DAB+ drives discussions in digital direction
DAB+ developments across Europe were the focus of this year’s WorldDAB Summit in Antwerp.
New figures showed that more than half of all listening in Flanders is now digital, with DAB+ accounting for nearly a third of total listening.
WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst opened the event by saying that DAB+ supports radio’s long-term strength for listeners at home, at work and on the road. Jacqueline also urged the EU to take the next step in safeguarding broadcast radio by requiring all new vehicles to include a radio receiver as standard.
She confirmed that WorldDAB is producing a public policy toolkit with South 180 and commissioning new automotive research to understand how drivers use radio and what they expect from broadcast services.
Delegates heard that Belgium has reached a major milestone, with 54 per cent of listening in Flanders now digital.
The UK contribution came from Jonathan Wall, who discussed the BBC’s three new DAB+ music stations launched this year and how they offer more choice for listeners. From France, Charles-Emmanuel Bon explained how Radio France created Mon petit France Inter for children and parents, broadcast only on DAB+.
The Summit also looked at younger audiences, with egta’s Katerina Borovska saying “DAB+ is the anchor” for reach and reliability while stressing the need for radio to maintain a strong presence on multiple platforms.
Several speakers highlighted recent DAB+ launches across Europe. Estonia now has two commercial networks with ten transmitters, Luxembourg is days away from switching on a multiplex carrying twelve stations, and Ireland’s trial network has recorded DAB+ accounting for more than twenty per cent of listening in equipped cars.
The event also reviewed Germany’s progress with Automatic Safety Alerts on DAB+, with contributors saying the system can complement existing warning channels and support public safety.
The annual WorldDAB Automotive event will take place in Frankfurt on 11 June 2026.
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