WorldDAB Automotive 2024

Sponsors

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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 cross-system 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

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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/

 

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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 cost-effective, 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

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Inntot Technologies

Inntot Technologies is a Forbes India Select 200 Deep Tech company with prime focus on enabling cost effective next generation digital media receivers.

Inntot powers Digital Radio Receivers of major car makers.

Inntot's field proven SDR based DAB/DAB+ Receiver solution including Data Services has been ported to various hardware platforms integrated with different Automotive grade tuners. Inntot is engaged with car OEMs and Automotive Tier-1s for providing SDR based DAB receiver solutions to various markets such as Europe, GCC, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Inntot is also working towards developing Audio processing components to enhance and enrich the user experience in vehicles. Audio processing components include basic features such as Loudness & DRC, Spatial Enhancement, Fade in/Fade out and advanced features such as Personalized sound zone, Noise cancellation, Noise enhancement etc.

Inntot Technologies is the winner of several prestigious awards including NASSCOM League of 10 - Emerge 50 2023, National Technology Awards 2021 of TDB, Government of India, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Skill Excellence Awards 2022 of Government of India, NXP Tech Startup Challenge 2022, Industrial Innovation Awards 2017 of Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) - for the Best Service Startup and Top 10 Promising Startups of India, ASSOCHAM 4th ICT Awards 2020, DRM Enterprise Award 2019 instituted by Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium.

www.inntot.com

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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

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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.

http://rf2digital.com/

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Xperi - featuring DTS AutoStage and All In Media (AIM) 

Xperi, via its comprehensive broadcast technologies portfolio (including DTS AutoStage, AIM Radio Apps including the new AIM Player and AIM RAPID), is uniquely committed to support broadcasters in their special bonds with the communities they serve, enabling connections with audiences wherever they consume content, while simplifying and personalizing content discovery and future-proofing radio via a consistent and constant stream of broadcast-centric innovation.

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

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Event host

Klára Nováková, Czech Radio 

With over 15 years’ experience in journalism and broadcasting, Klára is the host, journalist, and deputy editor-in-chief at Czech Radio’s DAB+ station for children – Radio Junior. She is also producer of the Radio Junior Music Chart, regularly interviewing a wide range of singers, celebrities, experts and listeners.

Klára has hosted numerous high-profile events, from live broadcasts and conferences to competitions, air shows, and children's events. Notably, she is a host for UNICEF in Czechia, leading its annual competition, Díte Ceska (Child of Czechia – Children’s Award). Her international work includes broadcasting a three-hour live show from the United Nations, Czech Consulate, and Czech Centre in New York, alongside hosting radio workshops and end-of-school-year celebration shows in the United States.

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Jacqueline Bierhorst, Project Director, Digital Radio NL and WorldDAB President

Jacqueline Bierhorst has been a pioneer in commercial radio since 1987, specialised in distribution, marketing, and content. She has a strong track record in launching and leading successful commercial television and radio channels in The Netherlands and Belgium. From 2011 until 2015 she was project leader on the roll out of the DAB+ network in The Netherlands and since 2015 she is project director Digital Radio NL, a collaboration between public and commercial broadcasters and the Ministry of Economic Affairs coordinating involvement of all stakeholders and joint marketing of Digital Radio. Bierhorst is owner of Jacky B Entertainment Solutions, Vice President of WorldDAB, a member of the WorldDAB Steering Board and an active ambassador of digital radio throughout Europe. She is also a consultant to the Flemish Government, Department of Culture, Youth and Media for the introduction of DAB+ in Flanders, initiating collaboration throughout the Flemish stakeholders on digital radio and country manager Radioplayer Netherlands.

