Four radio stations that broadcast nationally on DAB digital radio are to switch to DAB+, making the stations unavailable on incompatible digital radios.
The owner of the four stations, Bauer Media Audio UK, announced the move today. The stations will switch to DAB+ on 31st March 2025.
Bauer says the move will “improve sound quality for its audiences”. Originally available in stereo and in higher quality as Virgin Radio, digital station Absolute Radio has broadcast in mono at 80kbps for several years. KISS, KISSTORY and Magic currently broadcast in mono too. When the stations switch to DAB+ just two DAB stations will remain on the Digital One multiplex: LBC and talkSPORT.
Peter Davies, Chief Operating Officer for Bauer Media Audio UK said: “We continually review how we can improve our audience’s listening experience, and this simple change allows us to deliver higher-quality audio to more of our listeners.”
By switching to DAB+, which is more efficient than DAB, more stations can be broadcast. The UK’s second national commercial multiplex currently carries 30 stations, compared to 25 which are available on Digital One. Bauer have not announced the introduction of new stations on digital radio which could utilise this space. Radio groups have increasingly launched spin-offs from existing brands, as Bauer did recently with Greatest Hits Radio 60s and KISSTORY R&B.
Advice for listeners
- Many digital radios can receive DAB+ radio stations. If you can hear Capital XTRA or UCB 1 on your radio you’ll be able to receive Absolute Radio, Magic, KISS and KISSTORY after 31st March.
- Radios which don’t receive DAB+ stations may have an FM mode, and Magic Radio will continue to be available on 105.4 FM in London.
- Some radios made by Pure can be upgraded to receive DAB+ stations.
- The stations are also available in apps for phones and tablets and on smart speakers.
- When buying a digital radio look for the Digital Radio Tick Mark or an explicit mention of DAB+. Many second-hand and even some new radios do not receive DAB+ stations.
Most digital radios and cars purchased in recent years receive both DAB+ and DAB radio stations. But many older radios are not compatible with DAB+ and will lose access to the four stations at the end of the month. A very small number of Pure radios can be upgraded, but older radios from the 2000s were designed before DAB+ emerged.
Read more: What is DAB+ and how does it differ from DAB?
Several stations have made the switch in recent years, including Classic FM, Radio X and Planet Rock.
The affected stations will start to tell listeners about the change this week.
The BBC’s national radio stations and a handful of national commercial stations, including Times Radio and Virgin Radio, continue to be available as DAB radio stations.