Impact of transition from analog (FM) to digital (DAB+) sound broadcasting on environmental preservation

Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB+) is the standard for radio broadcasting which intends to replace analog FM radio in Europe and the digital switchover has already started. This paper addresses the impact that the transition from analog (FM) to digital (DAB+) sound broadcasting has on the preservation of environment, presented through a case study on existing and future Croatian sound broadcasting terrestrial network(s). New digital (DAB+) network is modelled with coverage comparable to six existing national FM networks in Croatia. Number and output power of transmitters within respective network, total used frequency spectrum, radiated output powers (ERP) and cumulated electromagnetic near field strength on characteristic transmitting sites is analyzed. Comparing those existing FM networks and new DAB+ network, the reduction on energy consumption, the savings in frequency spectrum and the reduction of non-ionizing radiation are presented. The impact of the digital compared to the analog radio broadcasting on the environmental preservation is quantified through the reduction in carbon footprint and electromagnetic pollution.