks at status of the technology, advanced features offered, new revenue streams enabled, receiver availability, and costs to deploy.