WorldDAB, the association that promotes the development of DAB digital radio, is among the presenters at this year’s IBC Show in Amsterdam. Radio World offers a sampling of what radio-interested attendees can expect.
On Sunday, Sept. 14, WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst will open the association’s annual IBC Show session, which is themed “Shaping the Future of Broadcast Radio.”
Bierhorst is no stranger to the IBC Show or commercial radio, having been involved in the industry since 1987. Her career includes launching and developing successful commercial radio and TV channels in her native Netherlands and Belgium.
From 2011–2015, she led the rollout of the DAB+ network in the Netherlands. Since then, she has been the project director of Digital Radio NL, a collaborative effort between public and commercial broadcasters and the country’s Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Today, in addition to serving as president of WorldDAB, Bierhorst is also the owner of Jacky B Entertainment Solutions.
Bierhorst gave us insight into how she plans to take advantage of the three-day IBC Show. Her answers have been edited for clarity.
Familiar faces and “world-class innovators”
Radio World: How long have you been going to the IBC Show?
Jacqueline Bierhorst: I was delighted when in 1992 IBC moved from Brighton in the U.K. to my home city of Amsterdam and have made the effort to be there most years ever since.
RW: What’s your typical IBC Show routine: What are you there to see and learn, who are you there to meet?
Bierhorst: I will make a point of visiting stands to meet up with the WorldDAB members exhibiting, and I always enjoy taking part in the WorldDAB conference session. I will also make time to see the latest tech, particularly all the exciting developments in the connected car, with broadcast radio at the heart of the dashboard.
If I can, I will try to find time too to take a break in the beautiful Beatrixpark behind the IBC.
RW: What’s your top tip for anyone attending the IBC Show for the first time?
Bierhorst: Prepare! Download the official IBC2025 app so you know what’s on when, and where to find the stands that you want to see; and make sure you wear comfy shoes!
I’d also say make sure you bring a DAB+ radio to listen to our great digital stations in the Netherlands – and allow some extra time to explore all that Amsterdam has to offer.
RW: Why is IBC important to you in a professional capacity, and how does the show compare to others on the calendar?
Bierhorst: The global growth of DAB+ means my role as WorldDAB president takes me to countries at various stages of implementing DAB+, and I’m often also attending trade events both large and small.
IBC brings the best of both worlds — it’s large enough to attract world-class innovators and the big tech companies, but also small enough that you know regular exhibitors and meet lots of WorldDAB members and other friends.
RW: What are you most looking forward to at IBC2025?
Bierhorst: The WorldDAB conference session is always a fascinating event showcasing our latest developments. And I’m particularly looking forward to demonstrating the innovative new Automatic Safety Alerts broadcast on DAB+ on our stand alongside the WorldDAB Project Office team.
We’re proud of the features that make the DAB+ ASA system different from every other emergency warning system available, including location targeting to ensure only people in affected areas are notified; and wake-up functionality so receivers can be woken up by DAB+, especially important for alarm clock radios.
