Dear Friends, Colleagues and Partners,
October might bring to some the “IBC blues” but not to DRM. The activity continues in the Consortium and there is news from key DRM countries like China, Indonesia and India.
DRM is strong on all continents and this month we are covering China, Indonesia, India and Nigeria. We also hope you have already checked the quarterly African newsletter and you have news to make it richer as the continent starts looking at radio digitisation very seriously.
Please also get the details about the introductory free associate membership as there might be companies and organisations you know or cooperate with that might benefit from this.
On 25/26 October some countries are putting the clocks back and this changes the radio broadcast schedules. To get the new schedules please check schedule.drm.org.
If there are inaccuracies or omissions, please write to: projectoffice@drm.org.
If you still want to join us as a free member for a limited period please make sure to get all the information.
And to those celebrating Diwali: Happy Diwali to you and your families!
Latest News
China Goes for DRM at Full Speed
If you want to catch up with DRM developments, here is a detailed look at key DRM Chinese developments and what is in store for the coming year. The DRM Chairman gives you a quick update on all things DRM in this big country.
📄 China Goes for Digital Radio DRM – news.drm.org.
📄 DRM Strides Ahead – RedTech Magazin
📄 China Goes for Digital Radio DRM – Radio World
👍 Read and like the post on LinkedIn
DRM-DAB In-Vehicle Solution Demonstrated in Indonesia
In 2023, the Indonesian government officially issued the national digital radio policy (recommending DRM and DAB+) as a strategic tool for disaster preparedness, information resilience and national development. The government announced right from the start the co-utilisation of VHF Band III for both DRM and DAB, positioning Indonesia as a global pioneer in harmonised digital radio implementation.
To support this national strategy, the two DRM Members RF2Digital (a Korea-based SDR platform innovator) and Desay SV (a leading Chinese automotive electronics supplier), together with Autoaccindo Jaya (a well-established Indonesian Tier-1 automotive distributor), have jointly developed a dedicated in-vehicle digital radio solution tailored for Indonesia. The details have been offered by William Kim, Chief Innovation Officer and CTO at RF2Digital.
📄 Three Companies Introduce an In-Vehicle DRM-DAB Solution for Indonesia – news.drm.org
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DRM Consortium Reveals Band III DRM-DAB Transmitter
As one of the key announcements made by the DRM members at the IBC in September 2025, this caught the attention of the specialised press and here are some examples.
📄 DRM Consortium Reveals Band III Transmitter, In-Car Receiver – Radio World
📄 Plisch and RFmondial Develop DRM VHF Band III Transmitter – Radio World
📄 Plisch and RFmondial launch DRM transmitter for VHF Band III – RedTech News
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Indonesian City Committed to DRM Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF)
Indonesia has committed to rolling out DRM and the implementation process is progressing apace. As part of the radio digitisation process, the public broadcaster Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) will be helping one of the key cities on the most populated island, Java, Bandung City to introduce DRM digital broadcasting, as there are no more frequencies for FM radio stations in that region.
👍 Read and like the post on LinkedIn
Indian Regulator Makes Its Recommendation on FM Digitisation for Private Stations
At the beginning of October India’s regulator TRAI published its recommendations for the digitization of private radio stations.
The DRM Consortium welcomes the policy document that mainly recommends that existing broadcasters voluntarily move to simulcast mode using one single standard and setting a 15-year authorization period for digital radio broadcasting services.
The DRM Consortium salutes the TRAI document and considers that the DRM digital radio technology/standard alone can deliver a unified, scalable, and spectrum-efficient digital radio solution across all bands – including VHF Band II – fully aligned with TRAI’s policy recommendation. DRM, as an open, globally recognized standard, already embedded in India’s broadcast ecosystem is the best possible and most compelling solution for the country. DRM is uniquely positioned to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and cost-effective transition to digital radio nationwide.
Nigeria Prepares to Resume DRM
Nigeria is breathing new life into Voice of Nigeria, the country’s state-owned international broadcaster. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, has launched a contract to restore the 250 kW TX2 shortwave transmitter at VON’s site in Abuja, significantly boosting the country’s global broadcast capacity.
📄 Nigeria revives VON’s super-power shortwave push – RedTech News
👍 Read and like the post on LinkedIn
The first DRM African Newsletter Is Out
The not-for-profit DRM Consortium has decided to put more focus on the African digital radio sector. The quarterly DRM African newsletter is an invitation to all those interested to learn more about DRM and share their news so that digital radio can become reality and bring its good audio and many digital benefits to the millions of avid African listeners.
🔗 DRM Africa Newsletter – 1st 2025
📄 DRM Africa Newsletter Debuts Today Following IBC 2025 Announcement – news.drm.org
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DRM Webinar Invitation from DRM South Africa Group
“Shaping the Future of Radio” is the webinar organised by the DRM SA Group on October 22nd at 11:00 am (South Africa time). This is an opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping Africa’s broadcasting future and getting the latest updates, news about upcoming trials and regional broadcasting initiatives shaping the future of broadcasting.
📅 Book your front seat at a a webinar fronted by key experts: s.drm.org/drm-sa-2025-zoom-registration.
👍 Read and like the post on LinkedIn
DRM Present Again at Aidex 2025
The world’s leading humanitarian aid and disaster relief event returns to Geneva on 22-23 October 2025. AidEx explores solution-oriented and innovative approaches for an effective crisis response in the conference agenda and exhibition. And a strong DRM team returns too, with representatives of Encompass and Starwaves, key Consortium members are ready to meet you at Stand F10/B.
📄 DRM Present Again at Aidex 2025 – news.drm.org
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Free Introductory Associate Membership Extended
The DRM Consortium is extending its introductory free associate membership offer to companies and organisations interested in finding out more about the global and open DRM digital radio standard, while being willing to promote and assist with its implementation.
📄 Free Introductory DRM Associate Membership Extended – news.drm.org
Videos
Around the Web
🔗 AM Radio’s Death Has Been Grossly Exaggerated – Radio World
🔗 Italy’s Audiradio confirms strength of local broadcasters – RedTech
🔗 Broadcasters Must Prepare to “Win the AI Race” – Radio World
🔗 State Media Monitor 2025: Historic Lows for Public Media Independence – Public Media Alliance
🔗 iHeart: Americans Are ‘Digitally Sick’ and Radio Could Be A Cure – Radio Ink
🔗 GatesAir acquired by Saothair Capital Partners – LinkedIn
Upcoming Events
📅 29–31 Jan | BES Expo, Delhi, India
📅 2–4 Feb | FOMEX, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
📅 13 Feb | World Radio Day
📅 Feb | HFCC
📅 22–24 Mar | RadioDays Europe, Riga, Latvia
📅 25–26 Mar | DRM General Assembly, Indonesia
