the DAB + (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is also known as Digital Terrestrial Radio (RNT). It is often compared to TNT for television, launched about fifteen years ago. DAB + is based on the qualities of terrestrial broadcasting (network reliability, free for the listener, listening anonymity), while providing a high source of new features: quality digital sound, continuous reception of programs on the move, digital services associates. With free access, DAB + is also a low-energy solution for listening to the radio. It requires fewer antennas and its energy consumption does not increase with the number of listeners, energy consumption when streaming.

Radio Mont Blanc, independent private local radio (category B) has received authorization from the CSA, in conjunction with the territorial audiovisual committee of Lyon, to broadcast via a multiplex made up of 13 radios in the areas of Annecy, Annemasse , Chambéry, Aix-les-Bains. “An authorization which is the result of in-depth work for 10 years, notably with the CSA to participate in the acceleration of the deployment of this technology for Radio Mont Blanc on the territory of 2 Savoie. It is the most difficult territory to cover in France due to the complexity of its relief, the number of transmitters to install and the need to synchronize all FM / DAB + and Internet technologies for an optimal experience in vehicles “ emphasizes Emmanuel Briot, technical and editorial director of Radio Mont Blanc.

New audience pools for Radio Mont Blanc
Unlike most of its sisters in the 2 Savoie, Radio Mont Blanc was not broadcast by FM on Annecy or Annemasse or even Chambéry, despite the demand from listeners and stakeholders in the area. Saturated FM band and the technical impossibility of broadcasting via FM waves beyond the mountains were the factors limiting the geographical extension of Radio Mont Blanc to the rest of the 2 Savoys.
DAB + broadcasting therefore not only means digital listening quality with clear sound for listeners – no more crackling and interference for users living or staying in valley and mountain areas! but also, a continuity of dissemination of local programs in a situation of mobility; or even listening by a new, more urban audience, multiplied by 4 in total. “We go from nearly 20% of the population covered in FM by Radio Mont Blanc in Haute Savoie, to nearly 60% with the combination of FM and DAB +; a major development for our development, as well as for that of the players in our territory ” explains Caroline Chicard, Managing Director of the MontBlanc Médias Group, of which Radio Mont Blanc is a part.
The resort thus ensures that its programs, interviews, guests, news and content with its known partners, worn, perceived, heard by a general public throughout the Alpine territory, as a mission value (access with partners additional and captive contact points: FM, DAB +, connected speaker, application, website, social networks, Radio Player, etc.).

The use will go through the equipment and communication
A special morning was prepared this Monday, December 20 to organize the technical launch of DAB + in the “extended area of ​​Annecy”, with the live switching on of DAB + by the teams of TDF, partner of FM and DAB + broadcaster of Radio Mont Blanc, and which ensures the broadcasting of radio programs throughout France (park of 3,500 radio sites).
Many testimonials and photos of listeners were received on this occasion, DAB + being able to be listened to from your car, at home or at the office as long as you are equipped with a DAB + radio receiver. For cars, since December 2020, a European directive obliges the standard installation of the DAB + radio receiver in new cars. The stock of DAB + receivers is growing strongly in Europe and also in France. In June 2021, 5.4 million DAB + receivers were sold in France, compared to 3.4 million in June 2020, i.e. 2 million more in one year. The UK has 48.2 million receivers sold, Germany 21.6 million and Italy 8.1 million. Our Swiss neighbors have adopted the DAB + culture for several years with an equipment rate of 65% by June 2021, the end of FM being announced for 2024. Source: www.dabplus.fr

Find interviews with Jérôme Hirigoyen, DAB + development director for TDF HERE and Emmanuel Briot, technical and editorial director of Radio Mont Blanc HERE to know more