EBU launches its Digital Radio Toolkit

A major research project led by senior analysts from the Media Intelligence Service (MIS) of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has identified a range of factors central to the successful deployment of terrestrial radio digitisation across Europe.  

Launch of the ‘Digital Radio Toolkit’ follows a six month-long investigation into the experiences and best practices of the three countries which are leading the launch of digital terrestrial radio in Europe: Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. 

In all, 30 success factors have been identified across eight areas: institutional structure, policy and regulation, content and offer, technology, switchover process, public communications, consumer electronics and the car industry. Each of these key success factors is illustrated with a specific national best-practice example.

Head of the EBU’s Radio Unit, Dr Christian Vogg says the report is an effective guide for radio stakeholders – whether public or private – who are navigating an unprecedented time of change and competition.

“The digital switchover is not an issue that broadcasters can tackle individually,” said Mr Vogg.“The technological transition has proven to be more challenging than originally imagined. Conflicts and divergence are common among players, so understanding that terrestrial radio cannot remain an ‘analogue island’ in a digital environment  is crucial to achieving effective coordination among all stakeholders. It’s about creating win-win situations.”

Interviewees repeatedly pointed out that the cornerstone of their whole strategy was ‘competing on content, cooperating in technology.’ This approach enables broadcasters to focus on creating appealing content for audiences in our converging  media world.

The report is available for download here.