DRM Newsletter November 2024
DRM Digital Radio
The only all-band frequencies (AM and FM), global, open, green digital terrestrial broadcasting ITU recognised standard.
Dear Friends, Colleagues and Partners,
While the 2024 days are galloping to their end, the DRM Consortium has also been looking at 2025. The dates and location of its annual General Assembly are known so you can also make plans to join us.
We have also been busy putting on paper and submitting our strong arguments to the Indian regulator to adopt DRM in the FM frequency band as well. More details on our position below.
New this year we have participated in the biggest humanitarian aid event, held in Switzerland. And we have given an update to the RDS General Assembly also held in Switzerland, too.
New members joining the DRM Consortium and a precise evaluation of one of the Gospell receivers complete a rich November newsletter.
Please do not forget to check the winter the schedules now posted on our website: schedule.drm.org.
The video this month is a segment of a new telecast of the big CBS in the States. You will see it is also a good preface to the blog on the resilience of radio and digital radio included in this newsletter. We have continued to get many questions on all things DRM and please send us your own queries to: [email protected].
We have also revised and updated some of our marketing materials. Please check the English, French, Portuguese and the recently added Arabic versions of DRM at a glance.drm.org in the easily accessible page pocket.drm.org.
Finally, please do not forget to follow and subscribe to all our LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Instagram channels. And if you’d like more information about joining the Consortium, so you are fully involved with our work and have access to specialist experts and more in-depth information, please contact [email protected].
Latest News
DRM Digital Radio Consortium Members Respond to Indian Regulator
A record number of DRM member companies and supporters responded to the Consultation paper on formulating a Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for private Radio broadcasters launched by the Indian regulator, TRAI.?
The consultation is part of an open process to establish how the FM band should be digitised in India.
In the first round of the consultation almost all responses and comments were of the unanimous opinion that a single standard chosen to digitise broadcast radio in India is advantageous for listeners, broadcasters and the industry.
The mere fact that DRM is already on-air in India today, including for applications not supported by HD Radio at all, and millions of cars on the roads in India receiving DRM signals natively allows for only one conclusion:?DRM is the obvious solution to enable digital radio services in India also in the FM band.
For more of the arguments made and to access the TRAI site please go to news.drm.org.
DRM Consortium and ATSC in Agreement
The DRM Consortium (www.drm.org) and ATSC, the Broadcast Standards Association (www.atsc.org), have just signed a mutual institutional partnership agreement. The DRM Consortium has several institutional partners like ABU, CBU, EBU and this is a new and special agreement as it gives each of the two international, not-for-profit organisations (DRM and ATSC), equal access and rights in the DRM Consortium and ATSC organisation, respectively. The collaboration is the adoption of both standards worldwide for the benefit of broadcasters and listeners alike.
DRM Digital Radio To Be Promoted in Italy by A New DRM Member
On the centenary of Italian radio,?OMItaliane (www.omitaliane.com), the only association representing Italian mediumwave broadcasters, has announced its intention to use the advanced DRM technology for broadcasting in the AM bands. The goal is to connect with a wider audience through a cutting-edge digital radio standard with clear benefits. More details on news.drm.org and here: Historic Step in DRM for Medium Waves in Italy – OMItaliane.it (Italian) and here: radiotvlink.com (Greek).
OMItaliane is one of the companies who have recently become DRM members.
DRM Digital Radio Attends Largest Global Humanitarian Event
At the end of October,?the DRM Consortium (www.drm.org) was present, for the first time, at the AidEx 2024, the world’s leading humanitarian aid and disaster relief event held in Geneva, Switzerland. Representatives of Encompass Media and Starwaves, key Consortium members, were on hand to explain the emergency warning capabilities of DRM. Read more on news.drm.org.
Digital Radio Mondiale at RDS Big Celebration
The RDS Forum celebrated its 40th anniversary in Geneva, Switzerland, at the end of October. On this occasion the DRM Consortium was invited to present the latest DRM activities and successes during this annual meeting. Radu Obreja, DRM Marketing Director, gave a presentation on key DRM developments which included DRM-Multichannel transmissions by several broadcasters from one FM band transmitter, distance education using DRM, and the Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF) of the DRM standard. Read more: DRM Latest - Presented at RDS Annual Meeting - Digital Radio Mondiale.
DRM Digital Radio Endorses ITU’S COP29 Green Digital Action Initiative
The DRM Consortium has submitted a letter of support to the COP29 Presidency, endorsing the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Green Digital Action (GDA) initiative.? The GDA initiative aims to harness the transformative power of digital technologies in the fight against climate change and calls on the technology industry to take responsibility for its environmental impact. The GDA initiative was launched by ITU and over 40 stakeholders from government, international organisations, business and civil society worldwide in the context of the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).?
