Six DAB radio stations are in danger of disappearing from the ether

The DAB radio stations go through three networks in the ether. Since last year, the two networks with the most channels, Netwerken Mux 11a and Mux 12A have been in the hands of the Dutch company Broadcast Partners. A smaller network with fewer channels remained with Belgian Tower Company.

It is the latter who now throws the towel and hand in his license. “Because we could not extend Mux 11a, it is no longer profitable for us,” says CEO Bart Bosmans. The capacity has only been used for half, new customers are not coming and the costs remain the same.

Due to the decision of Belgian Tower Company, the channels Joe 80s & 90s, Joe Easy, Q-Foute Radio, Willy Class X, NRJ and RTBF Mix on 1 April threaten to disappear from the ether. “The Flemish Regulator for the Media (VRM) was only informed very recently, while the license actually ran until 2033,” says the Minister Van Achter’s cabinet.

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Both Bosmans and Van Achter says that a solution is being worked on in consultation with the sector. “He must guarantee both the continuity of the broadcasts and secure the future of digital radio,” says Van Achter, who wants to give DPG Media and Mediahuis a temporary license through an emergency decree.

DPG Media says in a response to do everything to work out a solution. “The minister’s initiative is an important step, we hope that this will lead to a fast and structural solution, and a clear legal framework for the operation of DAB+ channels.” According to DPG Media, all digital channels of the group together reach 940,000 listeners.