Ofcom researches use of DAB+ radio by UK households

 This report outlines the findings from market research conducted to estimate DAB+ device penetration and usage in the UK. Ofcom's key findings: Thirty-six per cent of households had a DAB+ set, either at home or in at least one car; and two-thirds (66%) of in-home DAB owners had a DAB+ set. The UK regulator also found a quarter of in-home DAB listeners and a fifth of in-car DAB listeners had listened to a DAB+ radio station in the past month

F.WDab

Uganda launches DAB+ pilot broadcasts

 Uganda is the latest African nation to launch a DAB+ pilot project. On social media, Irene Kaggwa, Executive Director of Uganda Communications Commission, said the pilot was "to identify policy, regulatory & operational requirements to harness the technology in Uganda alongside FM, internet & satellite radio." The launch took place at UCC Headquarters in Bugolobi, with the pilot project running for one year. Speaking at the launch, WorldDAB's Project Director, Bernie O'Neill said: "Now is the perfect time for Uganda to commit to DAB+. We are excited to work with you and support your journey to digitise broadcast radio, ensuring the future of Uganda's vibrant radio industry."

F.WDab

Bauer Media Audio UK to launch services on DAB+

 Bauer Media Audio UK will bring more of its stations to more people, as it gets set to launch services on DAB+ with Absolute Radio Country and Absolute Classic Rock set to go national as they’re added to DAB+ next month. Since becoming 100% digital earlier this year, the Absolute Radio Network has welcomed its highest ever audience figures with 5.4million weekly listeners. This change means brings the total number of its stations available nationally on DAB to five. Magic Chilled, Magic Soul and Magic at the Musicals, Kerrang! Radio and heat Radio will also increase their UK coverage by making a similar move, as they broadcast on DAB+ across the UK. In addition, Absolute 80s, Absolute Radio 90s, Mellow Magic, Planet Rock and Scala Radio will move to DAB+ from D2.

F.WDAB

RTVE joins WorldDAB

 Radiotelevisión Española has decided to join WorldDAB, the association that promotes the adoption of digital radio worldwide based on DAB/DAB+ standards. The future of radio broadcasting in Spain depends on the implementation of DAB+, as is the case in most European countries. Especially in the case of a public audiovisual service provider such as RTVE, whose mandate is to provide maximum social and geographical coverage, with the highest quality and technology available. It should be borne in mind that, as of today, the penetration of linear radio distributed over the Internet (streaming) is only 7% of the Spanish population

F.WDAB

LOW POWER SMALL RANGE BROADCASTING IN INDIA ALLOWED IN FM AND DIGITAL, TOO

On  September 21^st,the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its recommendations on “Issues related to Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting’.

This followed a request issued last year by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on the need and timing for introduction of new services such as in drive-in theatres and other use cases of low power small range FM radio broadcasting like hospital radio services, amusement parks, business premises, closed communities such as residential complexes, small habitations, commentary for local events such as air shows and sports events. Low power refers to 1 watt and 500 metres coverage. The recommendations refer mainly to the use of FM for such narrow-coverage services, though “License/Registration/Authorization holders for low power small range FM broadcasting should be allowed to deploy any type of transmission technologies (analogue/digital / any other)”. No specific digital standard is mentioned though.

One of the 6 consultation comments requested by TRAI was sent by the DRM Consortium (the gist of the submission is summarised in drm.org – Small Coverage Pop-up Stations In India Through The Use Of DRM).

The main features of the recommendations are now:

A. Introduction of a new category of service provider called ‘Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting’ for provision of low power small range FM Radio.
B. License/registration/authorization to be granted through a simple registration process via an online application portal.
C. Approval by Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) for transmitting equipment for low power small range FM broadcasting.
D. Eligible entities to hold license registration authorization for ‘Low Power Small Range FM Broadcasting’ are individuals, companies registered under the Companies Act 2013 including LLP and partnership firms. But not political parties, companies with political or religious affiliation or control should be allowed to sue this form of low-power broadcasting.

The permission to operate is between 30 days and five years without any entry levy but requiring some authorization fees depending on the length of the authorisation period (between 1,000 and 10,000 rupees per year). This should be granted online by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing of the Ministry of Communication through online portal within two days of submitting the application

F.DRM.org

DAB+ launch in Ghana - National Communications Authority of Ghana, 22 August 202

 

Indonesia Chooses the DRM Digital Radio Broadcasting Standard for MW, FM and VHF Band III

 The Consortium welcomed this important announcement. The decision was issued by the Ministry of Information and Communication in Jakarta on the 9th and 24th August 2023. The frequency plan for Frequency Plan for DRM Services provides for:

MW Band           526.5 – 1606.5 kHz

FM Band             87.50 – 108 MHz

VHF Band III       174 – 202 MHz

More details are included at news.drm.org.

