DAB+ up front and centre stage at Paris Radio Show

This morning's insightful session on the future of DAB+ in France, Switzerland and Belgium at Paris Radio Show featured Hervé Godechot (Arcom), Marco Derighetti (SRG SSR), philippe zahno (Radios Régionales Romandes), Jean-Paul Philippot (RTBF), Christophe Schalk (SIRTI), Sylvain Delfau (SNRL), and Charles-Emmanuel Bon (Radio France).

?? Session highlights

A collaborative roadmap to DAB+

• Jean-Paul Philippot shared Belgium’s strategy of industry collaboration through initiatives like MaRadio.be (a unified platform for public and private broadcasters). The focus has been on network investment, marketing campaigns, and promoting the enriched offer of DAB+. Belgium is nearing a tipping point with almost the entire sector in favour of the voluntary cessation of FM once certain conditions are met.

Challenges of FM switch-off

• Philippe Zahno reflected on SRG SSR's FM shutoff at the end of 2024. While DAB+ now provides access to 150 stations (compared to 20 on FM), this complex process required flexibility, pragmatism, and a commitment to preserving diversity and local independence.

A long-term vision for DAB+

• Charles-Emmanuel Bon and Christophe Schalk shared concerns about the migration process. They noted that maintaining quality and relevance for audiences is more crucial than adhering strictly to timelines. Having said that, France invested €25M in DAB+ in 2024.

The economics of transition & sustainability

• Marco Derighetti emphasized Switzerland’s financial motivations, saving CHF 15M annually by moving from dual transmission to DAB+. He underscored that most listening in Switzerland (over 80%) is already digital, and public communication plays a key role in addressing short-term audience declines.

Preparedness for disruption

• Sylvain Delfau reminded smaller broadcasters to focus on maintaining content pluralism and leveraging DAB+ to avoid dependence on gatekeepers. He stressed the importance of keeping radio accessible across all platforms.

?? The Overarching Theme

The strongest takeaway? DAB+ is undoubtedly the future of radio, offering opportunities for better content diversity, sustainable operations, and continued relevance in the face of competition from streaming platforms. However, successful migration is only possible through collaboration across the industry, from broadcasters to manufacturers to listeners, while focusing on promotion and education. Across the board, the speakers agreed that promoting the content value of radio—its spontaneity, connection to audiences, and cultural role—must take precedence over the technical nuances of transition.

?? Hervé Godechot’s parting words

Stepping down soon from his role at ARCOM, Herve Godechot received a special award in recognition of his commitment to radio and to DAB+. He urged the radio industry to step out of its comfort zone to ensure radio remains the preferred medium for audiences. He emphasised avoiding a prolonged transition process to prevent financial strain, and reiterated the fundamental need for unity across the sector. "Vive la radio!" was his passionate closing remark.

The future of radio lies in DAB+, but its success depends on the collective action of everyone involved. What are your thoughts on DAB+ migration? Share them below! ??

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