At a time when auto manufacturers are looking to change long-established norms for in-dash audio, the WorldDAB Automotive 2023 conference is adopted “keeping radio prominent” as its theme. The event brings together broadcast and automotive sector experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by connected cars and the role of DAB+ in radio’s in-dash future.
WorldDAB Automotive 2023 takes place in Paris at Maison de la Radio et de la Musique, the home of Radio France, on June 15. The one-day conference is free to attend in-person or online, and is organized by WorldDAB.
Keynote speakers include Radio France CEO Sibyle Veil and EBU Deputy Director General and Director of Media Jean Philip De Tender. Veil was recently elected chair of the EBU Radio Committee. Jean-François Labal, head of digital partnerships at Renault, will explore its new hybrid radio partnership with Radioplayer. And WorldDAB President Patrick Hannon will give a global overview of trends and initiatives for the in-car audio experience and the growth of DAB+ digital radio around the world.
Results of a new qualitative research study of the in-car digital radio experience will also be unveiled during the conference. WorldDAB in partnership with Radioplayer commissioned Edison Research to perform the study to better understand listener experiences with in-car radio. NAB, Commercial Radio Australia and Xperi sponsored the survey, which interviewed people who recently purchased or leased a new car or who planned to do so in the near future. The study included interviews in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Previewing the survey findings, WorldDAB stated that 90% of respondents across all age groups said a broadcast radio tuner should be standard equipment in all cars, and that 82% of potential car buyers said they would be less likely to choose a car that was not equipped with a built-in radio tuner. Megan Lazovick, vice president of Edison Research, will present the full findings during WorldDAB Automotive 2023.
Providing a look at the situation on both sides of the Atlantic, NAB Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs April Carty-Sipp will join WorldDAB Vice-President Jacqueline Bierhorst for a panel session, and Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Media Group, will join an expert panel chaired by Joe D’Angelo, senior vice president for broadcast radio at Xperi, to explore the new insights offered by connected cars into audience behaviors.