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April Carty-Sipp, Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) 

April Carty-Sipp has over 30 years of experience in the radio and television industry. At NAB she leads her team in growing and maintaining station membership, producing member events and content, and collaborating with other NAB departments on TV and Radio issues. At NAB, she previously served as the Senior Vice President of Television and Radio. Prior to NAB, Carty-Sipp worked in leadership positions at Disney ABC Television Group and Comcast/NBCUniversal. She holds a BA in Communications from Rowan University and was recently named as one of the 2024 “Most Influential Women in Radio” by Radio Ink.

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Prune De La Fage, Deputy Director, Radio Classique 

A graduate of ESSCA, Prune de La Fage began her career with Ernst and Young before assuming a position as management controller with the media group “Le Figaro”. In 2016, she joined the management control team at Groupe Les Echos le Parisien (Groupe LVMH), where she took part in a number of projects to modernise the monitoring of several activities (Advertising, Research, Publishing, Trade shows, Legal Ads and Public sector). Appointed Deputy Director of Radio Classique in August 2022, she is responsible for managing the radio station's activities alongside Bertrand Dermoncourt, MD.

Corinna Drumm, Managing Director, Association of Austrian Private Broadcasters (VÖP)

Corinna Drumm has been working in the Austrian media industry for more than 20 years. She has been managing director of the Association of Austrian Private Broadcasters (VÖP) since 2010. Before that, she worked for 12 years in the management of several Austrian private radio and private television stations, including SAT.1 Austria, Antenne Salzburg and Antenne Wien. Since 2019 she has been the Vice-President of the Association of European Radios (AER), a Europe-wide trade body representing the interests of over 5000 private/commercial radio stations across the EU27, UK and Switzerland. Corinna Drumm studied business administration in Trier (Germany) and Dublin (Ireland).

 

Jean-Marc Dubreuil, Programme Manager, WorldDAB

 Jean-Marc Dubreuil has been involved in the digital audio broadcasting world as early as 2009, with Frontier Silicon, focusing on the automotive sector. Since 2012, he is the WorldDAB representative in France, working with the industry to promote the adoption of DAB+.

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Tomas Granryd, Head of digital partnerships, Swedish Radio

Tomas Granryd has been working for Swedish Radio for more than 20 years, holding various positions such as hosting, producing, and commissioning radio. For the last 5 years, he has been the head of digital partnerships, leading the work around the presence of Radio and Swedish Radio in connected cars. Tomas is also the Vice Chair of the Digital Committee at the EBU.

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Laurence Harrison, Director of Automotive Partnerships, Radioplayer Worldwide

Laurence Harrison leads Radioplayer’s work with the automotive industry across Europe and internationally, building partnerships with the leading car manufacturers and multimedia technology suppliers around metadata, HMI design and smart radio development in connected and autonomous cars. He is a current member of the WorldDAB Steering Board and Chaired the WorldDAB User Experience Group for 5 years. With WorldDAB, he led the research and development of the WorldDAB in-car UX guidelines and the subsequent engagement with major car manufacturers. He previously worked for Digital Radio UK where he led the partnerships with car manufacturers that saw digital radio included as standard in all new cars.

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Fred Jacobs, Jacobs Media

Jacobs Media celebrated its 40^th anniversary last year, providing research and consulting guidance to media brands throughout North America and the world. The company held its DASH Conferences in 2013-14-15, a mashup of automotive and radio professionals.  And with an eye to the future, Fred and his brother Paul have led tours of broadcast executives at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas for the past six years. Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018, the first researcher/consultant to receive that honor.  And in 2022, Fred and Paul Jacobs were co-recipients of the NAB’s prestigious National Radio Award. 

 

 

Gereon Joachim, Vice President Automotive Sales & Strategy, EMEA, Xperi

Gereon Joachim, Vice President Automotive Sales & Strategy, EMEA, is leading the European automotive business development / sales activities and strategy for Xperi. A senior executive with over 25 years of experience in engineering, program management and sales in the automotive industry, he is focused on delivering extraordinary in-car infotainment experiences to his customers, making journeys safer and more enjoyable. Prior to joining Xperi, Gereon held positions at Visteon, Remy International and United Technologies. He holds an MBA in Global eManagement from University of Cologne and a degree in Industrial Engineering from Cologne University of Applied Sciences.

