Thursday 14 November 2024
09:00-15:30 (CET)
Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb
Radnicka 21, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Dear friends and colleagues,
Welcome
It is my privilege to welcome you to beautiful Zagreb for WorldDAB Summit 2024.
It comes at the end of my first twelve months as President of this incredible organisation, during which we have seen a further significant increase in DAB+ activity around the world.
There are too many exciting developments to name them all, but I would highlight the launch of the Automatic Safety Alert system, several countries announcing digital switchover plans, as well as rapidly increasing interest in DAB+ across Africa and Asia, and the continued development of connected cars with DAB+ broadcast radio at the heart.
WorldDAB is working hard to support all these important initiatives, as well as the many new territories taking their first steps on the journey to DAB+ digital radio.
At the Summit, our expert speakers will explore how DAB+ energises broadcast radio markets, offering listeners everything, everywhere, all the time: free to air and always available at home or in the car, allowing broadcasters to offer innovative content, access new audiences and increase revenue, as well as providing life-saving alerts in times of crisis.
There will, of course, also be plenty of opportunities for networking and I am looking forward to speaking to as many of you as possible. We are always YOUR forum, and I welcome your feedback on our work.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our hosts OIV for the invite to Croatia and all our sponsors for their invaluable support. And the Project Office team of Bernie, Rebecca, Michelle and Will for their hard work in putting together such a strong event.
I would also like to thank all the members of our Steering Board, including our Vice Presidents Karel Zyka and Nick Piggott, for their expert insight throughout the year.
I look forward to seeing you at the Summit, and at the exciting events we are already planning for 2025.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline Bierhorst President, WorldDAB
Programme
Session 1 09:30 - 10:30
Jacqueline Bierhorst reflects on her first twelve months as WorldDAB President, at a time of significant growth for DAB+ including the launch of the Automatic Safety Alert system, several countries announcing digital switchover plans, as well as rapidly increasing interest in DAB+ across Africa and Asia, and the continued development of connected cars.
Speaker: Jacqueline Bierhorst, President, WorldDAB with Mate Botica, CEO, OIV
KEYNOTE - Croatia’s Minister of Culture and Media, Dr. Nina Obuljen Koržinek, reviews the media landscape in Croatia and why DAB+ plays a key part.
Speaker: Dr. Nina Obuljen Koržinek , Minister of Culture and Media, Croatia
The French regulator, Arcom has published its White Paper on Radio. Hervé Godechot, member of Arcom and President of its “Radio and digital audio” working group, will explore the important proposals. He’ll explain the plan to move to predominantly digital broadcasting by the end of 2033, and the rapid growth of DAB+ across France.
Speaker: Hervé Godechot, Board Member, Arcom
Jacqueline Bierhorst President, WorldDAB
Dr. Nina Obuljen Koržinek , Minister of Culture and Media, Croatia
Hervé Godechot Board Member, Arcom
How society, listeners and broadcasters all benefit from securing radio’s digital future
Broadcast radio plays a critical role in the evolving media landscape, particularly in automotive environments. WorldDAB, EBU and AER discuss their collaboration between broadcasters and with car manufacturers to maintain broadcast radio’s prominence, while developing strategies for integrating broadcast radio into connected platforms.
Speakers: Jacqueline Bierhorst, President, WorldDAB, Luka Đurić, Vice President, AER
– Association of European Radios and Director of the Croatian Radio Forum, and Edita Kudlácová, Head of Radio, European Broadcasting Union
Moderator: Bernie O’Neill, Project Director, WorldDAB
10:30 - 11:00 Coffee
Luka Đurić Vice President, AER – Association of European Radios and Director of the Croatian Radio Forum
Edita Kudlácová Head of Radio, European Broadcasting Union
O’Neill Project Director, WorldDAB
Bernie
Programme
Session 2 11:00-12:00
Switchover is happening here and now. The north German state of Schleswig-Holstein is starting a move to DAB+, with the switch completed by mid-2031 at the latest. And in Switzerland, the public broadcaster SRG SSR will switch off its FM broadcasts by the end of this year. Learn how and why these radio markets are making the switch.
Speakers: Dirk Schrödter, Head of the State Chancellery of Schleswig-Holstein, and Adriano Pitteri, Program Manager Broadcast Distribution, SRG SSR
After several years of uncertainty, Spain is now moving towards a digital broadcast future that will ensure that public radio remains a key feature of the digital media landscape. So far this year, public broadcaster RTVE has launched DAB+ in several cities across Spain with the aim of providing 50% population coverage by the end of the year. A new technical plan that will accommodate both public and private radio broadcasters will be essential for the rollout of DAB+ across Spain.
