The sun-drenched beaches of Rimini and the surrounding tourist resorts on the Riviera Romagnola are now getting a higher quality digital signal. The public broadcaster Rai has decided to use the peak summer season to fundamentally strengthen its DAB+ network, responding to the high concentration of tourists and the strategic importance of this area as a transport link between northern and central Italy along the Adriatic.
A key step in this expansion was the recent activation of a transmitter on channel 7C, located in Covignano (Rn). This move allows for the coverage of a vast area that was previously only marginally reached by digital signals. For residents and visitors to the region, this means more stable reception and access to the complete programming offer without the need to tune to classic FM frequencies.
Italian public broadcaster Rai has launched DAB+ digital broadcasting from Covignano on channel 7C for the Rimini area.
Technical parameters and signal coverage
In addition to the newly activated transmitter in Covignano, the digital radio signal is also broadcast from other strategic points. For overall service availability, the cooperation of multiple transmission sites, which complement each other in the rugged terrain between the coast and the interior, is crucial.
Broadcasting is currently transmitted from these locations:
- Channel 7C from Covignano — the primary signal source for the city of Rimini and the adjacent Riviera.
- Channel 6C from Monte Nerone — a facility located in the province of Pesaro e Urbino ensures signal for the northern part of Marche and parts of Romagna.
- Twelve national stations — the complete range of Rai networks is now available in digital quality throughout the region.
The activation of the digital mux precisely in mid-August is no coincidence. August represents the peak of tourist activity for the Italian coast, and August 18, 2026 has thus become a key date for modernizing the digital airwaves in one of the country's most visited areas. The location functions as a natural "crossroads" for travelers between northern and central Italy moving along the Adriatic route.
The complete offering of twelve national Rai radio stations is now also available in the northern part of the Marche region.
Impacts on the digital airwaves and listeners
This technological innovation means the definitive elimination of "dead zones" in the Riviera Romagnola area. While in the past, DAB+ digital radio reception was unstable in many parts of Rimini, the new technical solution from Covignano ensures full coverage. For listeners, this means an end to interference and access to the clear sound of the twelve radio stations that Rai operates under its brand.
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Rai's expansion in this area comes at a time when the Italian radio market is undergoing dynamic changes. A number of accompanying events are taking place in the vicinity, such as the summer tour of Radio Birikina or following the charts on RTL 102.5, confirming that summer is a key period for radio broadcasting in Italy. A high-quality digital signal is thus an essential condition for maintaining the public broadcaster's competitiveness.
Further steps in the region's digitalization
Although the current activation on channel 7C is considered the completion of an important coverage phase, the digitalization of Italian radio does not end there. Rai is working closely with experts, including Sandro Zavoli, on further tuning and optimizing the network to make the signal available even in the most densely populated parts of recreational areas.
Technological shifts are also occurring among neighbors in the region; for example, San Marino RTV recently renewed its identity and logo, emphasizing its channel 550. This indicates a broader trend of media modernization across the entire Adriatic hub. The public will be informed of further technical changes or potential expansion of the program offerings within the mux on channels 7C and 6C through official Rai channels and specialized portals.