WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst spoke at IBC Amsterdam this week to update broadcasters and technology suppliers on latest advances and innovations in DAB+ broadcasting in Europe and around the world.
“UK DAB share of listening is 67% in cars,” said Bierhorst. Radio is the most listened to audio platform in UK cars. “Car buyers expect broadcast radio to be standard in their next new car,” she said, quoting research conducted by WorldDAB.
“Some unregulated IT tech giants think they can do radio, but then they find it is more complicated than they first imagined,” said Bierhorst, showing a picture of Elon Musk and Donald Trump trying to do a radio style interview via online streaming… it crashed. “Online radio doesn’t always work.”
The Netherlands has “50 great DAB radio stations… France has 60% population coverage, penetration in Germany is 70%,” she said.
Spain is also revitalising its DAB coverage due to increased commitment from the public broadcaster and also the mandatory inclusion of DAB in European cars.
In Africa and the Middle East there is also significant movement taking place with a series of trials.
DAB has also improved its alert functionality for emergencies. “Radio will work even when phones and internet go down during emergencies. ..Lives will be saved as a result of this work,” said Bierhorst