France’s Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel has published the list of stations that have received a DAB+ license to begin broadcasting nationwide via digital terrestrial radio in 2020.
The CSA launched a call for applications in July for 24 radio stations to cover Metropolitan France. Out of 40 applications, the media regulator chose 18 private and six public stations.
Winners include public broadcaster Radio France for its France Inter, France Culture, France Info, France Musique, FIP and Mouv’ services. Other successful candidates are Air Zen; BFM Business; BFM Radio; Chérie; Europe 1; Fun Radio, Latina, M Radio; Nostalgie; NRJ; and Radio Classique.
[Read: New Frequency Plan Includes DAB for Local Stations]
The CSA says it will issue permission to all victors in coming weeks. Spread over two multiplexes, the stations will subsequently have two months to designate the technical operators in charge of operating these multiplexes.
“Once these steps have been completed, DAB+ broadcasts can start in the first quarter of 2020 and will be gradually extended,” the CSA said in a written statement. “The year 2020 will also mark the start of coverage in smaller metropolitan areas, as well as the preparation of the deployment of DAB + in Overseas France.”
