Phare FM's DAB+ Licence Bid: What Happened and What Comes Next

Phare FM, TWR's Christian radio partner in France, applied for a national DAB+ broadcast licence that would have expanded its reach from 30 percent of France to the entire country. After advancing to a shortlist of six finalists, the licence was awarded to another network in June. Phare FM is now pursuing 75 available frequencies across 73 geographic areas in a new Arcom call for applications — and has not given up on nationwide coverage.


Claude Greder (center), Nathanaël Chong (left) and TWR's John Lundy (right) discuss PHARE FM's vision to bring the gospel to all of France.

There was more to it than meets the eye when PHARE FM, TWR’s partner broadcasting the hope of Jesus Christ in France, stepped forward to apply for a national DAB+ licence — a bold move that has led the ministry to their next steps.

In June, the French media regulator, Arcom, opened applications for a DAB+ radio service, a national digital broadcast licence covering the entirety of France.

PHARE FM reaches 30 percent of the country and an opportunity that opens the door to reach more or even all of the nation is one that the station’s leaders were not willing to pass by. 

Securing this national licence would enable PHARE FM to expand its reach in a country where only 1 to 1.5 percent of the French population identifies as Christian.

PHARE FM’s leaders, Claude Greder and Nathanaël Chong, met with TWR writer John Lundy in early June. As they shared about their work in a country that is brimming with opportunity and openness, they stated that France is currently in a "pre-revival atmosphere" as many young people are coming to Christ and being baptised.

After advancing to the shortlist of six applicants still in contention for national coverage, PHARE FM learned on June 24 that Arcom had chosen to award the licence to another network.

In PHARE FM’s press release, the decision is acknowledged as the station announces: “PHARE FM will not (yet) broadcast across all of France on DAB+: Arcom has announced its decision.”

Not yet.

The team shares in this release that the submission was a bold move, yet one that was done with humility and authenticity. The team had been transparent about their vision — yet equally honest that full funding was “not yet” secured.

However, the process continues.

On July 22 Arcom launched another DAB+ call for applications covering 75 available frequencies across 73 geographical areas throughout France. The PHARE FM team is now actively investigating which areas they can apply for in order to keep expanding their reach.

The station plans to take advantage of the opportunities in front of them, while still pursuing nationwide coverage.

“To everyone who shares our vision of making a Christian radio station accessible throughout France, and who would like to become part of this national adventure, we would be delighted to hear from you. The next opportunity begins to be prepared today,” says the PHARE FM team “This is not the end of the journey. It is another milestone.”

Another milestone finished. Another challenge met.

The process has started and the journey has only just begun.

Already, not yet.