Italy: Regulatory Concerns Over DAB+ Mandates

Italy’s Dialog authority, Agcom, has identified a potential loophole in the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) regulations concerning digital radio integration in vehicles. The core issue revolves around the mandate requiring DAB+ receivers in new M and N category vehicles, a rule in effect since 2021. However, this mandate applies only when the vehicles are equipped with a car radio.

The increasing prevalence of “infotainment systems” that rely on smartphone streaming and internet radio is creating a challenge. These systems often replace traditional car radios,effectively circumventing the DAB+ requirement. Agcom argues that this trend undermines the original intent of the law, which aimed to stimulate the adoption of digital radio.

Agcom’s advisory doesn’t name specific brands or models, and there’s no indication that any car manufacturers are deliberately avoiding DAB+ integration.Rather, Agcom highlights a “legal gap” that needs addressing. The authority proposes amending the law to mandate AM, FM, and DAB+ support in any audio system in new cars, including internet-based infotainment systems.

This proposed change seeks to ensure technological parity and maintain the accessibility of radio services across Italy. Agcom emphasizes the importance of radio for road safety and emergency communication, making its availability crucial irrespective of the audio system used in the vehicle.

This should ensure equal technological opportunities and guarantee that radio services remain accessible throughout Italy, also in the interest of road safety and emergency communication.

Czech Republic: Rádio Proglas Scales Back FM Operations

Rádio Proglas, a Christian radio station in the Czech Republic, is reducing its FM presence.The station will soon shut down two important FM channels, Jštěd and Žďár Nad Sázavou, which together cover approximately 20 kW.

Founded in 1995, the non-commercial Rádio Proglas currently achieves only 30 to 35 percent national coverage via FM.Though, with the expansion of private DAB+ networks in the Czech Republic, the station now boasts over 90 percent digital coverage.

Priest Martin Holik, the station’s founder and director, described this transition as a “historic moment” and aims to position Proglas as a digital pioneer in the Czech radio market. The station plans to reinvest the saved resources into enhancing its programming, supporting personnel costs, and potentially launching new thematic channels.

The long-term goal is to decommission all 16 FM channels within the year, with nine closures planned for this year alone. Some FM channels, particularly in the station’s home city of Brno, will continue broadcasting for a longer period to facilitate the transition for listeners.

Rádio Proglas, which maintains strong ties with the Vatican, is entirely funded by listener donations. The station employs 43 staff members, 43 external contributors, and more than 1,200 volunteers.

…speaks of a historic moment and wants to profile Proglas as a digital pioneer in the Czech radio market.

Priest Martin Holik, founder and director of the channel

Greece: ERT Reconsiders Medium Wave Transmission

The Greek public broadcaster ERT has reactivated its AM transmitter and antennas in the Souda region of Chania, located in southeastern Greece.This decision comes just before a scheduled municipal council session to discuss the dismantling of the channel site and the revocation of the land concession.

The 20-hectare plot was originally granted to ERT 70 years ago. However, the transmitter in question has been inactive since 2018. Local residents sought demolition to lift building restrictions limiting structures to three floors within a 243-hectare radius.

ERT’s decision effectively halts the withdrawal process and preserves its legal options. The upgraded 1 kW transmitter (broadcasting at 1512 kHz) is part of ERT’s strategic plan to modernize its radio infrastructure. the broadcaster aims to “improve the quality of broadcasts and to expand the coverage in challenging to reach areas.”

ERT claims that the transmitter now serves large parts of Crete and some Cyclades Islands, where FM coverage is limited. The broadcaster is also conducting thorough maintenance and upgrades on its medium wave transmitters in Rhodes, Megara, and Corfu “to guarantee full operational readiness.”

…improve the quality of broadcasts and to expand the coverage in difficult to reach areas.