FM radio's future divides broadcasters as digital push sparks financial fears
The Commission for Determining the Financial Needs of Broadcasters (KEF) is pushing for a faster phase-out of analog FM radio, calling it an outdated technology. KEF member Barthel—who also serves as president of Saxony-Anhalt's State Audit Office—described it as obsolete.
However, Markus Kurze, CEO of the Media Authority of Saxony-Anhalt (MSA), has emphasized the importance of FM broadcasting for commercial radio stations. "In the current difficult economic climate, private broadcasters would suffer a significant loss in reach and face serious financial risks if the FM network were shut down," he stressed. Kurze added that the MSA supports a market-driven transition from analog FM to digital radio (DAB+) rather than a legally mandated switch-off date.
The Media Authority of Saxony-Anhalt acts as the regulatory body responsible for terrestrial radio and television frequencies—including FM, DAB, and DVB-T2—allocated to private broadcasters. The MSA assesses frequency requirements for private radio and TV providers in Saxony-Anhalt and assigns them accordingly. These allocations are decided by the MSA's pluralistic assembly based on criteria outlined in §16 of Saxony-Anhalt's Media Act, such as promoting diversity of opinion and programming, as well as coverage of the region's political, economic, social, and cultural life.
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