This follows extensive DRM trials in all bands. Their documentation is now part of the ITU body of official documents. DRM is already deployed in five locations on FM with Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF) capabilities.

Indonesia, alongside Pakistan and South Africa, is recommending and planning the deployment of DRM for VHF bands (FM and Band III in some cases) thus benefitting from the whole standard which shares the same characteristics and benefits in all frequency bands, be they AM or VHF.

F.DRM.org

FM RADIO BROADCASTING IN INDIA BY PRIVATE RADIO STATIONS

 Comments by Hon Chairman of the India Chapter, Yogendra Pal, on the recommendation to allow News and Current affairs programs on private stations and to ensure that FM reception facility is provided in Mobile Phones:

In India, private radio stations are only licensed to broadcast in FM band. 388 private FM channels are already operational in over 100 cities and this number is likely to increase soon. These are in addition to the broadcasts of by All India Radio (AIR)/Prasar Bharati, the public service broadcaster, who is providing terrestrial radio services in MW, SW as well as FM bands) and broadcasting by the Community Radio Stations, which are allowed on air transmission in FM band for non-commercial use

F.DRM.org

DAB+ to be launched in east Belgium with six stations

 DAB+ digital radio is being launched in East Belgium. From 1 October, in addition to the programmes of BRF1 and BRF2, four other radio stations will be heard via DAB+. These are the four private radio stations 100,5 Das Hitradio, Radio Contact Ostbelgien Now, Radio Sunshine and Radio 700. The managers of the transmitters signed a cooperation agreement on 20 September. The first transmitter in Petergensfeld (Raeren) is already in operation. A second transmitter is expected to be added next spring at the Wallerode site (Amel) to cover the south of the DG (German-speaking community).

F.Wdab

Over 400 new DAB+ licences offered in Over Denmark

 Denmark's Radio and Television Board has invited tenders for programme activities in the 13 areas in DAB block 3 and DAB block 4. In accordance with the contract conditions, up to 32 licences can be issued in each area. If there are more qualified bidders than available licences in a region, the Radio and Television Board will carry out an assessment of the bidders based on their attractiveness. The deadline for submitted bids is Monday 16 October 2023. The licences will come into effect on Monday 1 July 2024 and will apply until 30 June 2032.

F.Wdab

Ampegon Journey Presented at DRM IBC Show

 

Jaguar Land Rover launches DAB+ in 2024 models in Saudi Arabia

 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.”

F.Wdab

Estonia regulator TTJA launches public consultation on digital radio

 The Tarbijakaitse ja Tehnilise Järelevalve Amet (TTJA) / Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority in Estonia has sent out an invitation to market players and stakeholders to participate in a public consultation to identify their interests and expectations regarding the introduction of digital radio and to plan the use of the 174-230 MHz band. "Through this public consultation, we want to identify the interests and expectations of all stakeholders in the field of digital radio," said  Erko kulu, Head of the Frequency Management Unit of the TTJA. DAB+ digital radio is currently in a trial phase in Estonia, allowing market players and listeners to try out the new technology. The test period will last until the end of 2023.

Global growth of DAB+ led by emerging territories and in-car

 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

F.Wdab

DRM AT IBC – CML MICRO RELEASES THE WORLD’S LOWEST-COST DRM BROADCAST RECEIVER MODULE

At the major IBC 2023 DRM Showcase Event on September 16th, one of the key DRM Consortium (www.drm.org) members, CML Microcircuits (CML Micro), has announced the full release of the world’s lowest-cost, lowest power, and smallest sized Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) broadcast receiver module (DRM1000).

The DRM1000 is a complete ‘antenna to speaker’ module, containing all hardware, software, IP and patent licenses required for a radio equipment manufacturer to easily realize a dual mode (digital and analogue) DRM capable receiver.

The module offers a 60% cost reduction and 80% power reduction over existing DRM technologies in the market.

CML Micro also announced that the device has been adopted by Gospell Digital Technology Ltd for two new DRM portable radio families shown for the first time at the IBC 2023 DRM Showcase Event.

F.DRM.

DIGITAL RADIO MONDIALE DRM ENDORSED BY CHINA FOR DOMESTIC AM BAND BROADCASTS

 The Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) Consortium welcomes the recent announcement by key Chinese authorities to encourage the adoption of DRM for AM domestically and to get provincial transmission stations to broadcast DRM services. The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), the Ministry of Industry and Information..

