06 Mar What are the digitization choices for countries that do not have private AM or SW infrastructures but only FM, like Greece? – Your Question Answered
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What are the digitization choices for countries that do not have private AM or SW infrastructures but only FM, like Greece?
(Greek journalist)
The obvious answer is DRM in all frequency bands. For countries with large and complex topographies like Greece the only way is DRM. The goal of every government, regulator in the world is to provide same services to all the country’s citizens. Therefore, a country needs to be fully covered by radio, digital radio signals. The DRM solution for both AM and FM can be used by large national networks using DRM in mediumwave or shortwave even, but also local and community stations using DRM in FM. A small Greek island cannot sustain a multiplex with lots of channels, as there are not enough players, e.g. broadcasters and advertisers to make it affordable. A small station will always be able to digitise with DRM using the FM band, its transmitter (if not too old), its antenna. It only needs to add some digital enhancements and the station can have 2-3 digital channels on the air and a data channel that can be used for news, entertainment, emergencies, advertisements, extra information etc. Thus, the station maintains its brand, its coverage, its identity and, above all, its independence.
