Despite a highly competitive audio environment, radio remains robust, and delegates at this year's WorldDAB General Assembly taking place in Berlin on 6-7 November 2018 will hear how DAB is at the heart of helping broadcasters build their brands, grow listeners and increase revenue.
Bob Shennan, the BBC's director of Radio and Music, Siobhan Kenny, CEO of the UK commercial radio body The Radiocentre, and Joan Warner, CEO of Commercial Radio Australia, along with major car manufactures and politicians from two continents, are part of an impressive lineup of international speakers at the conference.
WorldDAB President Patrick Hannon will present an updated WorldDAB vision for radio's digital future, and top-level radio industry executives from across Europe will include Michael Oschmann from Müller Media, Germany, Heike Raab, German State Secretary for Media and Digital Affairs, and Nicolas Curien from the French media regulator, the CSA.
With voice activation and smart speakers now an integral feature in the radio landscape, industry experts will present their latest research: Jan Lorbach (GfK) will provide an update on consumer device trends, while Michael Hill (UK Radioplayer) will share research findings on voice control in the car, and Simon Mason (Arqiva, UK) will unveil results from a trial of listening on 4G networks.
In-car radio listening features strongly in the programme, and in addition to car-maker perspectives from Claudio Nervi (Fiat Chrysler), Frank Nowack (Ford) and Martin Koch (Audi), the Chairman of WorldDAB Automotive Working Group, Laurence Harrison (Digital Radio UK) will give an update on WorldDAB's continuing work on developing automotive user-experience guidelines, DAB performance in relation to receivers, antennas, DAB+ adaptors and aftermarket devices. Xperi's Joe D'Angelo will share their latest insights on the listener user experience in the car.
“We are keen that delegates take away key learnings from successful DAB deployments around the world. One of the most important features is the opportunity to hear directly from territories across the world,” said Bernie O'Neill, WorldDAB Project Director. “This year's keynote speaker will be Ole Jørgen Torvmark on Norway's experience after the FM switch-off, something many countries are keen to hear more about.”
More mature DAB markets will share how they are marketing DAB to listeners, including Germany, UK, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands. Beyond Europe, DAB's growing presence worldwide will be reflected by contributions from Deputy Minister for Communications from South Africa, Pinky Kekana, and Thailand will be presented by NBTC (Dr Sukonrat Natee).
The conference ends on a high-note, with a compelling session showcasing case studies of where DAB is allowing broadcasters deliver innovative programming, including presentations from CEO at sunshine live, Germany, Petra Lemke, founder and President of Radio FG Antoine Baduel, UK Radio DJ Gabby Sanderson, and Head of Research and Development at RTL 102.5 Hit Radio, Italy, Eugenio LaTeana.
See the full programme and register to attend.