By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: MediaCorp to cut digital radio programmes on Dec 1
Share
Aa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Aa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Audio-visual > MediaCorp to cut digital radio programmes on Dec 1
Audio-visualInternet

MediaCorp to cut digital radio programmes on Dec 1

Alfred Siew
Last updated: June 13, 2014 at 4:45 PM
Alfred Siew Published November 2, 2011
3 Min Read
SHARE

Singapore’s digital radio stations beaming “CD-quality” music over the airwaves will be shut down next month, when MediaCorp pulls the plug on the once highly-touted digital audio broadcasting (DAB) technology.

The broadcaster said the effectiveness and reach of DAB, which once promised to replace FM radio with its higher quality digital audio, had diminished over time. This, it added in a statement on Tuesday, was made even more obvious with the popularity of  online streaming and mobile phone apps.

It elaborated: “Since the launch of the service some 12 years ago, the growth in listenership on MediaCorp’s DAB service has remained stagnant. On the other hand, the rapid growth in the number of listeners through online streaming and phone app MeRadio has shown that these platforms are serving the listeners more effectively than the DAB platform.”

Several DAB-only stations, like J-K Pop which plays Japan and Korean pop music, appear to be already gone from the airwaves. Soon too will be simulcast digital versions of FM stations, such as Symphony 92.4FM (classical) and Lush 99.5 FM (chill out, easy listening), which are a hit with audio buffs who enjoy high-quality audio while driving home or listening to the hi-fi at home.

Fans of digital radio will have to rely on cellphone apps such as MediaCorp’sMeRadio (available on the iPhone and selected HTC Android phones), Sonar, a streaming app on Samsung phones or stream it over their PCs or streaming devices like Logitech’s Squeezebox Touch.

MediaCorp’s decision also brings to an end Singapore’s on-and-off affair with DAB, which began in 1999 when the country became the first in Southeast Asia to broadcast commercially with the technology.

However, the lack of awareness among the public resulted in poor adoption. There were a good number of devices on the market – from Blaupunkt head units for cars to Tivoli DAB receivers – but the improved audio quality over FM radio just did not resonate with the audience.

While DAB has not taken off in Singapore, it has definitely had an impact in Europe, where it is very popular and has expanded to other non-radio functions like text updates on the latest traffic conditions. The same technology has also been developed further to broadcast video to portable devices in Korea, where it is called digital multimedia broadcast (DMB).

You Might Also Like

As TikTok faces a possible ban in the US, should users elsewhere be worried?

Foodpanda to use Gogoro electric scooters in battery swapping trial with Cycle & Carriage

LG OLED Flex LX3 review: A bendable gaming monitor for the adventurous (and rich)

Give a royal wave and avoid munchies during video calls, say etiquette experts Debrett’s

Sennheiser IE 200 review: Affordable earphones offer good audio quality

TAGGED: Blaupunkt, DAB, Digital Audio Broadcast, digital radio, Internet radio, mediacorp, MeRadio, Sonar, Squeezebox Touch, Tivoli

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Alfred Siew November 2, 2011
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Share
Avatar photo
By Alfred Siew
Follow:
Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
Previous Article Hundreds in Singapore queue up for new iPhone 4S
Next Article More pro-consumer pay-TV contracts in Singapore from March 2012
5 Comments
  • cyberTV says:
    November 6, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    http://www.digitalradio.gov.hk/en/basics/index.html

    Reply
  • cyberTV says:
    November 6, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    DAB is flourshing in other Asia countries like Hong Kong where up to 4 licenses are issued and up to 18 exclusive DAB channels. Even the regulator has dedicated website promoting it. M’Corp has bad business planning while MDA seems to be more interested in organising entourage of it’s officers to go to Cannes, American Film Market etc. *yawn*, Digital TV will also be a failure here at the rate of how MDA is “pushing” it.

    Reply
  • Manxmat says:
    November 3, 2011 at 7:28 am

    DAB is compressed audio – it isn’t CD quality, it is actually inferior to FM, shame they are still trying to push it in the UK

    Reply
  • Albert says:
    November 2, 2011 at 10:42 am

    I’m glad that I bought a radio antenna cable instead of a DAB receiver!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow

Latest News

As TikTok faces a possible ban in the US, should users elsewhere be worried?
Cybersecurity Internet March 24, 2023
Foodpanda to use Gogoro electric scooters in battery swapping trial with Cycle & Carriage
Enterprise Internet March 23, 2023
RedCap: A new cellular IoT technology for the 5G era
Enterprise Software Telecom March 23, 2023
Sony Playstation VR2 review: An immersive experience awaits
Gaming March 21, 2023
//

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
Follow US

© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact

Join Us!

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Lost your password?