The Funkerberg in Königs Wusterhausen near Berlin is a radio history landmark. The annual meeting of the German DRM Forum (Platform) was held there on 26–27 May, with participants from across Germany and Denmark.
The group discussed the latest international developments in Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), including a short review of the recent General Assembly in Dubai. Further highlights included reports from various countries, as well as updates from the DRM Technical Committee, receiver development progress, and the DRM Education Project.
During the event, SE-TA 2, a private German shortwave station with its transmitter located in Waldheim, Saxony, broadcast demo content from the DRM Education Project, showing how DRM can be used to deliver educational content across long distances.
One of the main topics of discussion among the forum members was the use of DRM for disaster and emergency warnings. Representatives from relevant German authorities joined the discussion, which led to a very positive exchange. Many participants took away useful insights and ideas for future work.
A particular focus of this session was the transmission of various data via DRM – including the possibility of encrypted data for use in crisis situations. A presentation outlined the advantages of DRM for data services, such as wide coverage, scalability, and the ability to serve both large areas and more targeted local regions. These potential applications were of special interest to the attending civil protection representatives. The participants agreed that the possible uses of DRM for these purposes should be further explored and analysed with a view to future implementation. In this context, the FM band was also discussed as a potential frequency band for such services.
The forum also addressed recent developments in the field of international broadcasting. Participants discussed the evolving landscape of cross-border radio services, including both challenges and opportunities for maintaining global reach. Particular attention was given to how digital shortwave technologies like DRM could help fill emerging gaps and offer sustainable solutions for international information delivery.
Further contributions came from Media Broadcast, who reported on their latest DRM-related activities. The Berlin University of Applied Sciences (Berliner Hochschule für Technik) presented a student project aimed at introducing digital radio technologies to the next generation of engineers. The Danish members shared their insights into the future of the longwave transmission site in Kalundborg, expected to become a museum in the future.
Participants also had the chance to explore the Funkerberg museum, including a guided tour of the former transmitter facilities and the rare opportunity to see a historic diesel generator in operation. In the evening, the group continued their discussions over dinner.
The forum also looked ahead to future cooperation and considered developments for the following year.