F.DRM.org

Long wave radio fans mourn fading frequencies

In the late 1970s, there were dozens of long wave stations broadcasting. Now, only a handful are left. Among them are those in Denmark and Iceland - but they are due to shut by the end of 2023 and during 2024, respectively. The BBC still broadcasts Radio 4 on long wave as well as on digital radio, FM, and online. However, separate scheduling of BBC radio programmes on long wave will end in March next year - for example Test Match Special will not be available on long wave. The long-term future of the BBC's long wave output is far from certain. "Long wave is coming to the end of its life as a technology," a BBC spokeswoman tells BBC News, adding that Radio 4 long wave is currently set to continue broadcasting beyond March 2024.

F.WDab 

Changes to Austrian digitisation fund needed

 The first half of 2023 has put digital radio in the spotlight in Austria. More than one million Austrians listen to the radio via DAB+ several times a month, according to the latest Radiotest. In order to promote the reception and awareness of DAB+, an increase in the Digitisation Fund is crucial. Roman Gerner, Chairman of the Digital Radio Austria Association, emphasises the importance of financing through the Digitisation Fund for successful network expansion: "The imminent implementation of the new DAB multiplex in 2024 requires an urgent review and adjustment of the Digitisation Fund in order to adequately support media and programme diversity. An increase to 2.5 million euros is not only necessary but also imperative."

F.Wdab

Thailand's NBTC preps shift to digital broadcasting

 The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is planning a transition of existing analogue radio stations to the digital audio broadcasting (DAB) system under its planned licensing regime. The plan is meant to improve the industry's service standards and help all stakeholders handle digital disruption, according to the telecom regulator. The shift also includes the 3,900 community radio stations that were permitted by the NBTC to operate on a trial basis. The NBTC aims to finish the DAB licensing method and principles by the middle of next year, and is planning to start the shift to the DAB system in early 2025. The NBTC panel drafting the DAB licensing regime has already concluded all the licensing details.

F.Wdab

Warning messages via DAB+: Taking part in the Warning Day on 14 September

 On 14 September, the next nationwide warning day, DAB+ digital radio will again be an important component, alongside cell broadcast, sirens and other warning means. The members of the Digital Radio Germany Association, i.e. ARD, Deutschlandradio, commercial broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators and state media authorities, have set themselves the goal of defining a new warning system based on the DAB+ data services. Compared to mobile radio, DAB+ is broadcast via transmission masts located at high altitudes, which remain available even in the event of a crisis when the mobile network is overloaded or fails due to severe weather

F.Wdab

Bahrain launches DAB+, "a unique leap forward for radio"

 Dr. Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Noaimi, Bahrain's Minister of Information said that the launch of the DAB+ digital audio broadcasting service represents a unique leap forward for the radio industry in Bahrain, which has a history of over 80 years. He explained that this project has been implemented in cooperation with leading companies specialised in radio technology, to provide the latest and best equipment and technologies for private radio stations. The minister said that one of the most prominent features of DAB+ is the significant saving in transmission costs and the improved quality of the signal, in addition to the easy access to receivers and easy search for radio stations by name rather than frequency.

F.WDab

Switzerland listens to digital radio

Digital use of radio continues to increase in all regions, age groups and listening locations in Switzerland. Almost 70% of radio listened to in the car is now via digital channels. This was announced by the Digital Migration working group (DigiMig WG) at Swiss Radio Day on 31 August 2023. Of all radio minutes listened to in Switzerland, 81% are digital. Around half of these (41%) are listened to via DAB+ and the other half (40%) via the internet. In the first half of 2023, 245,600 new DAB+ devices were added in Switzerland, bringing the total stock including vehicles to approximately 6.7 million. 54 percent of all passenger cars in Switzerland are now equipped with DAB+. 

Seven new national DAB+ stations in Sweden

 Malmö-based Mad Men Media was the big winner when the Swedish Press and Broadcasting Authority announced new additional licences for national and regional DAB+ in Sweden. Mad Men Media, which runs four FM stations in the southern region of Skåne, will have access to five of the seven new national licences from September 1. ”This is a way for us to secure access to the future of radio distribution. We applied for a national FM licence in 2018, when DAB was of marginal importance. Now DAB+ is a mature distribution platform and present in all new cars, and we feel it’s the perfect time to enter this market,” says Robert Persson, who is managing director and one of the three founders and owners of Mad Men Media.

F.WDAB