2LT National News
Tasmanians now tune into commercial DAB+ digital radio
Apr 3, 2019
HOBART, Tasman, Australia – Commercial DAB+ digital radio is now on-air in the Tasmanian capital, Hobart.
The tiniest of Australia’s capital cities, and the only non-mainland one, has just introduced its first DAB+ commercial stations – KIX Country, Easy Hits and Triple M Classic Rock.
“We’re pleased listeners in Hobart now have the option to listen on AM, FM and DAB+. They can enjoy the benefits of digital radio, including better sound quality and more station choice, listen to their favourite station and try some of the new stations on offer,” Joan Warner, CEO of Commercial Radio Australia said Wednesday.
Public stations operated by the Australian goverment-owned ABC and SBS were established in Hobart in December 2017.
Listeners need a DAB+ radio to receive the services, but those who have purchased a new car recently may already have one as 65% of all new cars sold in Australia are now factory-fitted with a DAB+ radio. Listeners simply need to press ‘scan’ or autotune on the radio to see the new stations appear in the station list.
Digital radio was introduced in the five major capital cities in 2009. More than 4.21 million people, or 30% of the population aged 10 and over, listened to DAB+ digital radio each week in the five metro capital cities in 2018.
The new stations extend the reach in Australia of the technology which is gradually overtaking AM and FM radio.
The total number of DAB+ radios in Australia, including those in cars, rose to 4.73 million at the end of 2018.
“We’re pleased our Hobart listeners have permanent DAB+ broadcasts and we hope they will enjoy our new DAB+ station KIX Country,” Alison Cameron, Grant Broadcasters CEO said Wednesday.
Southern Cross Austereo chief executive officer, Grant Blackley said Wednesday: “DAB+ digital radio continues to grow and we’re excited to introduce SCA’s DAB+ stations to Hobart listeners.”
DAB+ radios feature small screens with text information such as program information, the name of the song currently playing, and news and weather updates. Some also feature LCD screens with images.
