DAB in 95% of new cars
Figures released in early 2026 show that 95% of new cars in key European markets are now sold with DAB+ radio as standard. That is a dramatic increase. In the Uk the figure for new cars is 98% with DAB+. Some drivers actually switch them on too - over 53% according to the latest research.
This reflects the impact of the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) which, from December 2020, required that all new car radios in the EU must be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio.
RADIO DOMINATES !
Despite new in-car entertainment systems, radio remains the most-listened-to audio platform in cars, with 63% of UK users using DAB or FM, compared to 20% using music streaming services.
A practical handbook for programming directors, this guide focuses on achieving specific objectives in today's modern, competitive environment.
Radio Programming is designed to convey underlying principles and to assist the programmer in accomplishing specific objectives, without mandating exact implementation methods. Instead, it empowers station management and the PD to implement strategies that will work for the particular format and market niche.
Radio Programming should help neophytes in programming, help experienced programmers seeking further growth. It will also assist air talent seeking to develop skills, and general managers trying to understand programming and effectively manage program directors without stifling creativity. It will also help general managers hire effective programmers. Eric Norberg has worked as a program director at several stations, as on-air talent and general manager, and has also operated a radio production company.
It shows radio programmers how to work toward achieving specific objectives. It conveys the principles of aggressive radio programming. Part of the "Broadcasting & Cable" series.
DAB in 95% of new cars
Figures released in early 2026 show that 95% of new cars in key European markets are now sold with DAB+ radio as standard. That is a dramatic increase. In the Uk the figure for new cars is 98% with DAB+. Some drivers actually switch them on too - over 53% according to the latest research.
This reflects the impact of the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) which, from December 2020, required that all new car radios in the EU must be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio.
RADIO DOMINATES !
Despite new in-car entertainment systems, radio remains the most-listened-to audio platform in cars, with 63% of UK users using DAB or FM, compared to 20% using music streaming services.
The first SSDAB trial stations were launched in Brighton and Portsmouth, and eight fmore followed. Using DAB+ needed slower bit-rates but gave similar audio quality. This allowed further efficiencies, today up to thirty radio stations can broadcast using a single transmitter.
The SSDAB trials were extended several times and new rounds of multiplexes are being offered, about two dozen at a time. Each should have space for up to 30 stations per multiplex. Each radio station or channel needs its own DSP Licence, which is freely available from OFCOM.
The 'Twenty 20s' have seen an explosion of radio, trebling the number of DAB stations on air now!
What is DAB?
DAB is simply a digital way of adding several radio stations onto one transmitter. The first phase of DAB uses the old MP2 audio encoding, but for the last ten years, the more efficient method of coding called aacPlus has been used for stations on mainland Europe. It is called DAB+. The initial development costs of DAB were high and the system allowed only the largest companies to become gatekeepers. Several factors kept small commercial stations and community radio out of the DAB marketplace.
In 2015, the UK regulator permitted ten new licensees to trial 'Small Scale DAB' using equipment developed by engineer Rashid Mustapha, Alan Beech and other pioneers. They used cheaply-sourced processing and DAB+, rather than the legacy DAB, substantially reducing the costs by a factor of seven.
DAB and DAB+, Small Scale DAB
-is this the future of radio ?
The book DAB& DAB+ the Future of Radio, describes the development and summarises the existing DAB stations already broadcasting on the National, the Regional, the Local and the Small Scale DAB multiplexes.
Author Paul Rusling has been a radio aficionado for over fifty years and has worked in broadcasting as an engineer and consultant, specialising in licensing and programming, in fifteen countries. He’s written for magazines, newspapers and has had a dozen books published, mainly about radio.
DAB KINDLE (temporarilly unavailable)
DAB & DAB+ Future of Radio
Sent by mail TODAY! £9.9 (+post)
The Radio Caroline Bible
is a huge and comprehensive book, telling the inside story of Radio Caroline, from the project's very genesis, right up to date with the latest development including DAB, new mast, a new boat and massively increased solar power arrays.
It’s packed with disasters, boardings, excitement and copious amounts of skull-duggery. There are many inside tales about the major events from all of Caroline’s four eras, told by many of the key people who made Radio Caroline happen. It has much unique content & many ‘never published before’ photos
The book is illustrated with over 300 photos and drawings and is fully indexed. Casebound with strong covers in full colour, the Radio Caroline Bible is over 500 pages long and has a gorgeous full-colour cover showing the Ross Revenge in all her magnificence which will last for many years. This limited print run will surely become a collector’s item.
An ideal gift
for every radio enthusiast
The fastest growing radio medium is internet Radio, aka Webradio, or simply ONLINE.
FULL DETAILS of this exciting new medikum, how it came about and how YOU can get involved is found HERE
or just click the book cover
Click BUY NOW button to pay by any card
What is DAB?
DAB is simply a digital way of adding several radio stations onto one transmitter. The first phase of DAB uses the old MP2 audio encoding, but for the last ten years, the more efficient method of coding called aacPlus has been used for stations on mainland Europe. It is called DAB+. The initial development costs of DAB were high and the system allowed only the largest companies to become gatekeepers. Several factors kept small commercial stations and community radio out of the DAB marketplace.
In 2015, the UK regulator permitted ten new licensees to trial 'Small Scale DAB' using equipment developed by engineer Rashid Mustapha, Alan Beech and other pioneers. They used cheaply-sourced processing and DAB+, rather than the legacy DAB, substantially reducing the costs by a factor of seven.
The first SSDAB trial stations were launched in Brighton and Portsmouth, with another eight following over the next few months. Using DAB+ needed slower bit-rates but gave similar audio quality. This allowed further efficiencies and up to thirty radio stations can broadcast using a single transmitter.
The SSDAB trials were extended several times and new rounds fo muxes are being offered, about two dozen at a time. This year is likeley to see 50 muxes licensed. This should have space for up to 30 stations per multiplex, or about 150 new stations.
Digital Sound Programme licences are now available from OFCOM to operate the radio stations carried on the SS-DAB multiplexes. The 'twenty 20s' have seen an explosion of radio, trebling the number of DAB stations on air now!
The Radio Caroline Bible
is a huge and comprehensive book, telling the inside story of Radio Caroline, from the project's very genesis, right up to date with the latest development including DAB, new mast, a new boat and massively increased solar power arrays.
It’s packed with disasters, boardings, excitement and copious amounts of skull-duggery. There are many inside tales about the major events from all of Caroline’s four eras, told by many of the key people who made Radio Caroline happen. It has much unique content & many ‘never published before’ photos
The book is illustrated with over 300 photos and drawings and is fully indexed. Casebound with strong covers in full colour, the Radio Caroline Bible is over 500 pages long and has a gorgeous full-colour cover showing the Ross Revenge in all her magnificence which will last for many years. This limited print run will surely become a collector’s item.
An ideal gift
for every radio enthusiast
A practical handbook for programming directors, this guide focuses on achieving specific objectives in today's modern, competitive environment.
Radio Programming is designed to convey underlying principles and to assist the programmer in accomplishing specific objectives, without mandating exact implementation methods. Instead, it empowers station management and the PD to implement strategies that will work for the particular format and market niche.
Radio Programming should help neophytes in programming, help experienced programmers seeking further growth. It will also assist air talent seeking to develop skills, and general managers trying to understand programming and effectively manage program directors without stifling creativity. It will also help general managers hire effective programmers. Eric Norberg has worked as a program director at several stations, as on-air talent and general manager, and has also operated a radio production company.
It shows radio programmers how to work toward achieving specific objectives. It conveys the principles of aggressive radio programming. Part of the "Broadcasting & Cable" series. Click for details
