Aeranti-Corallo, an organization representing over 400 Italian local radio stations, has voiced concerns over Italy’s DAB+ frequency plan. The association states that in certain areas defined by the Italian National DAB Frequency Plan (PNAF-DAB), the frequencies allocated for local radio are insufficient to meet the requirements for DAB+ terrestrial digital radio broadcasting.
Marco Rossignoli, Aeranti-Corallo’s coordinator, has warned that the shortage could prevent some local stations — especially those unsuccessful in frequency allocation competitions — from broadcasting digitally. Rossignoli argues that this situation undermines the principles of pluralism upheld by Italian law.
“To address this issue,” Rossignoli said, “Aeranti-Corallo believes it is essential to allocate additional frequencies in regions where current availability is insufficient.” Rossignoli added that by introducing only a small number of additional frequencies in areas with genuine need, it would be possible to ensure the necessary radio resources, allowing all interested local commercial and community stations to broadcast on DAB+.
“This outcome,” Rossignoli concluded, “could be achieved if, in cases of genuine necessity and with the approval of Agcom [Italy’s broadcast and communications regulator], the Ministry for Enterprises and Made in Italy granted additional frequencies, even by exception to TUSMA [the Consolidated Act on audio-visual media services — Legislative Decree No. 208/2021]. This would still uphold the law’s prohibition against causing interference with neighboring radio countries.”
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