What is DAB?

Nine out of ten Londoners listen to the radio every week. Over time analogue broadcasting will be replaced by digital broadcasting. Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is a digital radio replacement platform for FM and AM analogue radio. Already radio audiences for digital radio are increasing while analogue listening is starting to decline. Nearly 70% of London radio listening is now digital and nearly two-thirds of that figure is via DAB. It’s the same picture all around the country, but London leads the way.

DAB is a method of carrying the output of multiple radio stations simultaneously. This method is called multiplexing. A recent technical development allows for the cost of multiplexing to be reduced, which in turn allows for delivery of radio station output at a fair and proportionate price point.

This type of broadcasting has been operating as a trial over the last seven years, and has already seen a flourishing of new radio station formats while creating an opening for a new wave of radio professionals, volunteer and community broadcasters.

Added to this is the use of a further refinement - DAB+. This improves sound quality and with that, the all-important listening experience.

In terms of the environment, our DAB multiplex plans are good news. When the carbon footprint for a low power multiplex network is shared between twenty broadcast radio stations, the comparative size of that footprint is halved.