Speaker: Javier Sánchez Pérez, Head of Strategy, RTVE Innovation Center, Radio Televisión Española (RTVE)
Dirk Schrödter Head of the State Chancellery of Schleswig-Holstein
Adriano Pitteri Program Manager, Broadcast Distribution, SRG SSR
Arqiva’s Phil Kesby explains the BBC and Arqiva’s groundbreaking project to reduce energy consumption in DAB networks. This session will cover strategies for meeting sustainability targets, insights on optimising existing and new transmitter designs, and the potential to save up to 400MWhr per year—ensuring a greener future for radio broadcasting without compromising listener experience.
Speaker: Phil Kesby, Domain Architect – BBC Architecture – Arqiva
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch
Javier Sánchez Pérez Head of Strategy, RTVE Innovation Center, Radio Televisión Española (RTVE)
Phil Kesby Domain Architect, BBC Architecture, Arqiva
DAB / DAB+
www.avt-nbg.de
15+ years of flexible, scalable DAB multi-multiplexing and multiencoding on one platform - VM, server/PC or Cloud. Seamless smart redundancy for audio inputs and EDI outputs on subchannel level. Many different audio over IP inputs including AES67 implemented, others on demand. Program Associated Data over IP and monitoring included.
Programme
Session 3 13:00-14:00
From content to brand, German Radio group Axel Springer has a plan for how DAB+ fits into one of the most successful radio groups in Germany. Christoph Falke will give an overview of the group and the stations within it, how DAB+ helps them reach new and niche audiences, plus how DAB+ fits with their hybrid radio strategy and what the future plans are to push broadcast radio through content and brand extensions.
Speaker: Christoph Falke, Managing Director, Axel Springer
bravo! KIDS is Croatia’s first radio station dedicated to children’s entertainment and education focusing on beloved Croatian and international songs, and broadcast exclusively on DAB+ and available online.
Speaker: Aleksandra Milinković, Programme Director, bravo! KIDS
Belgium’s French-speaking radio industry joined together to facilitate a digital distribution of radio, with DAB+ at the heart of a multiplatform hybrid strategy. RTBF together with the main private radio stations created maRadio.be, a digital radio alliance promoting DAB+ in Belgium’s French-speaking regions. Their approach has ensured the successful implementation and promotion of DAB+ and provides an excellent template for our industry.
Speaker: Francis Goffin, Independent adviser to radio leaders
Christoph Falke Managing Director, Axel Springer Audio
Aleksandra
Milinković, Programme Director, bravo! KIDS
Francis Independent adviser to radio
Commercial radio in the UK is attracting its biggest ever audiences, a record 40.5m weekly listeners (+3.2% YoY) according to the latest RAJAR results (Q2 2024). Jazz FM, which is the UK’s largest jazz media celebrating the best in jazz, soul and blues across the UK and the world. Jazz FM Content Director Nick Pitts explores the station’s heritage and commercial success in conversation with broadcaster Des Paul. Speaker: Nick Pitts, Content Director, Jazz FM, in conversation with Des Paul, Presenter, Greatest Hits Radio, Magic Soul
14:15 - 14:30 Coffee
Des Paul Presenter, Greatest Hits Radio, Magic Soul
Goffin Independent senior radio leaders
Nick Pitts Content Director, Jazz FM
Programme
Session 4 14:15-15:30
How DAB+ revvs up radio
DAB+ continues to be a vital component of in-car radio, and this session will unite experts from the automotive and broadcasting industries to examine how they are collaborating to ensure drivers have seamless access to broadcast radio. Discover how both sectors are working together to maintain and enhance the radio experience for drivers in an evolving digital landscape.
Speakers: Tomas Granryd, Coordinator, The EBU Connected Car Playbook and Gregor Pötzsch, Product Owner, Radio, CARIAD, Volkswagen Group and Chair of WorldDAB Automotive Working Group
DAB+ saving lives
Earlier this year WorldDAB and Digitalradio Deutschland e.V. announced the launch of the “Automatic Safety Alert (ASA)” system after two years of intensive collaboration. This pioneering innovation in DAB+ digital radio technology aims to protect the public during emergencies by delivering reliable safety alerts without requiring an internet connection. Listeners will benefit from a system that alerts them even if mobile or internet connections are disrupted. ASA operates automatically in the background, can be regionally adjusted for the location, and boasts high resilience thanks to the robust DAB+ radio transmission network. By
Tomas Granryd Coordinator,
The EBU Connected Car Playbook
Gregor Pötzsch
Product Owner, Radio, CARIAD, Volkswagen Group and Chair of WorldDAB Automotive Working Group
Carsten Zorger Director, Digitalradio Büro
Deutschland Germany
Lindsay Chair, WorldDAB Technical Committee, and Principal Architect, BBC
mid-2025, new generations of DAB+ radios will support the ASA standard. Find out how the system was successfully tested as part of Germany’s national “Warntag” warning day.
