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To drive DAB+ receiver sales in Europe, the radio industry has to educate consumer and retail sales staff more effectively. How to do that and more were addressed during Session 2 of the WorldDAB Summit 2021 on Nov. 9. (Recordings of the sessions are on the WorldDAB YouTube page.)

In recent years, Flemish media companies have focused on digital radio and DAB+. “We notice that digital listening is gaining momentum,” says VRT radio manager Els Van de Sijpe. “A richer offer on DAB+ can further strengthen this growth. We have received a massive amount of enthusiastic reactions, proof that we really respond to the needs of our listeners. We can further expand this new VRT offer after the successful start.”

Three years after the launch of its first edition, maRadio.be launched the 2021 edition of the Digital Radio Week. From 15-21 November 2021 all of French-speaking Belgiums radio stations will together promote digital listening, DAB+ devices and the Radioplayer app. 16 new local DAB+ radio stations launch to coincide with the event.

UK motorists have little interest in unnecessary in-car technology, according to a new survey by budget brand Dacia. More than three-quarters (78 percent) of the 2,000 drivers asked said they simply want technology that makes life easier. The research found 76 percent believed too many high-end features cause confusion when driving. Parking sensors, DAB radio and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity were the most frequently used. Luke Broad, brand director for Dacia UK and Ireland, said: “Features and technology on our cars should be in line with our customers’ demands so they pay for only what they need.”

Frontier Kino 4 is the world leading DAB+ receiver solution, powering over 20 million DAB+ receivers. Frontier has created software specifically aimed at automotive solutions, the AutoDAB software development kit (SDK), which allows the Kino 4 chip to run in slave mode and offer advanced automotive features such as intelligent DAB to DAB service following, DAB to FM service linking recommendations, service linking enhancements for automotive operation, DL+ support, station logos for now playing screen, station logos for menu, slideshow support, direct support for DAB seek.

Aimed at children and families, Radio TEDDY is Germany's first children and family oriented radio station launching in the German state of Saarland on 15 November. Managing Director Katrin Helmschrott said: Radio TEDDY is conquering Germany! By the end of the year we will be receivable in twelve federal states via FM or DAB+. We can proudly say that young people have pioneered the medium of radio."

The WorldDAB Summit held on 9 November achieved record attendance with over 530 registered delegates from 75 countries. Highlights included the results of a major car buyers study by Edison Research, market updates from France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK, new DAB markets, radio audio device trends, and the DAB green radio report. All the event presentations and watch again are available via the WorldDAB website.

Thanks to the intense work of Polish Radio on reaching the highest possible number of inhabitants of the country with the highest signal quality, 41 DAB + broadcasting stations have been launched in Poland so far, making it possible to receive the Polish Radio programme package for about 67% of the Polish population within the range, including in places where the reception of programs on FM band has been impossible so far. Currently, activities are underway to increase the coverage of Polish Radio's DAB+ digital broadcasting with new stations, the launch of which will take place in 2022.

The unique radio landscape in Berlin and Brandenburg is gaining even more programmes thanks to a decision made by the Media Council to issue four 7-year radio licences for the following radio stations: Grosstadtradio, Radio Holiday, Radio BHeins and MEGA Radio Berlin.

According to a study published by the Edison research almost all (91 percent) of German respondents said that terrestrial radio should be standard equipment in every car. This trend runs through all age groups. The survey also shows that a factory-installed radio has a major influence on consumers' purchasing decisions: 81 percent of potential car buyers in Germany stated that they would rarely buy or lease a vehicle without a built-in radio. Drivers in Germany listen to the radio significantly more than any other audio source: 45 percent of those surveyed stated that they often listen to the radio in their cars. 20 percent use online music streaming services, 13 percent listen to CDs.