FM Radio Switch-Off Delayed for Another Decade In Belgium

DAB might be phased out before FM

The Flemish government has dropped its proposed 2031 target for ending FM radio broadcasts, opting instead for a gradual transition to digital radio with no cut-off date set before 2035. The decision follows concerns about potential economic impacts and the risk of excluding older audiences from radio services. Flemish media minister Cieltje Van Achter said the move reflects a more cautious approach to the transition. “We will take all radio listeners with us to the finish".

Digital listening has grown rapidly across Flanders. Despite this progress, the timing of the FM switch-off has remained controversial. Initially a phased shutdown between 2028 and 2031 was proposed by the former media minister. A study carried out by Brightwolves and Ghent University warned that a premature switch could cause significant economic disruption — estimating losses of €31 to €62 million to the Flemish advertising market — and risk alienating listeners aged 65 and over.

Media minister Van Achter said abandoning the 2031 deadline was necessary to avoid those consequences. Instead of setting a new firm date, the government plans to  progressively reduce the use of FM frequencies, with any full switch-off unlikely before 2035.

Commentary

DAB radio is still a very European and slow-moving project. A transition from FM radio is only completed for national broadcasters in Norway 2017 and at the moment in Switzerland. For digital radio Internet is dominating the global scene and for the terrestrial digital platforms other more modern systems as DRM and 5G Broadcast might kill all future plans for DAB in Europe. The Flemish media minster might understand that in 2031 5G Broadcast already will be in full operation - also in Belgium. And FM will live on globally for more decades.

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Belgium: Flanders delays FM switch-off (Red Tech)

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