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Kathrin Kluser, Media Specialist, OFCOM Switzerland

Kathrin recently joined OFCOM Switzerland as a media specialist, focusing on digital broadcast distribution. Kathrin represents the OFCOM in the DigiMig Group which coordinates all aspects of the migration from FM to DAB+ in Switzerland and promotes exchange within the industry on all topics related to DAB+ as well as practical questions around the transition from FM to DAB+. Kathrin has over ten years of experience in media research for research institutes in Switzerland as well as the BLM (Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien) in Germany.

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Roger Lanctot, CEO, StrategiaNow

Roger Lanctot is CEO and Founder of Strategia Now Consulting and President of the Mobile Satellite Users Association.  He is best known as the what’s-next guy in connected car technology and safety.  He brings decades of experience in market research, consulting, and journalism in the electronics industry. He was most recently, and for the past 15 years, director of connected mobility for TechInsights.  He advises several companies and organizations in the connectivity community including the International Telecommunications Union and has been recognized as a member of the TU-Automotive Hall of Fame.  You can find his blogs on LinkedIn where he has 190,000 followers.

 

Megan Lazovick, Vice President, Edison Research

Megan Lazovick, Vice President at Edison Research, specializes in crafting research for thought leadership, content marketing, and consumer-driven strategy. With a passion for understanding consumer behavior in the audio sector, Megan designs surveys and moderates focus groups and in-depth interviews, exploring people's diverse lives and interests worldwide. In 2023 alone, Lazovick developed and presented The Kids Podcast Listener Report, The Spoken Word Audio Report, Dashboard Dialogue, The Infinite Dial, and The Media Habits of Gen Z. She also is part of the team behind The Women's Podcast Listeners Report, The Gen Z Podcast Listener Report, and many other bespoke studies from Edison Research. Lazovick is a sought-after speaker at industry events worldwide, including WorldDAB Automotive, The European Radio Show, RAIN Summits, Campaigns and Marketing Summit, Marketing to Women, Marketing to Moms, Country Radio Seminar, and more. She holds a degree in Communication Studies with a focus on radio and television from The College of New Jersey. 

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Gwendolin Niehues, Head of Partner Management Audio and Voice, ARD  

Gwendolin Niehues is the head of ARD Partner Management Audio and Voice, a unit of the German public broadcaster which is responsible for partnerships and distribution of audio and voice products. This unit also specifically focusses on automotive strategy and distribution, ensuring the availability and prominence of ARD’s content in today’s and tomorrow’s cars. Next to her work for the German public broadcaster, Gwendolin is an active member of the EBU Connected Cars Group, where she cooperates with European colleagues to innovate around the future of public service media content in cars. Before joining ARD, she researched in the field of management with a focus on creative industries in the Netherlands, Denmark and the US.

Frank Nowack, Function Owner Broadcast Radio, Ford Motor Company

Frank Nowack is Function Owner Broadcast Radio for Ford Motor Company since July 2005. Previous to that he held a similar role for over 5 years at Volkswagen Group. He holds a Diploma in Communications Engineering from Fachhochschule Dortmund – University of Applied Sciences and Arts and is an active member of WorldDAB’s automotive working group.

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Bernie O’Neill, Project Director, WorldDAB

An experienced people connector within the digital radio industry, Bernie has headed WorldDAB since 2011, with overall responsibility for the direction and management of WorldDAB activities. Together with her team and the global network of WorldDAB members she works to further the adoption and implementation of DAB+, the digital successor of FM radio.  With a background in leadership of international trade associations for over 25 years, her career expands over several industries including radio, ICT, water and education. She is an expert at driving business development, delivering value to stakeholders, strategically aligning teams, and developing effective marketing communications. Trained in international business, she has held postings in London, Brussels, and The Hague.

