Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), an international non-profit group which designs and implements digital audio broadcasting technologies that work over AM broadcasting bands, aims to extend its platform into Southern Africa.
In an initiative to encourage the introduction and roll-out of DRM broadcasts and to promote the producing and selling of DRM radio sets and auxiliary devices in the region, DRM will launch a southern Africa DRM Platform on 25 June.
Ruxandra Obreja, DRM chairman, said, “The DRM global standard can be used in all radio frequency bands and is ideal for the large countries of southern Africa. From national networks and regional stations to smaller commercial and community stations, all would be able to broadcast their digital radio programmes with enhanced content and in excellent sound quality to everyone in their respective countries. DRM is an ideal African digital solution and we have high hopes of the activity of the newly created DRM Southern Africa Platform, now open to all those interested.’
The DRM30 and DRM+ configurations make up the DRM standard. DRM30 is intended for short, medium and long wave broadcasts up to 30 MHz and is able to offer large coverage areas and low power consumption. VHF bands above 30 MHz are under the DRM+ configuration, which is designed with broadcaster-controlled transmissions for local and regional coverage.
Radio Pulpit will be responsible for the first DRM medium wave trial and Group Managing Director Roelf Petersen said, “My role will be to coordinate the strength of all the African parties involved, in order to ensure that the great potential of the DRM technology becomes a practical reality for serving the peoples of Southern Africa.’
