MDR switches off 15 FM frequencies-digital radio is now mandatory!

MDR switches off 15 FM frequencies-digital radio is now mandatory!

From today, June 24, 2025, the radio's foot in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia will continue digitally. The Mitteldeutsche Rundfunk (MDR) has started to switch off its FM frequencies. The digital age has finally arrived with the switch to DAB+ (Channel 6b). Let's look at what that means for the listeners!

A total of 15 transmitter systems of the MDR are switched off. Affected frequencies are no longer available for reception on FM, but alternative frequencies are still available in many regions. It ensures that in most cases car radios automatically switch to these new frequencies. However, you have to be aware that weak reception devices such as kitchen radios or radio alarmers could have difficulties in reception.

practical tips for switching

For everyone who fights with reception problems, there are some options. There is an option to supplement some devices with a ballast, whereby retrofitting in many older models is not possible. However, the MDR advises to switch to digital radio if the previous devices no longer work smoothly. After all, the future of the radio is digital, and more and more listeners recognize the advantages!

• frequencies:
• MDR Current: Eilenburg (92.4 MHz), Köthen (106.4 MHz), Stadtroda (91.3 MHz)
• MDR Culture: Markneukirchen (106.4 MHz), Suhl (89.8 MHz), Torgau (93.0 MHz)
• MDR Jump: Bautzen (98.8 MHz), Magdeburg City (103.0 MHz), Suhl (91.1 MHz)
• MDR Saxony: Markneukirchen (104.8 MHz), Torgau (88.9 MHz)
• MDR Saxony-Anhalt: Berga (91.1 MHz), Kapaunberg (96.1 MHz)
• MDR Thuringia: Erfurt (94.4 MHz), Suhl (93.7 MHz)

But what does this change mean for the listeners? In fact, the DAB+network in Germany is on the rise-around 90% of the population can now receive this at home. However, only 25% of the households have a suitable device for this, which of course remains exciting from a market -related point of view. Reports from Deutschlandfunk show that the range of range is high in the event of a sudden FM cut-off.

A look into the future

The KEF-the Commission to determine the financial requirements of the broadcasting facilities-has increased the pressure because it no longer wants to provide funds for FM spread. Experts agree that there will be no uniform switch -off date, rather the shutdown will be gradually carried out. So in the coming years we have to expect a lot: In the worst case, the final shutdown of all FM frequencies could only become a reality after 2029.

and not to forget: From December, all new cars must be equipped with DAB+technology. This could certainly increase the number of listeners and a conscious switch to digital radio! The MDR is happy to take this step in order to meet the demand for savings and to counteract the costs of the parallel operation of FM and DAB+, as MDR

The radio is changing, and with it the habits of the listeners - so let's hear the radio of the future!