According to an Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse study, DAB+ radio in Germany continued its successful course in the second quarter of 2023. The ma (media analysis) 2023 Audio II study notes that the use of DAB+ programs in Germany is growing while network expansion continues regionally and nationally. Broadcast launches in the states of Lower Saxony, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein bring more choice for listeners.
According to ma 2023 Audio II, 52 million people use radio services Mondays through Fridays, with DAB+ radio its own, even showing slight growth. For example, 28.6% of Germans in the “widest listener group” listen to DAB+, up from 28.5% in the previous study covering the first quarter of 2023. Use specifically amongst 30- to 59-year-olds is higher — 33.6%, up from 32% in the first quarter.
In the latest study, agma highlights the nationwide stations showing notable growth via DAB+. For example, the Absolute brand grew 21.4% in listeners in the average hour. Similarly, the BOB! brand is also increasing its audience, primarily through digital distribution channels. Radio BOB! reaches 9.86 million contacts per day via various reception channels — an increase of 15.5% over the previous year.
Deutschlandfunk Kultur is also one of the winners, recording a daily increase of 120,000 listeners. The nationwide cultural program now reaches 644,000 listeners.
Last year, Germany registered more than 2.5 million new passenger cars with DAB+. In addition, it sold around 1.99 million DAB+ receivers during this period.
DAB+ in the federal states
Just under half (48%) of Bavarians have at least one DAB+ receiver in their home or car (up 4%). Around 31% of the population in Bavaria, or roughly 3.5 million people, listen to the radio via DAB+ on an average day (up 4%). DAB+ is thus extending its lead as a digital playout channel in Bavaria, ahead of web radio (with a daily reach of 17%), which has been virtually stagnant for three years (2022: 16.5%, 2021: 16.8%).
With the launch of a new DAB+ program platform, listeners in Schleswig-Holstein can receive a significantly expanded range of programs. The total number of programs in four regions increases to 52, considerably exceeding the existing FM offering. Dividing the transmitter network into four regions with separate program packages has realized a wide variety of stations with statewide, regional and local programs.
In the Free State of Saxony, the media authority has approved 37 new commercial and non-commercial stations. Depending on the region, listeners can receive up to 70 local, regional, statewide and national programs from private and public broadcasters.
In Lower Saxony, too, DAB+ continues to grow with the launch of the first statewide platform for commercial broadcasters. Listeners can now receive 18 private radio programs via DAB+ on 117 occupied program slots in 10 coverage areas.
You can find an overview of DAB+ developments in all 16 German states here.