NEWS: BERLIN MEDIA REGULATOR ABANDONS DAB DIGITAL RADIO by GRANT GODDARD

www.grantgoddard.co.uk December 2004

Berlins media regulatory authority MABB has abandoned the DAB digital radio transmission system on the grounds that it offers poor indoor reception to radio listeners, resulting in slow sales of consumer DAB equipment. SBD Ltd, consultants in car components, has warned of the possible damaging consequences for the European car industry, which requires development of a common pan-European broadcasting system to make installation of DAB receivers in new models economically viable. Because Germany is Europes largest new car market, DAB development in key German states such as Berlin-Brandenburg is essential for generating uptake in other European countries. David McClure, SBD Head of Telematics, warned: This move risks making it less likely that other areas of Europe will buy into the technology. It has a destabilising and disruptive effect at a time when the [car] industry should be trying to achieve a unified approach to what should be the next generation of radio technology. The SDB report, 'An Automotive View of DAB and its Competitors', concludes that DAB offers by far the best potential for the car industry, being both a robust and mature technology. SDB evaluated the potential of rival and more advanced technologies such as DVB-H and DMB but concluded that, in the short term, DAB offers the best potential for auto manufacturers, initially for audio reception and later for more sophisticated data services.

[First published in 'The Radio Magazine' as 'DAB Setback In Berlin', #665, 8 January 2005]

Grant Goddard is a media analyst / radio specialist / radio consultant with thirty years of experience in the broadcasting industry, having held senior management and consultancy roles within the commercial media sector in the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. Details at http://www.grantgoddard.co.uk

News: Berlin Media Regulator Abandons DAB Digital Radio 2004 Grant Goddard

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