News

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.

If the future of radio is in the hands of new car buyers, radio broadcasters should feel more at ease. According to a new international study by Edison Research, broadcast radio continues to dominate as the most preferred source of in-car entertainment across the globe. Almost all (90%) of the survey respondents said a broadcast radio tuner should be standard equipment in every car, a trend that is consistent across age groups, indicating strong demand among current and future car buyers.

The survey found Aussie consumers were less likely to purchase a car if it didn’t include a built-in radio, with 79 per cent preferring the old school over the newer selection of podcasts, Spotify and other forms of audio streaming. “Despite an increase in other audio options, Australians still love to listen to radio in the car,” CRA chief executive officer Joan Warner said. “Listening to local news and entertainment delivered free to air by local voices is an essential in-car feature for Australian drivers."

Helwin Lesch, Head of Distribution and Controlling Department in the Production and Technology Directorate of Bayerischer Rundfunk, was announced as this year’s recipient of the WorldDAB Award for Outstanding Service at the WorldDAB General Assembly. He has been a pivotal figure in promoting DAB+ in Bavaria, in Germany and more widely in Europe.