Commercial radio goes digital in Canberra with DAB+ digital radio broadcasts

Commercial radio will officially switch on DAB+ digital radio broadcasts in Canberra on Friday, July 19.

2CA, 2CC, Mix 106.3 and Hit 104.7 will broadcast in digital, alongside several commercial digital-only stations, with new stations to launch in the future.

DAB+ is available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and has been available in Canberra on a low-powered trial since 2010.  It officially launched in Hobart and Darwin earlier this year. 

The DAB+ stations on air include:

• Snow Digital – featuring popular shows including Kate, Tim & Marty and updates on ski conditions 
• Coles Radio – a contemporary music mix with some great favourites
• KIX Country – for everyone who loves country music
• My Canberra Digital – a smooth selection of favourites from the 70s to today
• Buddha Hits – chill out music that makes you feel good.

Joan Warner, the chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, said: “Commercial radio has been broadcasting on the AM band in Canberra since 1931 and on FM since 1988. Now with the official move to digital broadcasting, radio can keep innovating and offering better services to listeners."

Craig Wagstaff, the general manager of Canberra FM, said: “We’re excited to introduce new stations to Canberra and be part of the growing digital radio landscape.” 

Michael Jones, general manager of Radio Canberra, said: “Listeners will notice a significant upgrade in sound quality on DAB+ radios compared to AM, along with other benefits such as easy tuning and on-screen information such as song titles, news and weather.”