With the expansion of DAB+, which uses digital technology to distribute radio frequency, listeners will have access to a wide variety of radio stations.
Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) has announced the introduction of its third-generation of radio broadcasting and digital audio broadcasting and the inauguration of the Radio and Television Corp. Training Academy, in a strategic move that underscores its commitment to digital transformation and expansive media growth, according to Arab News.
DAB+ provides sound quality close to that of compressed audio (CD Quality), with reduced fading and resistance to interference. It allows more radio stations to be broadcast on the same frequency.
These transformative endeavours mark a pivotal step in SBA’s mission to enrich its media offerings and align with contemporary technological advancements. With visionary leadership from Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari, the newly appointed Minister of Media and Communication, and former Editor-in-Chief for the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, these initiatives promise to redefine the landscape of media services, embracing modern platforms to deliver exceptional content to the public.
The Radio and Television Corp. Training Academy is set to offer an array of comprehensive training programmes. Encompassing diverse disciplines such as journalism, television, radio production, digital media, cinema, and theatre, these programmes will equip budding talents with the necessary skills to excel in the media landscape. A key emphasis will be on cultivating leadership qualities, ensuring that the academy remains a beacon of innovation and ingenuity.
Highlighting the pioneering spirit that defines this venture, it was revealed that the technical team at SBA is dedicated to propelling digital radio broadcasting to new heights. With an ambitious vision to position the Kingdom at the forefront of technological progress, Saudi Arabia is actively embracing DAB+ technology. This approach harnesses digital technology to optimise radio frequency distribution, facilitating an expansive array of radio stations that cater to diverse listener preferences.
The embrace of DAB+ brings forth a host of advantages over traditional AM and FM radio. This technology empowers more broadcasts to coexist on the same frequency, all while streamlining operating costs and extending coverage areas by 35%.
The Radio and Television Corp. has set a dynamic expansion plan into motion, signalling the growth of digital broadcast realms. With the launch of three frequencies in Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah, the foundation has been laid to expand digital broadcast areas by 44 digital frequencies. This visionary leap positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the digital broadcasting frontier, a testament to its commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology to enhance the nation’s media landscape.
