jarðútvarp

Jarðútvarp is the Icelandic term for terrestrial radio broadcasting, the method of transmitting audio content over the air from ground-based antennas so that receivers within a specific coverage area can listen without using satellite, cable, or internet streaming. It relies on radio frequency spectrum allocated by national authorities and is typically delivered via FM and, where available, AM bands, with some territories using digital terrestrial radio (DAB or DAB+).

In Iceland, jarðútvarp has been the primary means of radio dissemination since the early 20th century, with the public service broadcaster Ríkisútvarpið (RÚV) and various private stations operating on terrestrial networks. The system provides wide-area coverage and is especially important for emergencies when other networks may be compromised. Availability varies by region and is influenced by geography and infrastructure.

Even as audiences increasingly use online streaming and satellite services, jarðútvarp remains a core component of the broadcasting landscape, valued for reliability, simplicity, and access through standard radios. Regulatory bodies manage frequency allocation to avoid interference and to ensure diverse programming on the terrestrial bands.