From today on “more radio” with 58 DAB+ stations
The increase in funding is a clear signal of the importance of digital radio in Austria. By expanding the program spectrum to 58 stations, we are offering listeners an unprecedented variety. The additional resources from the digitalization fund are crucial for the further expansion and stability of the DAB+ offering. We thank the National Council for this important support
Roman Gerner, chairman of the Digital Radio Austria Association
Vienna (OTS) – The digital radio landscape in Austria is receiving a significant boost: With the commissioning of new DAB+ MUXes and 30 new stations today, the digital radio offering is growing to a total of 58 stations. From now on, radio fans can enjoy a greatly expanded range of music, information and entertainment. The National Council has recognized the importance of digital radio and increased annual digital funding by one million euros.
More programs
From June 2024, the digital radio offering will continue to grow for the first time since August 2020. 30 new stations go on air on DAB+. These include well-known names such as Radio Arabella or Life Radio. There is also a wide range of niche programs. With this largest launch of radio stations since private radio began in Austria in 1998, DAB+ offers an unprecedented variety of stations and programs. With the new DAB+ programs there is something for every taste. Whether classical, pop, rock, hits, news or sport – the digital radio world now offers even more choice.
Increase in the digitalization fund
A crucial step in promoting digital radio is increasing the digitization fund. The National Council has approved an initiative proposal that will increase the fund by one million euros annually. These additional funds are of great importance for DAB+ broadcasters, especially in the first few years when refinancing is often difficult. The start-up funding ensures that free and low-threshold access to a greater variety of programs is secured throughout Austria.
Special thanks go to Federal Minister Susanne Raab for her careful support of the topic.
“The increase in funding is a clear signal for the importance of digital radio in Austria. By expanding the program spectrum to 58 stations, we are offering listeners an unprecedented variety. The additional resources from the digitalization fund are crucial for the further expansion and stability of the DAB+ offering. We thank the National Council for this important support.”
says Roman Gerner, chairman of the Digital Radio Austria Association.
DAB+ offers “more advantages”
Over a million people in Austria already listen to radio via DAB+ several times a month. Digital radio offers many advantages over FM: crystal clear sound, a wide variety of stations and programs, no need for Internet reception or data consumption, and free availability. The variety of radio programs on DAB+ is clearly structured and easy to find. In addition, DAB+ devices offer useful additional functions that enrich everyday life.
About the Digital Radio Austria Association
In 2013, the Digitalradio Austria association, a network partner of the FEEI, was founded as a platform and business enabler. The platform emerged from some participants in the “Digital Radio” working group at Rundfunk- und Telekom Regels-GmbH. Its purpose is to promote and develop digital radio in Austria, to further develop the media genre “radio” in the digital media world, to establish radio on new platforms and to promote the dissemination of information and training in the area of electronic and new media. The platform currently has 30 members from the areas of private radio, radio equipment manufacturers, the electrical and electronics industry, universities and retail. Further information is on www.dabplus.at available.
Questions & Contact:
Thomas Pöcheim
Digital Radio Austria Association
T: +43/664/9622 444
E: office@dabplus.at