Speakers: Carsten Zorger, Director, Digitalradio Büro Deutschland Germany
Lindsay Cornell, Chair, WorldDAB Technical Committee, and Principal Systems Architect, BBC Digital
Leading broadcast conversations
Red hot radio topics are tackled live by our panel of global experts. Find out what they really think on the biggest issues facing today’s radio industry in this frank and honest conversation!
Moderator: Hanns Wolter, Technical Director, DAB Italia and Chair, WorldDAB Spectrum and Network Implementation Committee
Closing remarks
Including the DAB+ marketing showcase, highlighting digital radio promotions from around the world; and the announcement of the venue for WorldDAB Automotive 2025.
Speakers: Jacqueline Bierhorst, President, WorldDAB and Bernie O’Neill, Project Director, WorldDAB
Cornell WorldDAB Committee,
Principal Systems
BBC Digital
Hanns Wolter Technical Director, DAB Italia and Chair, WorldDAB Spectrum and Network Implementation Committee
15:30 Close
Jacqueline
Bierhorst President, WorldDAB
Bernie O’Neill Project Director, WorldDAB
Gala dinner sponsor
Coffee break sponsor
Partner sponsor
Lunch sponsor
Networking drinks sponsor
Delegate bag sponsor Lanyard sponsor
Sponsors and exhibitors
Aldena
With over 80-year heritage makes ALDENA one of the leading manufacturers of antennas, RF accessories, and planning software for Radio/TV and mission-critical communications. Nowadays ALDENA products are installed in more than 125 countries and EMLAB software is used by Broadcasters, System integrators, Authorities, University. ALDENA offers high-quality engineering services: Antenna measurements, Network planning, OnField commissioning, and Training. EMLAB is a software tool for antenna design, coverage area, and the human body exposition to the EMF (NIR Prediction).
A division for measuring and monitoring systems develops innovative EMF Measurement equipment: Meters, Probes, and Antennas.
www.aldena.it
AVT Audio Video Technologies GmbH
AVT Audio Video Technologies was founded in 1996 in Nuremberg as a manufacturer for professional audio equipment. Today, AVT is a leading manufacturer of DAB technology offering reliable hardware and software solutions for small, cost effective setups as well as scalable, fully redundant headends.
By tailoring individual solutions aimed at the changing requirements of a developing market, AVT equips its partners with the technology necessary to shape the media landscape of tomorrow. While steadily developing new systems to connect digital infrastructure and broadcast, we also make sure to continuously improve our existing products by implementing new features to enable sustained use. All our hardware systems are DSP based to offer highest reliability for a prolonged lifecycle.
AVT has more than two decades of comprehensive audio knowledge and offers more than just DAB products. As one of the leading manufacturers of telephone hybrid systems and audio codecs, we are also able to realize crosssystem integrations. The AVT systems, which are developed and manufactured in Germany, are deployed worldwide via national distributors. This gives us the opportunity to monitor global developments in broadcast and provide comprehensive solutions.
www.avt-nbg.de
COM-TECH
COM-TECH is an Italian leading company designing and developing high-end RF passive components.A worldwide reference, suppling products and services to customers in more than 50 Countries, COM-TECH main business areas are: Digital (DVB-T, ATSC, ISDB-T) and Analog Broadcast TV, Digital (DAB, T-DMB) and Analog (FM) Broadcast Radio; Industrial, Scientific and Medical.COM-TECH designs and manufactures Bandpass Filters and Channel Combiners, Hybrid Couplers, Multicouplers and Splitters, Patch Panels, Dry Loads, Rigid Lines, Connectors, Flanges, Elbows, Adapters, and accessories. www.com-tech.it
DekTec Digital Video B.V.
