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    • .radio

    Generic top-level domainsIDNDNSSEC

    Overview

    .radio is a generic top-level domain intended for the radio sector. Operated by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the string is aimed at radio broadcasters, internet radio stations, amateur radio operators, podcasters, streaming audio services, and companies selling radio goods and services.

    History

    • Delegation to the European Broadcasting Union: 7 October 2016.
    • General availability / registration launch: 28 August 2017 (introduced in 2017).
    • The EBU entered into a registry agreement with ICANN as part of the New gTLD Program and operates the registry for .radio.
    • The EBU applied as a Community Priority Applicant; several other applicants had previously sought the string, including BRS Media, Donuts (Tin Dale, LLC) and Afilias.
    • The EBU was accepted as an observer in ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee during the application phase, an action that figured in discussion and contention around the application process.

    Usage and Audience

    • Primary audience:

      • Radio broadcast stations and networks
      • Internet radios and webcasters
      • Amateur radio enthusiasts
      • Podcasters and streaming audio services
      • Companies selling radio-related goods and services

    • Intended use: to provide a secure, community-focused namespace to support the radio industry's online presence and digital evolution.

    Registration Rules

    • Access: Registration is reserved for entities and individuals within the radio sector; the TLD is intended for use by the radio community.
    • Verification: Applications have been checked to help prevent cybersquatting.
    • Policy documents: The registry publishes registration policies and a registration policy document governs eligibility and operation (registry maintains formal policy documents).
    • Community designation: The EBU applied as a Community TLD, a status that influenced delegation and priority during the ICANN review process.

    SEO and Brand Impact

    • Positioning: .radio is positioned as a sector-specific, community-focused TLD that signals association with the radio industry.
    • Trust and protection: The registry and EBU emphasize providing a secure namespace and protections against cybersquatting to support brand trust within the radio community.
    • Community benefit: The community designation and EBU stewardship are intended to prioritize radio-related use and brand alignment for registrants.

    Notable Cases or Examples

    • Early uptake: Approximately 2,500 .radio domains were registered during the first year after availability; registrations were vetted to reduce cybersquatting.
    • Contention and applicants: Multiple parties applied for the .radio string (notably BRS Media, Donuts, and Afilias). BRS Media publicly raised concerns about EBU's role and potential conflicts of interest during the application process.
    • Scope of support: The EBU stated support for traditional broadcasting as well as webcasting, streaming audio content and internet radios, and indicated that podcasters would be acknowledged within the .radio community.

    Operator

    European Broadcasting Union (EBU)

    Whois

    % IANA WHOIS server
% for more information on IANA, visit http://www.iana.org
% This query returned 1 object

domain:       RADIO

organisation: European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
address:      Ancienne-Route 17A
address:      Le Grand-Saconnex
address:      Geneva CH-1218
address:      Switzerland

contact:      administrative
name:         .radio TLD Administrative Contact
organisation: CORE Association
address:      Cours de Rive 2
address:      Geneva CH-1204
address:      Switzerland
phone:        +41 79 203 4075
fax-no:       +41 22 312 5612
e-mail:       secretariat@corenic.org

contact:      technical
name:         .radio TLD Technical Contact
organisation: CORE Association
address:      Cours de Rive 2
address:      Geneva CH-1204
address:      Switzerland
phone:        +41 22 312 5610
fax-no:       +41 22 312 5612
e-mail:       dnsmaster@corenic.org

nserver:      ANYCAST10.IRONDNS.NET 195.253.64.12 2a01:5b0:4:0:0:0:0:c
nserver:      ANYCAST23.IRONDNS.NET 195.253.65.11 2a01:5b0:5:0:0:0:0:b
nserver:      ANYCAST24.IRONDNS.NET 195.253.65.12 2a01:5b0:5:0:0:0:0:c
nserver:      ANYCAST9.IRONDNS.NET 195.253.64.11 2a01:5b0:4:0:0:0:0:b
ds-rdata:     62727 10 2 3863e4a0c36a262785c1703b5cff54cdbd56cd40bb414b45599848ce972e26b9

whois:        whois.nic.radio

status:       ACTIVE
remarks:      Registration information: https://www.nic.radio/

created:      2016-09-22
changed:      2022-01-07
source:       IANA

    Registrars