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Nick Piggott, Project Director, RadioDNS and Vice President, WorldDAB

Piggott has spent the majority of his career working in the radio industry, initially in programming and then moving to digital radio and online innovation. He is one of the founders of RadioDNS Hybrid Radio, the open technology project that lets broadcast radio and IP work together, combining the power of broadcasting to reach many people and the power of the internet to deliver enhanced or personalised content.

Gregor Pötzsch, Product Owner, Radio, CARIAD, Volkswagen Group and Chair of WorldDAB Automotive Working Group

Pötzsch is a digital radio native as Product Owner @Cariad entertainment, smart functions and gaming dev team. He is driving the Digital Radio Entertainment Future @Cariad for Volkswagen Group. Together with WorldDAB, RadioDNS and Radioplayer he connects the Broadcast Community with the Automotive World.

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Javier Sánchez Pérez, Head of Strategy, RTVE Innovation Center, Radio Televisión Española (RTVE)

Javier Sánchez is a senior Telecommunications Engineer and is Head of Strategy at RTVE Innovation Center since 2015. He joined RTVE in 2008 and was appointed Head of Technical Planning of RNE (2008-2014), managing all its spectrum licenses and dealing with technical & legal aspects. He was appointed Head of European Spectrum Strategy at RTVE 2014-2015, during which time he was also a member of EBU Strategic Programme on Spectrum and the EBU Steering Committee on Spectrum. Javier was elected as a Steering Board member of WorldDAB in November 2023.

 

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Hanns Wolter, Technical Director, DAB Italia and Chair, WorldDAB Spectrum and Network Implementation Committee

Hanns has been working in the DAB world since 2000 as a Product Manager and has, in these years worked on all issues regarding DAB, at both a national and international level, including the introduction of DAB+ in 2007. He is involved in network planning and spectrum issues and also works closely with hardware manufacturers for the deployment of a comprehensive DAB environment. Currently, he is responsible for the planning and management of the ongoing roll-out of DAB Italia’s network and all issues related to the creation, distribution and transmission of the multiplex.

 

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Karel Zýka, Technical and Administration Director, Head of DAB switchover, Czech Radio and Vice President, WorldDAB

Karel Zýka is Technical and Administration Director of Czech Radio, responsible for radio and ICT technology, investment research and development and for new technology implementations. He has been also the Head of the DAB+ implementation strategy in the Czech Republic, which has successfully launched full power broadcasting of “DAB Prague” in 2015 and has started the process of digital switchover in Czech Republic. Before joining Czech Radio, Karel Zýka worked as Director of commercial TV network at the multichannel television group TV Prima (part of MTG), as Director of Sales and Marketing at Czech Radio or as Managing Director of Audiovisual Producers´ Association. He graduated from the Czech Technical University in Prague, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and the Ph.D. at the Academy of Performing Arts. He has been a member of the WorldDAB Steering Board since 2015.

 

 

