FM era is coming to an end: 7 radio stations have to switch!

FM era is coming to an end: 7 radio stations have to switch!

At the end of 2025, digitalization in Germany's media landscape will reach a new peak. In Hesse in particular, a significant change is imminent: from June 30, 2026, seven non-commercial local radio stations will lose their FM frequencies. The Hessen media authority decided this and terminated the corresponding contracts. This could be an unpleasant surprise for many drivers, as DAB+ technology is often not installed, especially in older vehicles. This decision is part of a comprehensive strategy in which the affected programs will be available via DAB+ in nationwide multiplexes for northern and southern Hesse from the beginning of 2024, such as Chip reported.

The switch to DAB+ can also be an opportunity for the affected local radio stations to take advantage of the promised improvements in sound quality and a wider range. DAB+ has performed extremely well recently: studies show an increase in the use of digital radio. According to a recent survey, around 34% of the population listens via DAB+ on weekdays, and the number of listeners only accessible via DAB+ is 1.7 million. The 30 to 59 age group also accesses digital offerings disproportionately, which underlines the popularity of DAB+, as the DAB+ platform reports.

FM shutdown in other federal states

Interestingly, the future of FM radio in Germany does not remain uniform. In Schleswig-Holstein, a pioneer of digitalization, the planned FM shutdown was canceled at short notice. The media council of the Hamburg / Schleswig-Holstein media authority has decided to extend the allocation for a private radio station by six years in order to secure the supply of locally relevant content. This shows that one wants to make progress in digitalization, but at the same time wants to maintain flexibility in order to make the transition as smooth as possible for all listeners, as Inside Digital informs.

The situation surrounding FM is also important for other stations and regions. German broadcasters, such as Mitteldeutsche Rundfunk and Bayerischer Rundfunk, are also planning to switch off FM transmitters in the coming years in order to finally clear the way for DAB+. According to analyzed market research, these strategic steps are aimed at promoting the trend among users towards digital reception methods. DAB+ usage has increased compared to last year, indicating growing interest among the population.

What does the future hold for FM and DAB+?

What will happen next is partly uncertain. While the spring switch to DAB+ has already been decided in Hesse, it remains to be seen what will happen to the VHF frequencies that become available. Options could be either allocation to existing private radio stations or a complete waiver of allocation to promote fully digital radio. These considerations could significantly change the landscape of radio in Germany.

The coming months and years will show whether the momentum that digitalization has gained will continue or whether there will be setbacks such as those currently being observed in Schleswig-Holstein. One thing is certain, however: the switch to DAB+ has long been underway and all signs point to change in the radio world.