DAB+ is growing - despite the pandemic

Radio has played an important role since the outbreak of Covid-19. Despite the significant challenges faced by many broadcasters since the start of the pandemic, radio listening is peaking, new DAB+ services continue to launch across Europe and the WorldDAB network has continued to expand.

Growing listening numbers

Norway's visionary strategy of switching off national FM is paying off, with the highest radio listening figures to date recorded in July – 400,000 more than in July 2019. UK listening on DAB now accounts for 40% of all listening and 69% of digital listening. In Switzerland - where 68% of all listening is on digital platforms and FM will be switched off by 2024 - DAB+ recently became the most popular listening platform.

These developments are underpinned by The European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) requiring all new car radios sold in the EU to be able to receive digital terrestrial radio from the end of this year.

New DAB+ services launching

Germany will see the launch of a second national multiplex in October 2020 adding 16 new DAB+ commercial radio stations for listeners across the country. In France, where DAB+ is already on air in nine major cities, the large commercial radio groups and Radio France will launch national DAB+ in 2021. In Sweden, Bauer Media this summer launched seven radio stations on DAB+, joining their competitor Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT) who were already broadcasting on DAB+.

WorldDAB member network expanding

WorldDAB saw 12 new members from 10 different countries join in the last 12 months – three since May - including national broadcasters, auto and receiver manufacturers and broadcast network operators. Here's the full list of who's joined us in the last year:

• Malta - network operator Digi B Network
• China - receiver manufacturer Hidaka Corporation
• Azerbaijan - network operator Radio-Television Broadcasting and Satellite Communications Production Unity (Teleradio PU)
• Denmark - public broadcaster, Danish Broadcasting Corporation
• France - network operator Towercast
• Germany - professional equipment manufacturer 2wcom Systems
• Slovenia - public broadcaster and network operator RTV Slovenia
• The Netherlands – national digital radio organisation Digital Radio NL
• Solution provider Inntot Technologies
• Receiver manufacturer Yamaha Corporation
• Auto manufacturer - Honda
• Auto solutions provider - M’s Style Technology

WorldDAB now has a total of 106 members from 32 countries.