For years, Germany has been debating the end of FM radio. Now, Schleswig-Holstein is making it a reality: the state is phasing out the technology. FM radios will soon become obsolete.
Schleswig-Holstein is the first German state to establish a timeline for phasing out FM radio. The transition from analog transmitters to digital radio DAB+ will start in 2025 and be completed by 2031, announced Dirk Schrödter, head of the state chancellery of Schleswig-Holstein, on Friday.
The CDU politician, responsible for media policy in the black-green state government, stated that it is both ecologically and economically sensible to end the dual broadcasting of radio on FM and DAB+. Digital radio consumes significantly less power, resulting in a better environmental footprint. An estimated 140 million radio devices across Germany will cease to function following the FM phase-out.
Schleswig-Holstein Fully Transitions to DAB+
The switch from FM to DAB+ will occur gradually. RADIO BOB! rockt Schleswig-Holstein, delta radio, and Antenne Sylt will be the first to transition completely from FM to DAB+ and internet web radio in 2025. NDR will also relinquish its FM frequencies. Initially, it will enhance DAB+ coverage in 2025 and 2026 with new transmitters, while reducing power consumption on the remaining FM stations. The full transition is expected to be completed by 2031.
This timeline aligns with that of Deutschlandradio, which will transition 16 FM stations to a purely digital DAB+ supply starting mid-2025.
FM Switch-Off: Schleswig-Holstein Presents DAB+ Schedule
In 2026, the transition will occur for Klassikradio, Freies Radio Neumünster, and Freies Radio Flensburg. Radio Lübeck will follow in 2027. The Open Channel Schleswig-Holstein has not yet set a date for the complete transition to DAB+. By the end of June 2031, with the transition of the R.SH station, the shift from FM to DAB+ will be finalized for all involved, according to a joint press release from the Schleswig-Holstein state government, NDR, Deutschlandradio, the private radio company Regiocast, and the state media authority.