The Illusions of the DAB Radio World Are Worrying

The credibility of the European public broadcasting at risk

During two decades there has been heavy lobbying for the DAB technology created for and by the public broadcasting sector. But is there any market for DAB when the world goes on-line? Are the politicians presented with a distorted picture of an outdated technology? Is the credibility of the public broadcasting sector at risk?
These are some of the questions asked in a critical memorandum The Illusions of The DAB Radio World today released by the Public Service Council (PSR) in Sweden. 

Hot Topic in Norwegian Parliament: Stop The FM Switch-Off

Minister of Culture not telling the truth about rejection of DAB plan in Sweden

Even as the planned closure of the national FM service approaches in 2017, the government is facing continued pushback from members of Stortinget (the Parliament). The Progress Party’s Ib Thomsen recently wrote a letter to the minister of culture Linda Hofstad Helleland, asking who would be responsible for unintended consequences after the national FM service disappears. The party is seriously concerned about radio if DAB plans are completed next year. Now there are also opposition in other parties along a mounting media and public opinion against the switch-off.

Smartphone DAB+ Reviewed in Australia: Radio Disappoints

Digital terrestrial radio is not the reason to buy LG Stylus DAB+

The inclusion of digital radio is a generally positive feature, but it’s not without some significant limitations writes the Australian consumer site finder.com.au. What’s more apparent from a week’s testing is that even in Sydney, digital radio reception on the move can vary widely. We used the Stylus DAB+ for our weekly commute in Sydney, and dealt with constant dropouts, including predictable ones like train tunnels. If you want the Stylus DAB+ for its musical chops, make sure you stay outdoors, preferably not moving much.

Regional Public Radio in Holland Might Quit DAB+ Next Year

Broadcasters need public funding for both FM and DAB - and more bandwidth

Regional public broadcasters will end their digital DAB+ radio broadcasting next year if the government no longer contribute to the costs after September 2017. Broadcasters pay for broadcasting via analogue FM and digital DAB +, but still get compensation for these double costs. - The regional public broadcasters have next year to process a cut of 17 million euros. Both DAB+ and FM without government funding is unsustainable, says ROOS the national federation for regional radio and tv broadcasters.

Norwegian Fishing Sector: Postpone FM Switch-off

Growing public opinion against the DAB radio plan

The Norwegian fishing association, Norges Fiskarlag, has asked the Ministry of Culture to review or postpone the FM radio band switch-off, which is due to start in 2017. It said it has learned that no maritime coverage measures have been taken for Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio, and some fishers have reported poor DAB reception. The association's director, Kjell Ingebrigtsen, said the plan is almost comical, given Norway's large fisheries sector and other maritime industries.  (telecompaper.com)

More Public Funding Necessary For Saving Local Radio Jobs in France

Community Radio Asks for 32 Million Euro Annually

SNRL,the trade association of community radio, is now pressuring the politicians in France. The Support Fund Radiophonic Expression (FSER), provides support to over 600 community radio stations charge of public service missions in France and overseas territories. These are enterprises of social and solidarity economy, employing more than 2.600, including 400 professional journalists. With nearly two million listeners nothing can replace them according to SNRL. But today, the fund lacks one million euros, and it takes another 3 million in 2017.