Flemish Media Minister Benjamin Dalle Outlines Path to Digital Radio in Flanders

Brussels (Brussels Morning) – Flemish Media Minister Benjamin Dalle announced the Radiostudie results, outlining the transition from analogue to digital radio in Flanders. The FM switch-off is expected by January 2031, with key milestones by 2028.

Flemish Media Minister Benjamin Dalle has disclosed the results of the Radiostudie (Radio survey), setting a horizon for the shift from analogue to digital radio, the transitory process and the process for an FM switch-off in the primarily Dutch-speaking Flanders region of Belgium.

What Are the Key Milestones for Flanders’ FM Switch-Off?

The last extensive radio survey dates back to 2013. Since then, the radio landscape has been continuously changing. Whereas in 2018, some 21% of the Flemish-speaking audience listened to digital radio (DAB+, online or digital TV), digital listening assigned a 49% figure (source: IPSOS Nov 2023) six months ago, moved, among other things, by the compulsory digitalization on the occasion of three ‘national’ FM frequencies.

In 2023, Dalle appointed a consortium of sustainable transformation management consulting firm BrightWolves and Ghent University research group imec-mict-UGent to perform a new survey, investigating the tools to set up a viable digital radioscape. The consortium analyzed scenarios for the shift from analogue to digital radio and optional timing for the FM switch-off.

Three criteria must be met to switch off FM broadcasts: A 65% digital listening volume, 60% of the Flemish automotive park must be provided with DAB+, and a maximum of 20% of the audience must tune in exclusively to FM.

According to the researchers, the foremost tipping point is expected in 2026, when more than 60% of the listening volume will be digital. In 2030, it is expected to be 75%.

The survey team’s projections assume that 2028 will achieve the three criteria, pushing January 2031 as a realistic time for the FM switch-off.

How Will Flanders Support Local Stations in Digital Transition?

According to Dalle, it is important to inform and prepare the radio audiences for this transition. He published a concept note based on the survey results. Dalle desires to step from an operator-driven model to a broadcaster model with frequency distribution rounds like those currently for FM licences. 

In addition, the minister desires long-term broad communication movements that inform the audience and focus on sustainable transition. Local radio stations will be supported with a digital transformation subsidy, helping to finance investments in digital infrastructure.

“The end of FM is approaching,” commented Dalle. “More important than setting a fixed date is to make sure that everybody is joining in the transition. It’s crucial to avoid social exclusion. That’s why we must continue highlighting the advantages of digital radio to the audience, broadcast organizations and advertisers. We are a leading country in terms of radio; the transition to digital radio will help us remain a leader in the future.”