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8 clusters · 22 sources · 60 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: CULTURE · TECHNOLOGY

Germany DAB+ rollout and public radio revamp

Entities: 89.0 RTL · Wisebuddah · RTL Group · DASDING · Südwestrundfunk

Overview

By mid‑2026 Germany’s DAB+ network covered over 91 % of the population, with mobile reception above 98 % and autobahn coverage exceeding 99 %. In July 2026 Deutschlandradio added eleven transmitters, bringing the network to 193 sites, and continued switching off low‑power FM transmitters. Public‑service channels now reach almost 80 million people, more than 92 % of Germans. Radio RST launched DAB+ transmission in the Münsterland, Osnabrück and Ruhrgebiet regions while retaining FM and online streams. Audio Trends data show 34.5 % of the population within DAB+ reach, 40 % of households own a DAB+ device and about one‑quarter of cars are equipped with receivers. In the first half of 2026 digital radio overtook FM for the first time. A Bavarian Media Authority study reported 48.1 % of Bavarians listening via DAB+, web, cable or satellite versus 45.2 % on FM; nationwide DAB+ usage stands at 34.5 % (30‑to‑59 age group 41.7 %). Daily audio listening rose to 259 minutes, radio to 189 minutes. Public broadcasters such as Deutschlandfunk and Radio BOB! claim multi‑million daily audiences; private digital stations like Beats Radio and Schwarzwaldradio show the strongest growth. Deutschlandradio plans to reach 192 DAB+ sites by year‑end, with new transmitters already operating in Rottweil. ARD’s regional broadcasters are coordinating the FM‑to‑digital shift. Deutschlandfunk’s programme reform, effective 30 Nov, adds half‑hour thematic background podcasts and an interactive “Im Dialog” slot while dropping most daily specialist magazines. RTL Radio’s free mobile app, now on Google Play and the Apple Store, streams the Greatest Hits web channel and offers buffer, quality, AirPlay and sleep‑timer controls; the service is complemented by free TV streaming via Zattoo.

Timeline

  1. 2 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    German Radio Updates: RTL’s 89.0 Plans DAB+ Expansion and DASDING Launches New Sound

    RTL’s 89.0 RTL may launch nationwide on DAB+, sparking debate over format overlap, while youth station DASDING debuts a new Wisebuddah‑created sound for its 2026 relaunch.

  2. 11 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Deutschlandfunk to overhaul schedule, dropping daily specialist shows

    Deutschlandfunk will cut daily specialist shows, launch thematic podcasts and a new audience‑dialogue format, shifting schedules from late November amid digital‑media pressures.

  3. 14 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 8 sources
    German radio audience stays strong in 2026 as DAB+ digital listening rises

    Germany's ma 2026 Audio II shows radio reaches 74 % of the population, DAB+ usage climbs, and public broadcasters like MDR, Bayern Funkpaket, and rbb maintain strong regional market shares.

  4. 15 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    RTL Radio launches new streaming app ahead of August 3 broadcast

    RTL's new free radio app launches now, with limited channel selection and basic streaming features, while its TV streaming service expands across Germany, Austria and Switzerland via Zattoo.

  5. 23 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Radio RST launches on DAB+ digital radio in Germany

    Radio RST begins DAB+ broadcasting in parts of Germany as nationwide DAB+ coverage reaches over 92% of the population, with growing household and car adoption.

  6. 27 days ago

    [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Germany's public radio expands DAB+ network and revamps programming

    Deutschlandradio will revamp Deutschlandfunk's schedule on 30 Nov and add new background shows, while expanding its DAB+ network to 193 sites, reaching over 92 % of Germans by 2026.

  7. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Berlin-Brandenburg media council approves regional DAB+ radio slots for 2028

    Berlin‑Brandenburg’s media council assigned DAB+ slots to private stations, enabling five regional radio windows in Brandenburg from 2028 and launching a funding programme for local content.

  8. 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Germany expands DAB+ digital radio coverage with new licenses

    Germany’s DAB+ network will reach 91% of the population by 2025; egoFM wins a long‑term DAB+ licence in Baden‑Württemberg through 2032.

Sources

artikel-presse.de · bayerndigitalradio.de · blog.medientage.de · buddhistteaching.com · color-and-colors.it · dabplus.de · dimbb.de · embed.presseportal.de · hifitest.de · kulturigo.de · mediasites.digitalfernsehen.de · mobiflip.de · netzwelt.de · ots.de · radioforen.de · radiorst.de · radioszene.de · radiowoche.de · smartphonefan.de · taz.de · venomdollplushies.com · www4.mdr.de