Year: 2025

On World Radio Day, February 13, WorldDAB released its latest infographic, which highlights the ongoing global growth of DAB+.The updated graphic shows device sales now nearing the 150 million milestone, with the fast-growing markets of France and Australia leading the way with sales of receivers now over 10 million each, alongside the well-established DAB+ auto market. Sales in eleven core markets now total 145,195,000, and almost all new cars across Europe come with DAB+ as standard.In France, this is coupled with DAB+ coverage now exceeding 60% of the population, and in Spain, public broadcaster RTVE is heading towards the goal of 50% coverage with the recent addition of transmitters covering the metropolitan areas of Valladolid and Zaragosa.The infographic is published by WorldDAB — the global industry forum for DAB+ digital radio — on February 13 to mark UNESCO’s World Radio Day, reflecting broadcast radio’s vital role as a relatively free and portable public safety net during emergencies, as well as the democratic value of radio to serve as a connection within underserved groups, and the companionship it can bring as a friendly voice whenneeded. This year’s theme is “Radio and Climate Change.”WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst said: “13 February is an important day in the global calendar for anyone as passionate about broadcast radio as me and the members of the WorldDAB family. Today we can share new data showing how DAB+ continues to grow in both new and established markets around the world. This, coupled with our new DAB+ Automatic Safety Alerts, which can provide life-saving warnings of environmental emergencies such as storms and flooding, demonstrates the critical role of broadcast radio.”The infographic can be downloaded from the WorldDAB website.Data from the new infographic will also be highlighted in WorldDAB keynote sessions at the Saudi Media Forum on 19 – 21 February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Digital Broadcasting Symposium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 24 – 27 February. […]

Radio DYUP 102.7 FM, Philippines, has won the first edition of the international contest “Radio bridges – Joint actions for the climate”, launched by COPEAM with the support of UNESCO as part of the 2025 World Radio Day.The competition aims to promote and support exchanges between radios around the world that encourage local and global solutions to this planetary emergency, while emphasizing collaboration, innovation and the promotion of intercultural dialogue.COPEAM (Permanent Conference of the Mediterranean Audiovisual Operators) is a not-for-profit association devoted to the promotion of inter-cultural dialogue and media cooperation in the Mediterranean region.The contest saw the participation of 18 countries from almost all over the world: Gulf, Asia, Central America, Africa, MENA Region, Europe.The Jury, composed of members of radio networks and platforms representing all continents and all types of radio – community and associative, private and commercial, public, cultural, university and educational – evaluated the applications received, in order to decide on the best project dedicated to climate change with a collaborative and, where possible, transnational approach.“Ang Seawall sa Miagao” (The Seawalls of Miagao) by Radio DYUP 102.7 FM (Philippines) – a documentary realized in the framework of a collaboration with DW Academy and submitted in the “Representation of Women and Vulnerable People” category of the contest, won the award.It also earned praise from various members of the jury.AMARC said: “A strong initiative that highlights the impact of seawall constructions on coastal communities in the Philippines. It effectively illustrates the environmental and social challenges related to this technical solution, while giving a voice to fishermen, women, and vulnerable individuals.”

OSBU said: “Very good scientific approach to a climate problem, academically structured and engaging.”“A well thought out and executed documentary that really features the voices of lived experience (fishermen etc). The level of creativity and production was also high,” said ABU. The international jury included:Click here to read the script in English of the winning entry (produced in the local Hiligaynon language) […]

Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil expressed his hope that radio continues to be an agent for unity, transcending all divides and fostering a sense of togetherness among people of various backgrounds.In a statement marking World Radio Day on February 13, Fadzil emphasised that radio plays an indispensable role in providing information, promoting education, and encouraging social cohesion across diverse communities.“For many years, radio has been an essential medium for disseminating knowledge, entertainment, and educational content to the public,” he said.The minister also extended his gratitude to radio professionals, both on-air talents and those working behind the scenes, acknowledging their tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the medium.“Thank you to all radio staff for your continued efforts. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Happy World Radio Day!” he wrote in a Facebook post. […]