13.06.2024

June 12th, 19:00-00:00 CEST
19:00 - 21:30	Networking evening at Miminoo Garden Restaurant, Žižkov Tower
June 13th, 19:00-00:00 CEST
-	WorldDAB Automotive 2024 - programme
09:00 - 09:30	Registration and networking breakfast
09:30 - 10:30	SESSION ONE Opening address - WorldDAB President The latest on the global growth of DAB+ and the importance of pulling together to ensure that we keep DAB+ broadcast radio at the heart of the dashboard, coupled with the best possible user experience. Speaker: Jacqueline Bierhorst, Project Director, Digital Radio NL and President, WorldDAB EBU Playbook - a direction for the whole industry The EBU Connected Car Playbook aims to ensure that audiences can continue to easily find and listen to the content they love in connected vehicles and offers a map of what is required from all parties involved. Speakers: Tomas Granryd, Head of Digital Partnerships, Swedish Radio; Gwendolin Niehues, Head of Partner Management Audio and Voice, ARD   Czech radio industry moving ahead with DAB+ Czech Radio has been at the forefront of driving DAB+ expansion in Czechia. The industry has set ambitious targets to achieve 50% population and motorway coverage by the first quarter of 2025, and plans to extend regional population coverage to 70% of the population in the future. Speaker: Karel Zýka, Technical and Administration Director, Head of DAB switchover, Czech Radio and Vice President, WorldDAB Q&A
10:30 - 11:00	Coffee and networking
11:00 - 12:00	SESSION TWO DAB+ from the driver's perspective An overview of the latest research on why drivers love listening to broadcast radio. Speaker: Megan Lazovick, Vice President, Edison Research The fight for radio’s prominence in-car: Where are we now and can we win? Radio is up against increasing competition in the car for drivers and passengers. Prominence and accessibility are vital to keep listening strong and to provide in-car listeners with the radio content they love. How is radio doing on prominence in different use cases such as hybrid radio, voice and smartphone mirroring? And what do we need to do to keep radio accessible and prominent? Speaker: Laurence Harrison, Director of Automotive Partnerships, Radioplayer Worldwide How broadcasters are enhancing the drive experience with DAB+ Targeting in-car DAB+ listeners with innovative new content and marketing.   Speakers: Prune De La Fage, Deputy Director, Radio Classique and Kathrin Kluser, Media Specialist, OFCOM, Switzerland; Moderator: Jean-Marc Dubreuil, Programme Manager - France, WorldDAB  Q&A
12:00 - 13:00	Networking lunch
13:00 - 14:00	SESSION THREE Exploring the evolving role of broadcast radio amid advancements in car connectivity Broadcasters must grasp car makers' priorities and strategies to successfully engage with drivers and consumers. Positioned to educate and influence auto manufacturers, broadcasters can help in achieving mutual goals. This presentation will delve into these strategic pathways and opportunities. Speaker: Roger Lanctot, CEO, Strategia Now Challenges and opportunities for broadcast radio in today’s connected cars Beyond home and office, connected vehicles have emerged as a tantalizing third space, where the latest technology trends can lure the listening public away from broadcast radio. With the proper tools, radio can give listeners more of the content they love and, crucially, gain amazing, timely insights into how, when, what and where their listeners are engaging with their programming, thus maintaining radio’s prominence in the digital dash. Speaker: Gereon Joachim, Vice President Automotive Sales & Strategy, EMEA, Xperi Successful localised content Practical advice from one of the world's largest auto makers on overcoming challenges and avoiding pitfalls to implement localised content and advertisements on DAB+.  Speaker:  Frank Nowack, Function Owner Broadcast Radio, Ford Motor Company Q&A
14:00 - 14:30	Networking coffee
14:30 - 15:30	SESSION FOUR A view from the US on how broadcasters are driving radio's future in automobiles  Speakers: April Carty-Sipp, Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) with Fred Jacobs, Founder, Jacobs Media Revving up radio: mastering metadata and phonemes  Metadata and phonemes are critical components necessary for broadcasters to create seamless and intuitive interactions between drivers and their vehicles. Speakers:  Nick Piggott, Project Director, RadioDNS and Vice President, WorldDAB; Gregor Pötzsch, Product Owner, Radio, CARIAD, Volkswagen Group and Chair of WorldDAB Automotive Working Group Reinforcing broadcast radio's dominance in the dashboard with DAB+ Speakers:  Corinna Drumm, Managing Director, Association of Austrian Private Broadcasters (VÖP); Javier Sanchez, Head of Strategy, RTVE Innovation Center, Radio Televisión Española (RTVE); Hanns Wolter, Technical Director, DAB Italia and Chair of WorldDAB Spectrum and Network Implementation Committee Closing comments Bernie O'Neill, Project Director, WorldDAB  Q&A