09:00-15:30 CET
DPG Media, Mediaplein 1, 2018
Antwerpen, Belgium
In-person
Welcome
Dear friends and colleagues,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Antwerp for the WorldDAB Summit 2025.
I am delighted we are bringing our flagship event to Belgium, which has long been a champion of digital radio, and this year marks another important step forward. maRadio.be and Digitale Radio Vlaanderen once again joined forces in a nationwide DAB+ campaign — but for the first time, all major retailers across the country took part. Building on many years of collaboration and shared enthusiasm for radio’s digital future, this partnership brought DAB+ visibility to an unprecedented level. During the Summit, we’ll hear from Eric Adelbrecht of maRadio.be and Els Vandesijpe from Digitale Radio Vlaanderen, who will share the story and results of this inspiring collaboration.
This year also marks the end of my first two-year term as President of WorldDAB. It has been an honour to represent this remarkable community across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa — regions all moving forward with their own DAB+ journeys. In 2025 we have seen new launches and rollouts in Estonia, Türkiye, Luxembourg and Greece, alongside sustained progress in markets such as Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, and across Africa. Today, around one-third of the world’s countries are involved with DAB+ — from early exploration and trials to full nationwide roll-out — a milestone that reflects how far we’ve come together.
In a time of uncertainty and global tension, broadcast radio continues to prove its unique value as a trusted and resilient medium. The Automatic Safety Alert system in Germany shows how DAB+ can help save lives. At the same time, countries that have embraced a clear digital distribution strategy — with DAB+ at the core and IP complementing it — are seeing growth in listening and advertising revenue. Together, they demonstrate how DAB+ drives both public value and commercial success — combining safety and success in the digital era.
I wish you an inspiring day of learning and connection. My sincere thanks to DPG Media for hosting us in their beautiful building, to our sponsors for their continued support, and to the WorldDAB Project Office and Steering Board for their dedication throughout the year.
Warm regards,
Jacqueline Bierhorst President, WorldDAB
Programme
Session 1 09:30 - 10:30 CET
Moderator: Ben Roelants
TV and radio presenter Ben Roelants
Ben Roelants is a seasoned Belgian TV and radio presenter known for his authentic storytelling across travel, lifestyle, and youth programmes, with over 15 years of experience on screen and on air.
KEYNOTE: WorldDAB President
Opening WorldDAB Summit 2025, Jacqueline Bierhorst will reflect on her first term as WorldDAB President, with new DAB+ trials and launches around the world. She will explore how DAB+ powers the business of broadcast, delivering success for public and private operators and broadcasters; and how it can bring security in uncertain times through innovations such as the Automatic Safety Alert system.
Speaker: Jacqueline Bierhorst, President, WorldDAB
A welcome from DPG Media
Speaker: Dirk Lodewyckx, Managing Director Entertainment, DPG Media
Ben Roelants
TV and radio presenter
Jacqueline Bierhorst President, WorldDAB
Dirk
Lodewyckx Managing Director Entertainment, DPG Media
Jonathan Director
DAB+ powering public value
The BBC has launched its first ever DAB+ music stations, marking a significant milestone in the history of BBC Radio. Radio 1 Anthems, Radio 1 Dance and Radio 3 Unwind are now available to listen to on DAB+, offering listeners more choice, particularly those previously underrepresented in the BBC’s offering. Radio France has announced the launch of ‘Mon Petit France Inter’, a new public service radio station designed for children. The digital radio station will launch on DAB+ soon, and will offer editorial and musical programming throughout the day, without the need for a screen.
Speakers: Jonathan Wall, Director of BBC Sounds and Charles-Emmanuel Bon, Secretary General, Radio France, in conversation with Hervé Godechot, Journalist (ex-Board Member, Arcom)
AI in radio: How to use AI and retain humanity
In an automated world, authentic human connection becomes a scarce and increasingly valuable commodity. The industry’s pivot to AI must therefore be one of reinforcement, not replacement.
Speaker: Laura Fisher, Entertainment Analyst, MiDIA Research
Jonathan Wall Director of Sounds
Charles-Emmanuel
Bon Secretary General, Radio France
10:30 - 11:00 CET Coffee
Hervé Godechot
Journalist
(ex-Board Member, Arcom)
Laura Fisher Entertainment Analyst, MiDIA Research
Programme
Session 2 11:00 - 12:00 CET
Sunshine Live: a leading DAB+ growth story
Sunshine Live ranks among Germany’s fastest-growing stations, gaining listeners through DAB+. Petra Lemcke shares the success story, proving how digital radio drives reach, revenue, and fresh opportunities for broadcasters.
Speaker: Petra Lemcke, CEO and Founder, Sunshine Live
Spain builds momentum in DAB+ deployment
RTVE’s national commitment and strong regional engagement are driving Spain’s DAB+ rollout positioning Spain within Europe’s DAB+ digital radio landscape.
Speaker: Javier Sánchez Pérez, Director of Audiovisual Policy and Public Service, Radio Televisión Española (RTVE)
Estonia
Discover how Estonia moved from trials, to a full launch of DAB+ in September 2025.
