A strong stand in Brussels by pan-european community radio organisations against an FM switch-off. DRM+ is seen as the preferred digital alternative to DAB+
CMFE and Amarc Europe were invited to contribute to the meeting on 23 October 2013 in Brussels of the “Working Group on Communications Broadcast Issues (CBISS)”, part of Communications Committee (COCOM) of the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communications Networks. This working group prepares the ground for consistent interpretation and “best practice” across Member States of the European Union, amongst others on Transmission of Audio Broadcast services. “Digital transmission of audio broadcast services has been introduced in several European countries or is still planned to be introduced. The CBISSwill assist exchange of good practice on implementation between Member States, and for identifying orientations for the future of terrestrial radio transmission given that receiver penetration has increased and new technologies have hit Member States’ markets.” (see also http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/connect/)
In its official contribution CMFE stated “CMFE strongly support the retention of analogue FM. We do not see the urge for an imminent digital transition nor for a switch off. Without proper considerations for local and community radio such a transition can be detrimental to both the individuals and organizations operating community radio stations as well as their listeners as equipment has to be replaced in both ends. For a future transition, DRM+ as a transparent and low cost system should be available for community radios in Europe, next to the more expensive and complex DAB+ system for some situations.“