Digital Radio
ABC Radio is now Digital
All your favourite ABC Radio services are broadcasting on Digital Radio along with ABC Dig Music, ABC Country, ABC Jazz, triple j Unearthed, ABC Grandstand and special event radio stations.
Digital Radio is an established broadcast platform in the UK, Europe and parts of Asia and Australia has started to switch on to digital radio, the next generation of radio broadcasting.
Currently, Digital Radio is available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth with plans underway for the future extension of services to other capital cities and regional areas and trial broadcasts underway in Canberra.
Digital Radio is not replacing current services; it simply provides another choice in how to receive your ABC Radio.
On-air. Online. On Digital Radio.
To listen to the ABC on Digital Radio you will need to purchase a digital radio receiver. These are also known as DAB+ receivers. DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting and DAB+ is the digital radio technology standard for Australia. Digital radios are being stocked by leading electronics retailers and the ABC Shop online.
It's not just the ABC that is available on Digital Radio. SBS, commercial and community broadcasters are also part of this digital evolution.
'ABC Extra'
The ABC's special events national Digital Radio channel brings you extra coverage of events and ideas that matter.
Every day there are things happening locally and around the world that attract the interest and attention of Australians all over the country. Festivals, speeches and addresses, celebrations and commemorations, big unfolding stories and small conferences discussing big ideas.
Across its networks ABC Radio covers many of these events but often there just isn't the time or space to cover everything.
This new part-time digital radio service comes alive to give you extra coverage of special events beyond what can be provided by other ABC Radio networks.
Look for the name "ABC Extra" on your Digital Radio....
These webpages carries news of future special Digital Radio broadcasts. You can also stay up to date with future events by signing up to the ABC Digital Radio Newsletter.
What are the benefits of Digital Radio?
Great Sound
Digital Radio delivers better sound quality than traditional AM and FM radio.
Better Reception
Digital Radio offers interference-free, digital-quality sound. The Digital Radio receiver locks onto the strongest signal in your area to provide crystal clear reception.
More Choice
As well as its existing stations, the ABC is offering three new music stations - ABC Dig Music, ABC Country and ABC Jazz, the ABC Grandstand sports channel and special event radio stations. More stations will be on air on Digital Radio over time.
Easy Tuning
No need to remember your favourite station's frequency. You can tune by station name. Simply scroll through the list of stations and with one touch, you're tuned and listening to your ABC.
Pause and Rewind
Some Digital Radio receivers are able to store the program you're listening to and let you pause and rewind the program for a few minutes. It is also possible to store it for later listening via a memory card. No need to miss the news, sports results or weather. Just pause and rewind.
On Screen Information
Digital Radios have small screens which can display program-related information, such as 'now playing' details, in text and - on some receivers - graphics. News headlines, weather details, traffic updates and so on can also be provided on-screen.
Coverage
Enter your postcode on the ABC Radio Frequency Finder page to check if you can receive Digital Radio, or view the coverage maps on the ABC Reception website. Please note, coverage advice is indicative only and may be dependent on geographic and environmental variations.
Industry Links
For more information on Digital Radio, these links will take you to Australian and overseas websites of broadcasters, regulators and industry bodies that are involved in digital radio broadcasting and development.
DigitalRadioPlus
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy - Australian Government
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on Digital Radio
The World Forum for Digital Audio Broadcasting
Disclaimer: ABC Online is not responsible for the material and does not endorse the opinions presented on external sites.
