WorldDAB Summit in Vienna to weigh DAB+ growth and car radio
Broadcasters, regulators and technology specialists will meet in Vienna next month for the WorldDAB Summit 2026. The agenda covers the future of DAB+, radio regulation and in-car listening.
The Summit takes place at Meliá Vienna in DC Tower 1. The building also serves as a DAB+ transmission site for the Austrian capital.
Opening debate and international update
The first session is a debate titled "Why Radio Wins". Speakers are WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst, Corinna Drumm of the Association of Austrian Private Broadcasters and Wouter Quartier, Head of Radio at the European Broadcasting Union. UK DAB+ multiplex operator Matt Deegan moderates.
The panel will look at radio's place in a multiplatform environment, the role of broadcast transmission and how the industry can fund its future.
Bierhorst will also give an international update on DAB+ trials, launches and expansion in Ireland, Spain, Kenya and Thailand.
Around one third of countries worldwide are now actively involved with DAB+. Poland has recently invited applications for national multiplexes. Germany has introduced permanent Automatic Safety Alert broadcasts.
Global sales of DAB and DAB+ receivers have passed 166 million units, according to figures confirmed at WorldDAB Automotive in June.
Austria and policy sessions
Austria's digital radio market gets its own focus. Topics include the growth of commercial DAB+ services and a pilot broadcast of Hitradio Ö3 by public broadcaster ORF. Digital Radio Austria will describe how it promotes DAB+. Markus Horvath of MediaMarkt will explain why the retailer switched its in-store radio to digital broadcasting.
Other sessions deal with the proposed EU Digital Networks Act, including efforts to secure guaranteed FM and DAB+ receiver integration in vehicles. Speakers will also cover government policies that support digital radio, permanent safety alert services and the way broadcasters build new stations and brands on DAB+.
Julia Nageler, presenter of the Bayern 3 YouTube programme DSDN, returns as moderator.
Bernie O'Neill, Project Director at WorldDAB, said: "Vienna is the perfect location for this year's Summit: a dynamic DAB+ market with new and trial services on air and strong promotion for the platform."
Source: RadioToday