Digital radio broadcasting of the DAB+ standard in Germany confirmed its role as the dominant method of content distribution in the first half of 2026. According to fresh data from the German market, investments by public and private broadcasters in digital infrastructure are growing, which is reflected in the decline of traditional analog broadcasting on very high frequencies (VHF/FM).
A key milestone was recorded in Bavaria, where digital reception surpassed analog for the first time in history. Currently, 48.1 percent of residents use digital channels – including DAB+, web radios, cable, and satellite – while only 45.2 percent of listeners still opt for classic FM radio. The nationwide trend is similar, with the share of DAB+ reception reaching 41.7 percent in the target group aged 30 to 59.
Decline of Analog and New Transmitters
Public broadcaster Deutschlandradio continues its controlled digitalization and, as of June 30, 2026, has ceased operation of several smaller FM transmitters in areas with good digital coverage. Since 2018, 95 analog sites have been switched off in Germany. In parallel, however, the digital network is being densified. By the end of 2026, the first national DAB+ multiplex is expected to include a total of 192 transmitters, with new locations being added in Saxony, Bavaria, and Thuringia.
The changes concern not only the public sector but also commercial stations, which see the transition to DAB+ as a more cost-effective solution. For example, in Schleswig-Holstein, stations such as Radio BOB!, delta radio, and Klassik Radio have completely abandoned the FM band and broadcast exclusively digitally.
Record Listenership
Digital transformation has a positive impact on the reach of specific stations. Programs broadcast purely digitally are reporting significant growth:
- Beats Radio recorded a 51 percent increase in listeners per average hour.
- Schwarzwaldradio improved by 30 percent.
- Deutschlandfunk Nova reached a new high with 225,000 daily listeners.
"Digitalization ends the era of analog frequency shortages and connects classic reception with a diverse range of digital services without the need for an internet connection," states the Digitalradio Büro Deutschland report.
An important aspect of DAB+ development is also the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) system. This is currently being tested and is intended to enable the warning of the population in crisis situations directly via radio receivers, even in the event of mobile network or internet outages. Given that DAB+ is a mandatory standard in new cars, this method of informing becomes crucial for state crisis management.