Speaker: Priit Vare, Head of Radio, DuoMedia Estonia
Petra Lemcke CEO and Founder, Sunshine Live
Javier Sánchez Pérez Director of Audiovisual Policy and Public Service, Radio
Televisión Española (RTVE)
Priit Vare Head of Radio, DuoMedia Estonia
Luxembourg
With the imminent launch of DAB+ in the Grand Duchy, hear about the benefits for listeners and broadcasters in this historic radio location.
Speaker: Gérard Floener, Head of Digital Development Radio, RTL Luxembourg
A DAB+ business success: Sunrise Radio
UK’s Sunrise Radio (Yorkshire) was launched in December 1989 and for just over three decades remained the first and only commercial Asian radio station on FM in the UK. In 2020, it launched Sunrise Radio Gold, and has expanded coverage on DAB to Bradford, Leeds, East Lancashire, Manchester and Milton Keynes. It is also now a partner in launching new multiplexes in further areas including South and West London.
Speaker: Usha Parmar, CEO and Raj Parmar, Director, Sunrise Radio
12:00 - 13:00 CET Lunch
Gérard Floener Head of Digital Development Radio, RTL Luxembourg
Usha
Parmar CEO, Sunrise Radio
Raj Parmar Director, Sunrise Radio
DAB+ Headends & Monitoring
Emergency Warning Break-in & EWS/ASA Manager DSP- or Server-PC-based
www.avt-nbg.de
DSP-based Up to 14 encoders in one box PAD inserter for DLS & SLS
DAB / DAB+
15+ years of flexible, scalable DAB multi-multiplexing and multi-encoding on one platform — VM, server/PC or Cloud. Seamless smart redundancy for audio inputs and EDI outputs on subchannel level. Many different audio over IP inputs including AES67 implemented, others on demand. Program Associated Data over IP and monitoring included. Now with ASA.
Programme
Session 3 13:00 - 14:00 CET
Radio, the audio leader
Audio is booming, but radio remains the anchor. With unmatched reach, trusted voices, and innovative tools like AI and dynamic audio, radio continues to lead the audio revolution and deliver impact for brands.
Speaker: Katerina Borovska, Senior Manager – Marketing & Innovation, EGTA
How Bavaria is boosting DAB+ through partnerships
DAB+ is being promoted through everyday places in Bavaria. From bakeries and fuel stations to pubs and beer gardens, creative campaigns have raised DAB+ awareness and engagement. This session highlights practical examples and results that inspire other markets.
Speaker: Veit Olischläger, Head of Technology, Media Economics & Public Relations, BLM
Katerina Borovska Senior Manager – Marketing & Innovation, EGTA
Veit Olischläger Head of Technology, Media Economics & Public Relations, BLM
Els Van de Sijpe
Head of Radio, VRT
and Chair, Digitale Radio Vlaanderen
Belgium’s DAB+ journey: collaboration, regulation and results
Belgium is proving how collaboration and clear strategy can accelerate DAB+. With fresh data from Flanders and French-speaking Belgium, this session explores how regulation, broadcaster cooperation and marketing campaigns are driving results.
Speakers: Els Van de Sijpe, Head of Radio, VRT and Chair, Digitale Radio
Vlaanderen and Eric Adelbrecht, CEO, maRadio.be in conversation with Jacqueline Bierhorst, WorldDAB President and Project Director, Digital Radio NL
France - measuring up for success
In France, after two campaigns in February and May, Ensemble pour le DAB+ and its members promoted DAB+ across TV, radio and social media, making it the holiday listening reflex. We hear how it’s impacted on awareness, adoption, and audience behaviour.
Speaker: Maëlo Seuret, Managing Director, Ensemble pour le DAB+
14:00 - 14:30 CET Coffee
Eric Adelbrech CEO, maRadio.be
Jacqueline Bierhorst WorldDAB President and Project Director, Digital Radio NL
Maëlo Seuret Managing Director, Ensemble pour le DAB+
Session 4 14:30 - 15:30 CET
DAB+ for resilience - the role of broadcast radio in a crisis Exclusive insights into a successfully tested and now ready-to-use system that fully automatically delivers “Automated Safety Alerts” (ASA) via DAB+. The key advantage: Thanks to the intelligent combination of text-to-speech and geolocation functionality, warnings are generated at any time - even without a host in the studio - and sent only to people in the defined danger zone.
Speakers: Harald Hoffend, Funkhaus Ingolstadt; Alexander Jahn, Bayern Digitalradio in conversation with Carsten Zorger, Director, Digitalradio Büro Deutschland
Driving radio forward: metadata on the move
As cars increasingly evolve the way drivers experience radio is also changing rapidly. This session explores how the radio industry is working together to ensure the prominence of DAB+ radio in the car. Join us to discover how technology providers are collaborating to keep radio at the heart of the in-car experience — driving forward with DAB+.
Harald
Carsten Zorger Director,
Tomas Granryd
Harrison Chief Partnerships Officer,
Laurence
Speakers: Tomas Granryd, Radio Ready; Laurence Harrison, Chief Partnerships Officer, Radioplayer Worldwide; George Cernat, Senior Director, Automotive Connected Media / DTS AutoStage, Xperi
The big topics: UX, radio and connectivity
This session explores the future of in-car audio, from managing station lists and bridging DAB+ gaps to improving user experience and driver engagement. Topics include industry collaboration, the role of logos in communication, and the continued importance of radio in automotive. Insights also cover aftermarket developments and evolving public value approaches.
