China Implements Digital Rights Management Standard to Modernize Analog Radio Frequencies
The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China has announced the adoption of the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) standard for future use in shortwave and medium-wave broadcasting bands. This marks a significant move towards modernizing China's AM radio broadcasting while maintaining compatibility with existing analog services [1].
The technical specifications, released on July 29, 2025, support multiple transmission modes and bandwidths. This flexibility enables dual-use scenarios, such as simulcasting analog AM alongside digital DRM services on the same frequencies within the shortwave and medium-wave bands. This feature facilitates a smooth transition from analog to digital within the existing broadcast infrastructure [1].
China currently operates seven DRM-capable shortwave transmitters, primarily targeting the densely-populated eastern provinces for domestic coverage. These transmitters can also carry international programming from China Radio International worldwide. China National Radio already broadcasts daily DRM shortwave content intended for domestic audiences [1].
The NRTA's implementation of the DRM standard excludes robustness mode E, one of several DRM error correction modes designed for more extreme propagation conditions. By excluding it, China’s implementation likely optimizes for local propagation characteristics and service requirements rather than worst-case long-distance conditions [1].
The NRTA, a ministry-level regulator that oversees the country's broadcasting and audiovisual services, has authorized the use of the DRM standard for digital broadcasting in these bands for China's domestic radio services. The DRM Consortium, an international organization, has been involved in the exploration of the deployment of domestic DRM services in China.
It's unclear what impact this widespread use of DRM will have on China's existing broadcasting infrastructure and services. However, the adoption of the DRM standard represents a significant step towards modernizing China's radio broadcasting industry.
References: [1] National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), Press Release, July 29, 2025.
- The NRTA, a ministry-level regulator, has authorized the use of the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) standard for digital broadcasting in China's shortwave and medium-wave bands, marking a significant move towards modernizing China's AM radio broadcasting.
- The technical specifications released by the NRTA support multiple transmission modes and bandwidths, enabling simulcasting of both analog AM and digital DRM services on the same frequencies.
- China currently operates seven DRM-capable shortwave transmitters, primarily focusing on domestic coverage in densely-populated eastern provinces, but also carrying international programming from China Radio International worldwide.
- The implementation of the DRM standard by the NRTA excludes robustness mode E, a feature designed for more extreme propagation conditions, suggesting optimization for local propagation characteristics and service requirements rather than long-distance conditions.
