Governments, regulators and industry leaders now have a new global policy guide, as more countries evaluate how to introduce and scale DAB+ digital radio.
WorldDAB – the global industry forum for DAB+ – has released its “DAB+ Public Policy Toolbox”, a practical framework designed to accelerate decision making for public administrations and regulatory bodies planning the launch or expansion of DAB+. The Toolbox is available as a free download from the WorldDAB website.
To build the Toolbox, WorldDAB commissioned South 180 to conduct a worldwide review of the public policy approaches that have successfully driven digital radio deployment. The report highlights the regulatory levers that enable digital migration and showcases the most effective policy measures used to roll out DAB+ across Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
Although created for policymakers, the insights are equally valuable for broadcasters, network operators, manufacturers and the wider digital radio ecosystem — offering evidence-based guidance to shape strategy, strengthen advocacy and support market development for DAB+.
The Toolbox provides:
- a clear rationale for why public policy is essential to drive and complete DAB+ deployment
- an overview of the practical challenges typically faced by stakeholders
- a breakdown of the policy interventions that have proven most effective in supporting DAB+ growth
- analysis of where policy gaps have slowed digital migration
- strategic recommendations to maximise the impact of future policy frameworks
Bernie O’Neill, Project Director, WorldDAB, said: “FM spectrum is saturated. Digital migration isn’t optional – it’s the only viable path to growth for radio. This Toolbox gives markets a proven playbook, built on real world experience from four continents. It helps them avoid costly missteps and adopt the policies that will drive successful DAB+ rollout.”
The Toolbox was launched during a special webinar edition of The Media Club, hosted by media commentator and DAB+ multiplex operator Matt Deegan, featuring report author David Fernández Quijada, Research Director at South 180, and Jacqueline Bierhorst, President of WorldDAB.
The webinar and the full Toolbox are available to download for free from the WorldDAB website: https://www.worlddab.org/resources/public-policy-toolbox
The Toolbox will also be showcased at WorldDAB Automotive on 11 June in Frankfurt, where David Fernández Quijada will highlight the policy measures most relevant to accelerating in car DAB+ uptake.
Info: https://www.worlddab.org
Notes: Press Release | WorldDAB | 19 May 2026