The DRM Consortium’s endorsement reinforces its support for the ITU’s vision of building safer, more connected communities while ensuring that digital growth remains environmentally sustainable.
In its letter of support, the DRM Consortium highlights the unique capabilities of the DRM Emergency Warning Feature (EWF), particularly in disaster scenarios where local infrastructure has been completely destroyed. Unlike internet, mobile, or TV networks, EWF can transmit audio, text, graphics, and maps—potentially in multiple languages—directly to affected areas. This life-saving functionality demonstrates how DRM technology contributes to creating resilient communities and aligns with the ITU’s goal of integrating digital innovation into climate action strategies.
Please check the rest of the DRM arguments for EWF which support the ITU’s vision to help build safer more connected communities.
DRM Digital Radio Gospell Receiver Given Thumbs Up
The magazine "Digital Fernsehen" has tested the GR-228BP receiver developed by Gospell, delivering a highly positive review of both the device and the potential of DRM technology. The article begins by exploring the development of Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), a digital broadcasting standard aimed at digitising long, medium, and shortwave frequencies. Despite its initial challenges, DRM has made significant advancements and has been widely adopted in countries like India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and China, where medium and shortwave broadcasts remain crucial. While DRM's presence in Europe is limited, regular DRM broadcasts continue, including those by Radio Romania International and the BBC World Service.
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Focusing on the Gospell GR-228BP receiver, the article highlights its capability to function across all bands, including SW, MW, and FM. The device is noted for its ease of use, featuring only two rotary controls and eight buttons, which, though unconventional, are logically organised. Despite its compact design and small two-line display, the GR-228BP supports essential features like text messages and Journaline. The article praises the receiver's robust design, which allows for interference-free reception using its built-in antenna, marking it as a "real quantum leap among DRM radios."
The GR-228BP also boasts an elegant design with a leather strap handle and fabric covering, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. It includes modern functionalities, such as Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming and a hands-free system for calls. However, the article acknowledges some limitations, quoting, "The extremely high energy consumption of the DRM radio" results in a short battery life, lasting "just 3 hours and 15 minutes at half volume in FM mode."
In conclusion, the article discusses the potential future of DRM in Europe. Although currently a niche technology, DRM continues to evolve and could play a more significant role, particularly with the opportunity for high-quality sound broadcasts on medium-wave frequencies. The Gospell GR-228BP exemplifies the progress made in DRM technology, offering radio enthusiasts a reliable and feature-rich device. For those interested in exploring more about DRM receivers, the article directs readers to products.drm.org for additional information.
Digital Radio Mondiale Chair on Radio Technology and Trust
In a recent RedTech blog the DRM chairman argues that the progress of technology must keep pace with the complex reality of today and use it in a smart way to deliver content listeners can trust.
For more go to news.drm.org.
DRM Digital Radio Returns to Dubai for its 2025 General Assembly
The DRM Consortium (www.drm.org) General Assembly 2025, a global, relevant and comprehensive event, is scheduled to take place again (after the success of the 2024 meeting) in Dubai, UAE at?Radisson Blu Hotel on May 16-17. This follows immediately after CABSAT and is one of the key events for the DRM Consortium members and guests (events.drm.org)
The first, full day, May 16th, will be open to members and guests and promises to be already richer and more comprehensive than previous similar meetings.
The DRM General Assembly will include the latest updates on key markets like Indonesia, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, other countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. There will be comprehensive presentations and demonstrations of receivers and new receiving solutions.
The 17th May half day will be a closed members only GA meeting dedicated to the evaluation of the progress made by DRM recently and setting the strategy for the coming year.
During the varied and interactive sessions and break times of the DRM General Assembly the members and guests will have a chance to network and exchange information and opinions on the DRM project and the progress of digital radio in general.
For more information write to: [email protected].
Videos
Around the Web
In the US more radio and less podcasts: Nielsen, Edison Issue a Listening Update – Radio World
Upcoming events
7-10 Jan - CES, Las Vegas, USA
22 Jan - Workshop Rádio Digital, Brazil
5-9 Feb - BES Expo and WAVES, New Delhi, India
10-14 Feb - HFCC, Abu Dhabi, UAE
13 Feb - World Radio Day
24-27 Feb - ABU DBS, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
9-11 Mar - Radiodays Europe, Athens
23-25 Apr - CCBN, China
7-9 May - eLearning Africa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
13-15 May - CABSAT, Dubai, UAE
16-17 May - DRM General Assembly, Dubai, UAE