Powering the future of radio in Southern Africa
Introducing DRM SA GROUP — the revitalised voice of digital radio in South Africa.
The DRM SA GROUP is the revitalised voice of digital radio in South Africa — a bold new chapter born from the re-launch of what was formerly known as the DRM SA PLATFORM, now under the banner of the DRM Consortium.
Following the South African government's July 2020 policy directive on introducing Digital Sound Broadcasting, the timing was perfect to re-ignite efforts to drive awareness, engagement and adoption of the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) standard in the region. Our mission: to prepare Southern Africa's radio landscape for its digital evolution.
A legacy of innovation
The journey toward digital radio begins in South Africa.
The DRM Consortium launches the Southern Africa Platform, spearheaded by Radio Pulpit's Managing Director — leading to South Africa's first successful DRM AM (mediumwave) trial.
Kofifi FM 97.2, a Johannesburg community station, achieves a successful DRM FM trial with Wecodec and local partners. The findings are recognised as an official ITU document, ready for global publication.
The South African government issues a policy directive on introducing Digital Sound Broadcasting — the trigger to re-ignite the platform.
The former DRM SA PLATFORM relaunches as DRM SA GROUP under the DRM Consortium banner, preparing Southern Africa's radio landscape for its digital evolution.
Built by the people testing it in the field
Behind every trial is a small team of broadcast engineers physically installing receivers, tuning transmitters and proving the standard works on South African terrain, before it ever reaches a listener's home.
DRM SA engineers with a Starwaves DRM receiver, Johannesburg.
Where the trials happen
Every DRM trial runs from real infrastructure: a transmitter, an antenna mast and a team measuring what reaches the listener. This test site is where that work is done.
What we stand for
Promote DRM as the digital broadcasting standard of choice for South Africa and beyond
Build widespread awareness among broadcasters, government, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and the public
Champion adoption and influence key stakeholders across the radio ecosystem
Serve as South Africa's trusted DRM authority, offering credible, up-to-date information and guidance on all things DRM
DRM is a global digital radio standard that works across all frequency bands — AM, FM, SW and VHF. It's tailor-made for countries with large, diverse geographies like those in Southern Africa. Whether a national broadcaster, regional station or grassroots community radio operator, DRM delivers crystal-clear audio, interactive content and enhanced services to more people than ever before. It's cost-effective, spectrum-efficient, energy-saving, and ready for Africa.
DRM SA is proud to stand alongside national DRM platforms from countries like India, Germany, Brazil, Russia and the USA, all working toward a shared global vision: the digital transformation of radio. We are a non-profit group committed to supporting broadcasters, communities and governments in making this digital leap together.
Let's broadcast the future, together.