DRM Consortium used the UNESCO World Radio Day 2026 to demonstrate in unique ways the capabilities of the DRM standard, the only all-frequencies, global digital radio standard. This also included a live demonstration AI-enhanced e-learning via digital radio.

DRM for Education: Why and How?

DRM used February 13^th radio celebration to show how digital radio can deliver education to the furthest corners of the earth, even when internet is not available. The two interactive live Training Sessions were attended by over 60 participants on the five continents (including, Nepal, China, Morocco, Portugal, India, Australia, Kenya, South Africa, Brazil etc.). Under the eyes of the participants DRM experts showed how AI, as a tool, can turn text to audio and make a simple maths lesson available in multiple language as part of distance education.

 DRM for Education: Global Broadcasts and Demonstrations

DRM partners sent transmissions on shortwave across five continents. In the days following the broadcasts, DRM received reception reports from listeners across the globe including Austria, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, India, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, The Netherlands. These recordings underscore the technical reach of these first global simultaneous demonstrations of the power of DRM digital radio.

• DRM for Education – received in Brazil – in English and Portuguese

First Ever DRM FM Education content broadcast on February 13th 

In a first of its kind, the DRM South Africa Group officially launched a DRM in FM demonstration and showcase. This was part of the global celebration of radio’s anniversary by DRM in its partnership with UNESCO in support of World Radio Day. The DRM in FM demonstration is a broadcast of a live digital radio signal from a high site in Northcliff, Johannesburg, operating at 70 watts transmitter output. The DRM in FM platform was used to showcase education focused and informational digital radio content, demonstrating how DRM can support learning, accessibility, and public communication through data services such as Journaline. On 91.25 MHz multiple radio services were carried simultaneously on a single FM frequency, including Radio Pulpit, Hot 102.7, amongst others. Aldred Dreyer from the DRM South Africa Group was interviewed on HOT FM – How HOT 1027 is helping shape the future of radio 

DRM at World Radio Day 2026 live with RedTech

DRM Chairman also explained the concept of DRM for distance education, broadcast of audio and text without the need for internet, during the live presentation at World Radio Day 2026 live with RedTech Mirta Lourenco, Executive & International Lead of World Radio Day, and participants from Europe and the world.

For Ruxandra Obreja, the DRM Chair, February 13^th marked a demonstration of DRM services and benefits without precedent. “We used education content to be broadcast on DRM worldwide. We wanted to show how sophisticated, multi-language lessons can reach the hundreds of millions of students without access to basic education. DRM, available through digital signals and empowered by AI, is a way to allow so many people on all five continents to progress as individuals and as part of their communities. The efforts of key members like CML Micro, Encompass Media, Fraunhofer IIS, Starwaves, DRM South Africa Group, the DRM project office, the involvement of so many others and the great support of UNESCO have created a buzz around versatile education and the DRM standard that can deliver it. Now we must show that DRM for education is not just for the World Radio Day, or for a handful of students, but for many, everywhere, anytime.”

If you are interested in providing distance education via DRM in your own country and to follow the latest developments of this DRM e-learning project, please check:
news.drm.org, e-learning.drm.org, or contact: projectoffice@drm.org.