Major Broadcasters in Sweden Want EU Requirement for FM in Cars

A strategic step for saving DAB radio and a struggle for survival

According to a new EU Kodex directive all new passenger cars must be equipped to receive "terrestrial digital radio" from December 21, 2021. The Swedish government is now forced to include the rule in the Vehicle Regulation. However, the three major Swedish radio broadcasters now want the requirement to apply to FM receivers as well. But things are not always the way they look ..

Austria Now Testing 5G Broadcast Radio & Television

DAB skeptical public broadcaster will air three radio channels in Vienna

The terrestrial digital radio of the future now comes via the Internet, not DAB. Austrian transmitter network operator ORS is planning tests with TV and radio channels in 5G Broadcast mode in Vienna. The media agency KommAustria has approved a project to be implemented at the two major broadcast sites in Vienna (Kahlenberg and Liesing). The authority will assign a channel in the 700MHz band December 2019-June 2020.

A DAB Radio Superman Haunts Colombia

El transformador de la radio

Why is the Norwegian government supporting promotional campaigns abroad?

The DAB system has a hard time getting an impact around the world. Canada left DAB many years ago and today HD Radio is the digital platform for terrestrial radio in North America and Mexico. But DAB interests will not give up the Americas. A central figure in the Norwegian lobby last week lectured at radio conferences in Medellin and Bogota in Colombia. He presented slanted graphics and exaggerated statements including withholding important truths about DAB and FM in Norway as well as in Europe.

National DAB Radio for Swedish Public Broadcaster Not In Sight

Applying for continued supplementary broadcast permit 2020.

Sveriges Radio (SR) seeking permission to broadcast national digital radio (DAB) has been interpreted by some as the public broadcaster has a go-ahead for a national DAB network. However, SR does not intend to make  any changes to the present DAB regional coverage or channel offerings with a renewed broadcast permit starting 2020. The application for a national DAB permit which the company has submitted is a ”to be prepared for any political decision on digital radio". No such political considerations are currently on the table at the Ministry of Culture. Nor is it likely that any proposal indicating tax financing a DAB built-up will have a chance of surviving in the parliament (Riksdagen) before the next 2022 election.

Norway: Big Losses for National Radio and Television. DAB Radio Disaster

                                          Picture: Oppland Arbeiderblad

However, Local radio on FM is healthy

A new report from the Media Authority shows that for the first time, that national Norwegian television and radio channels has experienced a sharp fall in advertising revenues of more than NOK 200 million. 2018 is the first year we see advertising revenue fall. Loss from the peak year 2017 is NOK 212 million, or 4.7 per cent, says Mari Velsand, MD of the media authority. 

The commercial radio sector with only one source of funding is more exposed and vulnerable than the television sector.  It is reported that radio channels which  broadcast on DAB exclusively have large operating deficits and that many lose more than they earn from broadcasting on DAB.

Heavy Cuts For Irish Public Service Company RTÉ

200 employees are laid off. Closing the DAB radio network. 

Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ), one of the world's oldest public broadcasters, must save an additional € 60 million in 2020-2023. RTÉ has ​​cut costs by 23 percent over the last ten years, but still has a poor economy due to reduced revenue from the TV fee. Five radio channels will be gone, but RTÉ is investing for a future on-line.