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EBU Digital Radio Summit

EBU Digital Radio Summit

Radio is still the main distribution technology able to reach millions of listener during their daily activities and movements between home and work, for private or business travel. The news and light entertainment provided in the car, at work or at home often accompany listeners for several hours.The analogue radio distribution can just provide audio programmes but without any additional data.

A digital radio technology like Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) can provide a rich set of additional information and possibilities enriching the sound experience. And when emergencies occur in DRM the regular radio programmes can be switched automatically to the disaster warning. Even with Today’s digital radio technologies feature such warning and alert support and help broadcasters to offer valuable support for the personal safety.

DRM broadcast technology is covering all this and the broadcasting world is more and more interested by this possibility. My presentation addressed the advantages of this proven and well tested technology, being embraced worldwide. DRM uses the current frequency allocation to great advantage and in this there is no better choice of a proven and well tested technology beside DRM.

In this context my presentation included an update of the digital transmissions in India as the public broadcaster has just completed the first phase of their DRM roll-out project.

Now phase two is being launched. It aims to demonstrate the value of the data features of digital radio, the extra possibilities for advertisers while improving the content.  If done correctly, this will make the digital transmissions popular and more widely known.

Already the car industry in India is providing DRM receiver while available table top receivers are being improved.

The full digital transformation of radio will benefit the Indian population and DRM is making important strides in this important country.

The conclusion of my presentation was that digital radio clearly enhances the listener experience. Digital radio is the smart radio of today.

During the Geneva event Nigel Fry from the BBC gave an update highlighting the setup and future extension of broadcast developments. In our globalised world, explained Nigel, shortwave transmission and coverage can be handled independently. The interest and revival of this type of broadcasting, especially with the excellent digital quality, is on the rise due to the special situations and crisis points in some parts of the world.

Matthias Stoll, Ampegon AG