The European Broadcasting Union says its Smart Radio Initiative is gaining momentum as German broadcaster Klassik Radio AG has backed the campaign to integrate analog and digital broadcast chips in all mobile devices.
“In the case of a national radio broadcaster, not only is it important to focus strongly on a new means of transmission, we must also create a seamless transition from the analogue to the digital world without, however, excluding any listeners who are not yet equipped with digital technology,” said Klassik Radio AG Managing Director Ulrich Kobak.
Klassik joins seven other commercial broadcasters and 11 public service broadcasters who have already voiced their support.
“In Germany, support comes from the Association of Private Radio Broadcasters, representing 290 local and regional radio and TV stations — a substantial portion of the commercial radio market,” said EBU
Head of Radio Christian Vogg. “Similarly, in the Netherlands, the Sky Group, which holds a significant market share, has aligned with EBU Member NPO to pursue digital radio. In French-speaking Belgium, Smart Radio supporters RTL Belgium and public broadcaster RTBF account for a 65 percent audience share.”
