FM Radio Important Part of Emergency Preparedness During Power Outages

Linear broadcasts on terrestrial networks provide safer communication in emergencies

In an increasingly digital world where information is mostly disseminated via the internet, social networks or mobile apps, a proven technology is proving to be indispensable in times of crisis: FM radio. The recent power outages in Spain, Portugal and parts of France have impressively shown that in the event of a major power outage, only linear broadcasts continue to function reliably – a result with far-reaching implications for disaster management.

The power outage on the Iberian Peninsula confirmed that broadcast radio is “the only medium that can ensure fast and reliable communication in such a crisis”. While internet connections and mobile phone networks stopped working, terrestrial radio stations such as FM (and DAB) continued to broadcast thanks to backup power.

Digital Radio Station in Vienna Expands with FM

Availability on all listening platforms a matter of survival.

In Europe, it was claimed for a few decades that the analog radio on FM would be closed and replaced by the digital DAB system. Today, however, FM remains in all countries around the world. It has been realized that DAB - like the Internet - has become more of a digital complement to FM. Since April 22, ROCK ANTENNE Österreich has been supplementing its existing DAB+, web and app offering and now offers listeners in Vienna even better reception quality with FM on 101.6 MHz in Vienna, Donaustadt and Floridsdorf. This in order to expand the station's technical reach in the region and ensure a stable rock sound over analog frequencies, writes Radiowoche.deFM

New Government Will Support Terrestrial Broadcasting in Germany

A levy for online platsforms that use media content is considered.

With its coalition agreement the two parties - CDU/CSU and SDP - commit to strengthen media diversity and ensuring freedom of expression. Support for public and private broadcasting is expressed as well as support for continued terrestrial broadcasting in the UHF band (470–694 MHz).

Independent and diverse media ensure free public debate. Within the dual media system, we advocate for both pluralistic public broadcasting and fair regulatory and funding conditions for private media.   (text continued below)

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".

5G Broadcast On Verge Becoming US Standard

US veteran broadcaster would rather choose 5G Broadcast than ATSC 3.  A jackpot.

A veteran broadcast TV executive, says he keep reading that linear broadcasting is in an inevitable decline, but it doesn’t have to be. The jackpot market that can save the industry is the ability to broadcast and datacast directly to wireless mobile devices including 300 million-plus smartphones and over 200 million tablets in the U.S. But we have to be smart about the technology choice we make to get us there, continues Preston Paddenis. 

Read more below why he believes 5G Broadcast is the best choice also in the US. Also read an item about a US Broadcaster petitions FCC to commercialize 5G Broadcast.

Smartphones Fuel A Revolution For Terrestrial Linear Radio and TV

(Photo: teltarfi.de)

European broadcasters push for 5G Broadcast rollout by 2027.

A win-win opportunity for broadcasters and mobile telecom stakeholders.

For eight years, 5G Broadcast has been developed, tested and is now ready for use in many countries. It is mainly about television broadcasts, but the new platform on the UHF band also has capacity for a large number of radio channels. 

The 5G Broadcast Strategic Task Force (5BSTF) is now working on a launch of commercial 5G Broadcast services in six European markets by 2027. As traditional terrestrial analogue and digital terrestrial (DTT) networks face shutdowns, this next-generation technology is considered to offer a viable alternative, improving the delivery of live and linear audiovisual content. - More facts and analysis follow below.