DekTec offers a large selection of PC peripherals that, although originally designed for digital video applications, are also effective for DAB+ projects. Our product range includes test modulators and monitoring receivers, available in both PCIe and USB form factors, designed to generate, receive, and analyze RF and baseband DAB+ signals using our StreamXpert stream software. These tools are ideal for a diverse range of users - including broadcasters, car and equipment manufacturers, and testing labs - who are actively developing, maintaining, and deploying high-quality, standardscompliant DAB+ digital radio solutions.
www.dektec.com
DIGIDIA
DIGIDIA provides end-to-end DAB & DAB+ solutions for broadcast and test applications. The broadcast transmission range encompasses multiplexers, content servers, IP gateways for EDI & ETI, and road tunnel transmission/ break-in products. The monitoring range includes professional RF receivers and EDI/ETI/RF monitoring platforms. All products are provided for both virtual and physical server platforms - Software and hardware designs are 100% done in house. Since 2021 DIGIDIA is part of the NAUTEL group.
www.nautel.com/products/digital-radio/dab/
DTS and AIM, a part of Xperi
Xperi’s automotive and broadcast technologies, DTS AutoSense, DTS AutoStage, HD Radio and AIM Rapid are designed to improve the in-vehicle experience, making it safer and more enjoyable and enable superior broadcast experiences globally. AIM Rapid is the leading visual radio management and publishing platform for broadcast, connected and hybrid radio platforms. Rapid enhances the broadcast radio experience on incar dashboards and home radios making it easy to centrally manage your services across large networks of stations. DTS AutoStage, built on the largest and deepest data set of broadcast and music metadata, combines over the air broadcast with IP-delivered content for a robust, richer, more personalized in-cabin infotainment experience, to deliver a globally available, OEM-grade enhanced radio solution compatible with DAB+, analog, and HD Radio. When joining DTS AutoStage, broadcasters maintain control of their content in the car dash and gain access to end-user analytics.
Broadcasters can join DTS AutoStage for free at https://onboarding.connectedrad.io
GatesAir
For over 100 years, GatesAir (a Thomson Broadcast subsidiary) has been an industry leader in over-the-air transmission solutions for radio and television broadcasters around the world. Our cutting-edge technology helps broadcasters increase efficiency, reliability, and flexibility in their workflows for a profitable and competitive edge.
GatesAir’s Maxiva line offers the industry’s most agile and efficient UHF/VHF transmitters and is globally recognized as the premier choice for DAB/DAB+ deployment. Designed for optimized power usage, maintenance, scalability, and connectivity, Maxiva transmitters are the backbone of digital radio and TV broadcasting worldwide.
Our Flexiva FM transmitters offer a wide range of power options, from costeffective, low-power units to high-efficiency, high-power models. For analog or digital usage, stations across the globe rely on these renowned solutions.
For reliable AoIP/VoIP distribution, our Intraplex STL codecs are the industry standard. Our award-winning IP and 950MHz codecs provide rock-solid, always-on assurance with advanced analytics and control.
www.gatesair.com/dab
GSERTAL
GSERTEL is a spanish manufacturer helping Operators, Broadcasters and Regulators to identify and diagnose quality problems affecting the TV & Radio services in an efficient manner, with our QoS Measuring & Monitoing tools.
For DAB, GSERTEL will present the Portable Analyzer (HEXYLON) for troubleshooting DAB signals on the field and measure the coverage, and the RCS monitoring probe for a real time and 24 x 7 analysis of RF, ETI, EDI signals at transmitter site.
www.irte.it
ITEL Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni
ITEL Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni is a company specializing in audio processing and headend systems for the radio and television telecommunications market.
Based in Perugia, Italy, ITEL designs and manufactures all of its products locally. Founded in 2007, ITEL quickly gained a strong reputation in the Italian market for the quality and innovation of its products. It was the first company to implement the recoding of alternative frequencies in RDS systems for FM radio and the first globally to integrate audio processing systems within DAB+ headend technology. Today, ITEL’s distribution network spans over 100 countries, and the company collaborates with major government organizations worldwide to advance DAB+ radio development.
www.itel.it/en/
Innovationszentrum für Telekommunikationstechnik GmbH IZT
Since 1997, the Innovationszentrum für Telekommunikationstechnik GmbH IZT provides equipment for digital radio systems, transmitters for digital broadcast, receivers for signal monitoring and recording, signal generation and channel simulators.
