FUTURE OF FM BROADCASTING IN THE DIGITAL COMMUNICATION ERA: ADDRESSING COVERAGE, QUALITY, AND SPECTRUM EFFICIENCY CHALLENGES GLOBALLY

Abstract

The future of FM broadcasting in the digital communication world is based on its strengths and weaknesses. FM broadcasting has been the most popular means of communication even after the advent of digital communication technologies. Currently, FM broadcasting covers 68% of the total radio listening population across the globe. FM broadcasting is most popular in Africa, covering 92% of the population, and other countries like Indonesia, where 95% of the population listens to FM broadcasting because of its reliability and low cost of infrastructure. But with the advent of digital communication technologies like streaming services, the number of digital listeners has grown to 41% in the U.S., up from 28% in 2019. In other countries like those in Europe, digital communication technologies have gained huge traction, with DAB+ achieving a huge penetration across the globe and some countries like Norway and Switzerland achieving a complete switchover to digital communication technologies. Scientific research has shown that hybrid FM broadcasting systems are the future of FM broadcasting, with advancements like digital modulation being incorporated into the system to increase its chances of remaining relevant in the digital communication world. The future of FM broadcasting will be based on the coexistence of both digital and analog technologies to meet the demands of the diverse listening population across the globe.