DAB+ Rolls out in Germany

In an historic move for European radio, Germany has launched nationwide digital radio services.

(from World DMB press release)

Germany, which is Europe‟s biggest radio market, is now broadcasting digital
radio in all major cities and autobahns. 27 transmitters around the country
are on air today delivering new radio content to 40 million people. German
listeners now have 14 new digital services to choose from and radio broadcasters
now have the opportunity to diversify their programme offering, something which
is no longer possible in Germany on FM.

The national digital radio project office was set up to coordinate the efforts of
ARD (association of public broadcasters), Deutschlandradio (national public
broadcaster) and Digital Radio Deutschland (DRD - representing a consortium of
private broadcasters), in the nationwide launch of digital radio. The goal of all
parties is to establish digital radio as the radio of the future. In a statement today
Michael Reichert, from the German digital radio project office said:

"We are delighted to see today‟s launch of national digital radio in Germany.
Both public and commercial broadcasters have long believed digital is the way
forward. Now, for the first time, they are working together to ensure a
successfully co-ordinated launch in Germany. The importance of radio now and in
the future has been shown by the close co-operation between not only
broadcasters but also the network operator, the radio industry as a whole,
retailers, manufacturers and the Government. These are exciting times for both
listeners and Germany‟s radio industry."

Alongside Deutschlandradio, the national public broadcaster, commercial
broadcasters (REGIOCAST Digital, Die Neue Welle, ERF, Entspannungsradio, NRJ,
Klassik Radio, NWZ/FOM and Radio Horeb) are offering new, quality, audio
programmes and enhanced multi-media services which consumers today have
come to expect from their digital media enhancing the German radio landscape.

Indoor and outdoor coverage will be up to 95% in some areas of the cities where
transmitters went live today. Coverage will gradually increase (up to 99% in
some areas) with the final phases set for completion by 2014.

The launch of digital radio in Germany is supported by leading receiver
manufacturers from Europe and around the world. Manufacturers PURE, SONY,
Philips, Roberts, Panasonic, Enspert, DUAL, Tivoli and more have all committed to
bringing a wide range of receivers to the market to ensure that all sectors and
price points are catered for. To coincide with the launch the large electronics
chains Saturn and Media Markt are also committed to stocking new
receivers. Says Ralf Reynolds, PURE‟s regional director, central Europe: "The
launch of Germany‟s first national digital radio services is historic for German radio listeners and an enormous step forward in the foundation of digital radio
across Europe and beyond. PURE is committed to supporting Germany‟s national
digital radio launch by bringing to market our full digital radio range - the world's
largest range of globally compatible 'profile 1'* digital radios".

The German automotive sector is supportive of the launch of new digital
radio and with more than 10% of all radio listening taking place in the car, this is
significant for the German digital radio industry. In-car digital radio enhances the
offering to automotive customers and continues to ensure that customers receive
the best quality audio and multi-media radio in car. German automotive brands
continue to lead the automotive market in all areas including in-car entertainment
and information especially the opportunity TPEG offers in terms of traffic and
travel data to drivers.

Germany joins an increasing number of countries choosing digital radio
as their national standard including the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, Italy,
Malta, Hungary, the Netherlands, Australia, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Mr Jorn Jensen, President, WorldDMB said "We are pleased that national digital
radio is now on-air in Germany. This heralds the start of a new era for radio in
Germany which will ensure that radio enters the digital age. Listeners in Germany
can expect new content, an exciting range of receivers and to be part of what is a
revolution in radio!"

For more information contact Caroline Seville, WorldDMB Project Office on 020
3206 7848 or caroline.seville@worlddab.org