The DAB-specific product portfolio includes the IZT DAB ContentServer – a highly reliable professional broadcast system for DAB. It combines audio encoding, data service management and ensemble/service multiplex generation in one device. Its reliability has permanently been proven in numerous DAB head-end installations. In addition, the IZT’s signal generators and RF monitoring receivers are powerful laboratory tools, for example for DAB signal analysis or for the development DAB receivers.
www.izt-labs.de
Media Broadcast
Media Broadcast is a member of the freenet Group and Germany’s largest service provider for the broadcast and media industry. The company’s core business includes the planning, set-up and operation of multi-media transmission platforms for television and radio on a national and global basis using modern transmitter, fibre and satellite networks. The focus is on terrestrial transmitter networks, and with more than 2,000 transmitters for FM, DAB+ and DVB-T, the company is the market leader in Germany.
Media Broadcast serves around 750 national and international customers, including public and commercial broadcasters, TV and radio production companies, cable network operators, media authorities, as well as private enterprises and public institutions. The company has its headquarters in Cologne and operates several offices throughout Germany.
www.media-broadcast.com
OIV
With more than 90 years of tradition and experience, Transmitters and Communications Ltd. (OIV) operates in the core of broadcasting and telecommunication industries in Croatia, providing complete radio and television broadcasting services (terrestrial and satellite), audio-visual content and data distribution, fibre-optic lease, co-location as well as modern media services (IPTV wholesale, TV playout, turn-key OTT, HbbTV). The list of our customers includes all national and most regional Croatian TV and radio broadcasters (public and commercial), telecom services providers (fixed and mobile), public and state institutions. The company headquarters is located in Zagreb with maintenance centres distributed in the larger cities of Croatia.
www.oiv.hr
Paneda
Paneda offers innovative and cost-effective DAB solutions: safety systems, broadcast networks and broadcast systems. Nearly 200 tunnels in Norway are equipped with Paneda systems. Many local and public European broadcasters are using Paneda DAB Head-End systems with a complete range of products including multiplexing, audio encoders, data insertion and content management.
www.paneda.no
PLISCH
Plisch – The Transmitter Company is a leading manufacturer of DTV and DAB transmitter systems, founded in 1955 and located in Viernheim, Germany. We deliver innovative products and services to the broadcasting equipment industry – using our scientific and technological expertise – to give a clear technical and economic advantage to our customers.
www.plisch.de
Radioplayer
Owned by broadcasters in 22 countries, Radioplayer brings together nearly 10,000 radio stations globally. Collaborating with automotive and tech leaders, we’re transforming radio for connected audiences. Our goal is to empower radio’s future through innovation and strategic partnerships. Our flagship products include Hybrid Radio Integrations in cars, an extensive app ecosystem and smart speaker integrations. Through the Radioplayer Data Platform and Insight Dashboard, we help broadcasters optimize content and business strategies. Through global collaboration and advocacy, we uphold radio’s cultural significance and accessibility. In essence, Radioplayer leads radio’s evolution, ensuring that radio remains a vital part of the connected world, whether it’s in cars, homes, or on any device where people listen to content.
www.radioplayer.org
Rf2Digital
RF2Digital specializes in providing automotive radio solutions that cover global radio standards such as DAB, DRM, CDR, HDRadio, AM/FM, and streaming radio. Our solutions leverage SDR (Software Defined Radio) technology, which can be seamlessly integrated into any automotive SoC. With a mission to surpass technical boundaries in automotive infotainment systems, we draw from decades of experience and research, striving towards uncharted territories of the future. As an initial endeavor, our focus lies on delivering comprehensive IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system solutions.
www.rf2digital.com/
Syes
SYES has been successfully manufacturing Transmitters, systems and solutions for broadcasters for over 40 years with technology fully developed in-house thanks to its powerful R&D departments.
Together with multiple-standard high-efficiency broadcasting Transmitters (air/liquid cooled) and antenna systems, SYES has proudly developed and released a complete line of DAB+ transmitters which has been recently released in a state-of-the-art version for the peace of mind of all our customers worldwide. Come and see for yourself at WorldDAB Summit 2024!
https://www.syes.eu/
TRedess
TRedess is a company specialised in DTT and DAB+ Transmitters and Gap Fillers, counting with more than 28.000 transmitting devices operating worldwide in more than 60 countries. TRedess DAB+ portfolio counts with air cooled solutions from very low powers up to 5KW.
In the last 4 years, TRedess has become a key player in a large number of the DAB+ rollouts worldwide due to the very high efficiency of TRedess DAB+ transmitters plus also the outstanding performance of TRedess DAB+ SFN Gap Fillers.
Other main characteristics to highlight of TRedess solutions are: compact devices, flexibility, easy to use and operate, cost effective solutions for each scenario, full control of the design and manufacturing, top class quality control, support, etc…
https://tredess.com/
