Germany's public radio expands DAB+ network and revamps programming

Deutschlandradio announced a major overhaul of its public‑radio services. The Deutschlandfunk schedule will change on 30 November, adding three daily half‑hour background shows, a weekday "Im Dialog" programme that brings listeners into the editorial process, and integrating podcasts such as "Der Tag" into the linear lineup. Program director Jona Teichmann stressed that the reform is not a savings measure; all existing programmes will stay on air and editorial teams will be retained, while the broadcaster will continue its planned 0.5 % annual staff reduction.

At the same time, Deutschlandradio is extending its DAB+ network. Eleven new transmitter sites are slated for 2026, bringing the total DAB+ locations to 193. The rollout includes sites in Baden‑Württemberg, Bavaria, Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern, Rhineland‑Palatinate, Thuringia, Saxony and Schleswig‑Holstein. Selected low‑power FM transmitters were switched off on 30 June as the digital service goes live. The expansion is expected to let almost 80 million people – over 92 % of the German population – receive Deutschlandfunk, Deutschlandfunk Kultur and Deutschlandfunk Nova via DAB+, with mobile reception covering more than 98 % of the country and autobahn coverage exceeding 99 %.