France’s Mouv’ Departs FM, UK DAB Expansion and Radio’s Dominance in Cars
Radio France is set to finalize the removal of its youth station, Mouv’, from the FM band by August 31, as part of a broader shift toward digital-only distribution. Meanwhile, the UK’s Sound Digital (SDL) network plans to add 32 new transmitters to boost DAB+ coverage, even as international research from WorldDAB confirms that 83% of drivers still view radio as their primary in-car audio source.
Why is FM radio being phased out in France?
The French media regulator Arcom has revoked the FM licenses for Mouv’ at the request of the French Ministry of Culture. While the official end date is August 31, Radio France has already phased out dozens of transmitters over the past year. According to Radio France, this move reflects a strategic pivot toward an internet-only model for the youth brand. The broadcaster is also reallocating its DAB+ capacity on the M2 multiplex to accommodate a new children’s service, Mon petit France Inter. This transition is part of a larger trend, with Radio France announcing in April 2025 that it intends to switch off 300 additional FM transmitters, specifically targeting areas where DAB+ service is already robust.
How will the UK expand its digital radio infrastructure?
The UK-based multiplex operator Sound Digital (SDL) has reached an agreement with its shareholders—Bauer Media Group, Wireless Group (News UK), and Arqiva—to expand its network by 32 transmitters. According to a financial document published by Arqiva, the goal is to reach “extra roads and areas” that currently lack consistent coverage. SDL, which launched in 2016, currently covers 83% of the UK population. However, the expansion faces geographic constraints; because SDL operates on block 11A, which is internationally allocated to Flanders, the network cannot easily expand into regions like Kent or East Anglia without risking signal interference.
Is radio still the king of the dashboard?
Despite the rise of streaming services, radio remains the dominant audio source for drivers. An international study conducted by Fifty5Blue, presented at the 2026 WorldDAB Automotive congress in Frankfurt, found that 83% of drivers listen to radio while behind the wheel. The research, which surveyed 8,000 participants across six countries including Germany, Italy, and Australia, highlights that 62% of respondents consider a built-in radio an “indispensable” feature for new vehicle purchases. Among those who use DAB+, 95% report high satisfaction levels, citing superior sound quality and ease of use as the primary drivers for their loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mouv’ moving to an internet-only format?
Radio France is optimizing its spectrum usage. By moving Mouv’ to digital-only, the broadcaster can reallocate its DAB+ resources to other services and reduce the costs associated with maintaining an aging FM transmitter network.
Will the Sound Digital expansion improve coverage in all UK regions?
No. Due to international frequency coordination, SDL cannot expand its 11A block into areas near the Belgian border, such as Kent or East Anglia, as those frequencies are reserved for use in Flanders.
Why do drivers still prefer radio over streaming apps?
According to WorldDAB, drivers prefer radio for its reliability, ease of operation, and high audio quality. Unlike streaming, which requires mobile data and complex interface navigation, radio remains a “one-click” experience.
What are your thoughts on the shift from FM to digital? Are you using DAB+ in your car, or have you made the switch to streaming? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our weekly radio industry newsletter for the latest updates.