Listeners in Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory can now tune in to commercial radio in digital quality sound, with the official switch on of permanent digital radio broadcasts on DAB+.
The digital radio offering includes three extra DAB+ only commercial stations on air – KIX Country Music, Classic Rock Digital and 4TAB.
“Darwin listeners can now enjoy the full benefits of DAB+ on par with the services offered to audiences in the six other state capitals,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of industry body Commercial Radio Australia.
Low-powered trial DAB+ services have been on air in Darwin since 2010, but permanent installation and higher power transmissions mean consumers can now access the full benefits of digital radio.
Listeners need to purchase a DAB+ radio to enjoy the services, however, 68% of all new cars sold in Australia now come with digital radio factory fitted.
Commercial radio stations Hot 100 and Mix 104.9 will mark the start of permanent DAB+ services with on-air giveaways of digital radios over the next few weeks.
Alison Cameron, chief executive officer of Grant Broadcasters, said, “We’re pleased the trial services are now permanent, so we can keep improving local radio for listeners and fully utilising the benefits of the technology.”