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The WorldDAB Summit 2024, held in Zagreb, Croatia, brought together public and private broadcasters to collaborate and discuss strategies for ensuring radio’s digital future. The event attracted nearly 200 delegates and featured speakers highlighting radio’s resilience and innovations in the digital era.
WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst, joined by Edita Kudláčová, the EBU’s head of radio, and Luka Đurić, vice president of AER, the Association of European Radios, underlined the enduring value of broadcast radio.
In her opening address, Bierhorst stated, “Securing radio’s digital future is critical and fundamental for listeners, broadcasters and society.” Bierhorst emphasized WorldDAB’s role in unifying the industry through initiatives like working groups and events. She stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced broadcast sector that integrates traditional and digital elements without overreliance on IP-based solutions.
The EBU’s Connected Car Playbook, a resource aligning with WorldDAB’s mission, was highlighted as a critical tool for guiding broadcasters on digital strategies, apps and voice integration in connected environments.
Advancements in digital radio
The Summit marked significant global progress in digital radio. Croatia’s Directorate for Media and Development of Cultural and Creative Industries, represented by Jasna Vaniček-Fila, reaffirmed the Ministry of Culture’s support for digital radio, citing its potential for innovation and environmental benefits such as reduced power consumption. Mate Botica from Croatian network operator OIV announced that nine new DAB+ transmitters had been activated since August, bringing national coverage to 97%.
Adriano Pitteri detailed Switzerland’s preparations for the public broadcaster SRG SSR’s FM switch-off, scheduled for six weeks after the Summit. He outlined the rationale, including cost savings and efforts to inform listeners of the change.
In Germany, Dirk Schrödter, minister of digitization for Schleswig-Holstein, discussed plans to transition to DAB+ by 2031, describing radio as “a wonderful medium” that must adapt to the digital future. He noted, “With DAB+, we are creating more media diversity, which is extremely important in an era where deepfakes and fake news are on the rise.” Carsten Zorger from Digitalradio Büro Deutschland introduced life-saving Automatic Safety Alerts via DAB+, tested successfully during Germany’s recent “Warntag” (warning day) without requiring internet connectivity.
Javier Sánchez of Spain’s RTVE highlighted the rapid rollout of DAB+ services in 2023. Since February, coverage has expanded to 13 cities, with Ràdio 4 in Barcelona becoming Catalonia’s first legal DAB+ station. Sánchez marked the 100th anniversary of radio in Spain with these achievements.
Industry recognition
At the WorldDAB General Assembly preceding the Summit, Lindsay Cornell of the BBC received the WorldDAB Award for Outstanding Service. Recognized for his contributions to new ETSI standards for Automatic Safety Alerts, the award celebrated his “technical expertise and exceptional project management and people skills” that have significantly impacted the industry. The award 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.
At the close of this year’s Summit, it was announced that the next WorldDAB Automotive event will take place in Madrid, Spain, on June 19, 2025.
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WorldDAB Summit 2024 Opens in Zagreb
