Six digital radio stations in Flanders, including four from DPG Media - the region's biggest media group - risk going off the air on 1 April because their service provider is surrendering its broadcasting licence to the Flemish government.
The affected DAB stations are broadcast across three networks. Since last year, the two networks with the most stations, MUX 11A and MUX 12A, have been operated by Dutch company Broadcast Partners. A smaller network with fewer stations remained under the control of the Belgian Tower Company.
The Belgian Tower Company is now relinquishing its licence. “Because we could not extend MUX 11A, it is no longer profitable for us,” CEO Bart Bosmans explained. He said the network’s capacity is only half-utilised, no new clients are coming, and costs remain the same.
As a result, stations Joe 80’s & 90’s, Joe easy, Q-Foute Radio, Willy Class X, NRJ, and RTBF Mix could disappear from the airwaves on 1 April.
“The Vlaamse Regulator voor de Media (VRM – Flemish media regulator) was only recently informed, even though the licence is valid until 2033,” Minister Van Achter’s office said.
Both Bosmans and Van Achter indicated that they are working on a solution in consultation with the sector. The Minister aims to issue a temporary licence to DPG Media and Mediahuis through emergency legislation to ensure continued broadcasting and secure the future of digital radio.
DPG Media said it was doing everything possible to develop a solution.
“The Minister’s initiative is a significant step. We hope this leads to a swift and structural resolution, and a clear legal framework for the operation of DAB+ stations,” it said.
According to DPG Media, their digital stations collectively reach 940,000 listeners.
