Catholic Radio Wales has its first DAB signal. Radio Maria United Kingdom is now broadcasting across Cardiff and the surrounding area. The new signal went on air on 15 July. It brings 24-hour Catholic programming to the Welsh capital for the very first time. Listeners can enjoy prayer, catechesis, music and conversation rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church. Cardiff joins a growing family of cities across the United Kingdom. Recent launches include Scotland and Bath. This launch opens a new chapter for Radio Maria, formerly known as Radio Maria England.

An award-winning DJ has fulfilled a lifetime ambition by launching the UK's first permanent 24/7 Irish and country music radio station. Heartland Radio is the brainchild of Manchester-based Andy Murphy, a multiple award-winning DJ and events host who has been in the business since leaving school almost 40 years ago. The station, which has begun broadcasting 24 hours a day on DAB radio, plays a broad range of Irish music, from traditional classics to modern favourites by today's up-and-coming artists, along with a playlist of the best country music from the Emerald Isle and the USA.

Slovakia may soon see the launch of DAB+ digital radio. One major player in the market has confirmed that it is interested in operating the future networks. The regulatory authority recently confirmed to Živé.sk that it has recorded interest in one or two nationwide networks and is already preparing a process through which future operators could be awarded the frequencies. Towercom has confirmed to Živé.sk that it is interested in operating DAB+ networks in Slovakia. “Yes, Towercom, as an operator of terrestrial broadcasting networks, is also interested in operating T-DAB+ networks,” Towercom’s marketing manager, Marek Marcinov, said.

The Office of the NBTC organised the 4th meeting on "Promoting Thai Broadcasting: Opportunities and Future Directions." Air Vice Marshal Dr. Thanaphan Hraicharoen stated that the meeting aimed to clarify guidelines for promoting Thailand's broadcasting industry, provide information on the status of local radio stations entering the licensing system, and outline the criteria and procedures for licensing the DAB+ digital broadcasting network. To this end, the NBTC has approved the DAB+ digital radio frequency plan, divided into 34 areas (9 local areas and 25 regional areas). The NBTC office will then issue a call for interested parties to become broadcasting network (MUX) service providers through a selection process. The goal is to issue the call for proposals in October.

As the audio industry prepares for Radiodays Asia 2026 in Jakarta, some of the sector’s biggest questions are coming into sharper focus. These were explored in a recent conversation between Steve Ahern OAM and Vision Australia Radio‘s Jason Gipps, who will attend this year’s event as a Radiodays Asia Ambassador. The network’s recent transition away from AM transmission in its capital cities, in favour of DAB+, streaming platforms, mobile applications and smart speaker distribution prompted a wider conversation about sustainability, audience behaviour and the future of broadcasting infrastructure. Ahern described the move as part of a broader industry shift. “I think it’s part of a broader transition,” he said. “FM and DAB and then adding streaming and other things is absolutely the right business decision to make.”

Isle of Wight Tourist Radio has launched for visitors to the Island, broadcasting 24 hours a day on the Wight Digital Radio small-scale DAB multiplex. The station, which went on air on 17 August, provides practical information for tourists, including ferry crossing times, attraction entry details, a rolling calendar of local events, weather updates, tide times, and tips on hiking trails and coastal walks. Alongside its role as a visitor companion, Isle of Wight Tourist Radio says it will support local businesses and attractions by encouraging longer stays and increased spending across the Island’s tourism sector.

Lanarkshire DAB has recently began full operations, bringing new community radio services to parts of South Lanarkshire. Transmitters have been installed in East Kilbride, Hamilton and Strathaven, with the support of Avondale Radio in Strathaven helping to ensure coverage for the area. The multiplex now carries several stations, including Shire Community Radio, Rock.Scot, and Celtic Music Radio. Lomond Extra, a speech-only service, is also available and broadcasts interviews from Dumbarton-based Lomond Radio.