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WorldDAB‘s outgoing president, Patrick Hannon, is the recipient of this year’s WorldDAB Outstanding Service Award. Hannon has stepped down after ten years as president of the global forum for DAB digital radio.
The award recognizes an individual for an exceptional contribution to the roll-out of DAB digital radio. It is offered in memory of Per-Erik Selemark of Swedish Radio, former vice president and chair of the Technical Committee, who died in January 1999.
WorldDAB’s new president, Jacqueline Bierhorst, presented Hannon with the award at WorldDAB’s general assembly, its annual event for members, held this year in Munich, Germany. Bierhorst described Hannon as “a remarkable individual whose exceptional contribution has significantly advanced the cause of DAB and DAB+ digital radio.”
Patrick’s leadership was characterized by passion and unwavering commitment to DAB+.
WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst
As president, Hannon oversaw the expansion of DAB and DAB+ digital radio technologies to new regions across the globe and campaigned for legislation that requires DAB+ in every new car sold in Europe. He has spoken at events in over 20 countries and worked with DAB advocates to ensure the successful launch and development of new DAB markets across Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Hannon remains a member of WorldDAB’s Steering Board.
“Patrick’s leadership was characterized by passion and unwavering commitment to DAB+. He is not one to wait for opportunities but proactively seeks out ways to advance the mission of WorldDAB,” added Bierhorst.
Transforming the international radio landscape
Accepting the award, Hannon said, “Over the last ten years, WorldDAB has helped transform the international radio landscape. On a personal level, it’s been an honor to work with so many friends and colleagues around the world to achieve this goal. Much progress has been made, but further work remains to be done. I look forward to seeing the next chapters in the development of the DAB story.”
WorldDAB Project Director Bernie O’Neill said, “We couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated and inspiring president than Patrick, whose leadership has been instrumental in WorldDAB’s success. His positivity, strategic thinking, and tireless work ethic have set a high standard. The project office team and I are immensely grateful for his continual support and contributions.”
“Nonetheless,” O’Neill added, “we are excited to welcome Jacqueline as our new president, and we have no doubt that her expertise and passion for DAB+ will drive us forward. As we enter this new chapter, we remain committed to promoting digital radio and advancing the interests of our members and stakeholders. We thank Patrick for his excellent service and look forward to working with Jacqueline to continue building the future of broadcast digital radio.”
Previous winners of the WorldDAB Outstanding Service Award include Jacqueline Bierhorst, Digital Radio NL (2022); Helwin Lesch, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Germany (2021); Francis Goffin, RTBF, Belgium (2020); Sergio Natucci, DAB Italia (2019); and Ole Jørgen Torvmark, Digital Radio Norway (2018).
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