The author is editor of Radio World International.
Thousands are making their way to Amsterdam today for IBC2013. This year marks the 45th year of Europe’s main electronic media and entertainment event, which runs from Sept. 12–17 with the exhibition taking place from Sept. 13–17.
I arrive Friday afternoon and am looking forward to the insights into key industry trends that this event always offers.
To officially kick off the gathering, on Friday Sept. 13 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m, Amitabh Bachchan, famed actor who has appeared in more than 180 films, including the 2013 movie “The Great Gatsby,” will give the convention keynote speech. The keynote will lead into a session entitled “100 Years of Indian Cinema: Creative Evolution and Global Markets.”
In 2012, IBC attracted some 50,937 professionals from more than 160 countries. This figure was up by 1 percent on the event’s previous attendance record, set in 2011. It will be interesting to see how 2013 fares.
So what’s on tap for radio folks? On Friday and Saturday, the Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium will be making its rounds. Offering updates on DRM and DRM+ technology, the consortium will be present on the EBU stand Friday Sept. 13 at 4 p.m. and Saturday Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. DRM Consortium member Nautel Ltd. will also be hosting its traditional DRM event during the show on the afternoon Saturday Sept. 14.
On Monday Sept. 16 at 11:30 a.m., WorldDMB will hold a free workshop entitled “Internet Radio: Threat or Accelerator to DAB Digital Radio,” to discuss the key areas of importance on the future of broadcast and Internet radio.
The session will take a look at the integration of the second screen within the traditional linear model for TV and its parallel with radio, and if listeners can look forward to a mix of Internet and live radio. Is Internet radio a threat or an accelerator to DAB broadcast markets?
Speakers include Annika Nyberg, EBU media director; Andrew Harrison, CEO of RadioCentre and Chairman Radioplayer in the U.K.; Mark Friend, controller, Multiplatforms and Interactive, Radio at the BBC; and James Cridland, a radio “futurologist.”
In addition, there will be number of firms exhibiting their radio goods at the show. More about that later…
IBC2013 is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday Sept. 13 and from 9:30 to 6:00 the following days. The show concludes at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 17.
Come around and visit Radio World at the NewBay stand, located between Halls 8 and 9. Most probably however, we will see you in the aisles first! Or email me at [email protected] to share your observations about the show and what products most impress you.
See you there and safe travels.
