Radio has been with the French for more than a century. With technological developments and new listener expectations, Arcom has unveiled its plan for a transition to entirely digital broadcasting. This transformation will take place in two distinct phases: a preparation phase between 2024 and 2027, followed by a migration phase until 2033.
Goodbye analog radio
« The radio medium has continued to transform and strengthen since the first programs broadcast from the Eiffel Tower in 1921 “, recalls Roch-Olivier Maistre, president of the Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority, in the White Paper produced on the occasion of the Radio Conference. This new stage is therefore a logical continuation in the evolution of radio broadcasting.
The first phase, that of preparation, aims to establish a solid and favorable framework for digitalization. This includes simplifying advertising regulations and adapting quotas for French-speaking songs to the new realities of the audio landscape. One of the key objectives is to strengthen the awareness of DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting), a technology already used by more than 60% of the metropolitan population in March 2024.
The Arcom White Paper specifies that “ only an innovative broadcast technology, which makes it possible to improve the quality of listening, to reinforce the pluralism of the offer […] can allow radio to project itself into the future with confidence and optimism. » Promoting DAB+ is therefore crucial, with multi-channel advertising campaigns and training for sellers.
The second phase, from 2028 to 2033, will mark the completion of the transition to fully digital broadcasting. During this period, it will be essential to increase the rate of DAB+ receiver equipment in homes and vehicles. The target set by Arcom is ambitious: to achieve an equipment rate of 70% by 2033.
The authorities also plan to continue promoting DAB+ to reach a minimum of 50% digital audience. To do this, it will be necessary to continue and intensify the awareness campaigns launched during the first phase. The president of Arcom emphasizes the importance of this transformation: “ To move forward towards its future, the radio medium must emerge from uncertainty. » In order to ensure a successful transition, public aid could be put in place to support publishers in this dual FM and DAB+ broadcast.
In addition, Arcom is committed to identifying areas potentially disadvantaged by this transition in order to offer them specific support, which will ensure uniform radio coverage throughout the territory.
With nearly 40 million daily listeners, radio remains an essential media in France. However, its economic model, based mainly on advertising, is weakened by the decline in FM audiences and competition from new digital players. The transition to all-digital will of course be complex, but it appears to be a necessity to guarantee the future of radio.
-
-
