China Selects DRM to Boost Audio Quality and Emergency Alerts

China has moved decisively to modernize its radio network by adopting the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) standard for mediumwave and shortwave bands. The government published the national “Chinese DRM Standard in MF and HF Band” on July 29. As a result, officials aim to improve audio quality, emergency alerts, and nationwide coverage.

Why DRM Was Chosen

DRM won out after years of testing against DAB, HD Radio, and China’s CDR system. Moreover, DRM can deliver digital audio over both mediumwave and shortwave, which other systems cannot. In addition, DRM is open source and does not require licensing fees. Consequently, regulators favored its Emergency Warning Functionality for disaster response. Radio remains vital in China for news, traffic updates, and music. Therefore, policymakers see DRM as a practical upgrade for millions of listeners.

Implementation is already underway across policy and industry. For example, China plans to upgrade about 600 transmission sites and reduce low‑power transmitters. Furthermore, the government allocated roughly 5 billion in 2024 to fund the work. In 2023, the National Radio and Television Administration urged automakers to add wireless broadcast modules to cars. As a result, automakers have begun installing DRM modules in new models. Meanwhile, the Standardization Administration of China approved the project plan this year and the draft policy nears finalization.

Gains and Momentum

Beyond technical upgrades, DRM adds new services that enhance listening. For instance, broadcasters can deploy Single Frequency Networks and Alternative Frequency Service. Additionally, they can offer Journaline text services and station logos for richer displays. Fraunhofer IIS helped some provincial broadcasters upgrade head‑ends and transmission chains. With China, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan adopting DRM, the standard gains momentum across the Asia‑Pacific region.

In conclusion, China’s DRM decision blends technology with strategy. Ultimately, listeners will get clearer sound and more reliable emergency alerts. Broadcasters will gain a scalable path to modernize AM infrastructure. Finally, policymakers will strengthen national broadcast resilience while preparing cars and transmitters for a digital future.