Speakers: Nick Piggott, Project Director, RadioDNS and Vice President, WorldDAB; Gregor Pötzsch, Product Owner, Radio, CARIAD, Volkswagen and Chair, WorldDAB UX Group
Closing remarks
Jacqueline Bierhorst, President, and Bernie O’Neill, Project Director
15:30 CET Close
George Cernat
Senior Director, Automotive Connected Media/DTS AutoStage, Xperi
Nick Piggott
Project Director, RadioDNS and Vice President, WorldDAB
Gregor Pötzsch Product Owner, Radio, CARIAD, Volkswagen and Chair, WorldDAB UX Group
Jacqueline Bierhorst President, WorldDAB
Bernie O’Neill Project Director
Post-event Lunch Networking video sponsor sponsor drinks sponsor
Coffee Delegate bag Lanyard
break sponsor sponsor sponsor
Sponsors and exhibitors
Aldena
With over 80-year heritage makes ALDENA one of the leading manufacturers of antennas, RF accessories, and planning software for Radio/TV and mission-critical communications. Nowadays ALDENA products are installed in more than 125 countries and EMLAB software is used by Broadcasters, System integrators, Authorities, University. ALDENA offers high-quality engineering services: Antenna measurements, Network planning, OnField commissioning, and Training. EMLAB is a software tool for antenna design, coverage area, and the human body exposition to the EMF (NIR Prediction). A division for measuring and monitoring systems develops innovative EMF Measurement equipment: Meters, Probes, and Antennas.
https://www.aldena.it
AVT Audio Video Technologies GmbH
AVT Audio Video Technologies was founded in 1996 in Nuremberg as a manufacturer for professional audio equipment.
Today, AVT is a leading manufacturer of DAB technology offering reliable hardware and software solutions for small, cost effective setups as well as scalable, fully redundant headends.
By tailoring individual solutions aimed at the changing requirements of a developing market, AVT equips its partners with the technology necessary to shape the media landscape of tomorrow. While steadily developing new systems to connect digital infrastructure and broadcast, we also make sure to continuously improve our existing products by implementing new features to enable sustained use. All our hardware systems are DSP based to offer highest reliability for a prolonged lifecycle.
AVT has more than two decades of comprehensive audio knowledge and offers more than just DAB products. As one of the leading manufacturers of telephone hybrid systems and audio codecs, we are also able to realize cross-system integrations. The AVT systems, which are developed and manufactured in Germany, are deployed worldwide via national distributors. This gives us the opportunity to monitor global developments in broadcast and provide comprehensive solutions.
https://www.avt-nbg.de
COM-TECH
COM-TECH is an Italian leading company designing and developing high-end RF passive components. A worldwide reference, suppling products and services to customers in more than 50 Countries, COM-TECH designs and manufactures a complete range of DAB passive components: Combiners, Bandpass Filters, Lowpass Filters, Hybrid Couplers, Multicouplers, Splitters, Patch Panels, Loads, Connections (including Rigid Lines, Flanges, Elbows, Adapters).
https://www.com-tech.it/
DekTec Digital Video B.V.
DekTec offers a large selection of PC peripherals that, although originally designed for digital video applications, are also effective for DAB+ projects. Our product range includes test modulators and monitoring receivers, available in both PCIe and USB form factors, designed to generate, receive, and analyze RF and baseband DAB+ signals using our StreamXpert stream software. These tools are ideal for a diverse range of users - including broadcasters, car and equipment manufacturers, and testing labswho are actively developing, maintaining, and deploying high-quality, standards-compliant DAB+ digital radio solutions.
https://www.dektec.com
DB Elettronica Telecomunicazioni SpA
DB Elettronica Telecomunicazioni SpA was founded in Italy in 1975. With 50 years of experience and consistent strategy, DB has become a recognized worldwide leader in RF transmission and communication solutions, both for public and private customers, as well as for top level scientific institutes and engineering works.
DB offers world-class, turnkey broadcasting systems, including transmitters, antennas, head-end and studio equipment. The comprehensive range of products in analogue/digital processing and transmission of radio and TV contents allows operators to find their bespoke solution in terms of quality and capital investment.
DB also represents the best partner for the most important organizations in the health care, scientific and particle-accelerator projects.
https://www.dbbroadcast.com
DIGIDIA
Nautel’s DIGIDIA digital radio solutions provide end-to-end DAB for broadcast and test applications. The broadcast transmission range encompasses multiplexers, encoders, gateways for AoIP inputs and EDI outputs, as well as road tunnel transmission/break-in products for DAB. The monitoring range consists of a EDI/ETI/RF monitoring platform. All products are provided for both virtual and physical server platforms - Software and hardware is 100% in-house designed. DIGIDIA solutions have been offered as part of Nautel’s digital radio portfolio since 2021 and benefit from Nautel’s extensive support and commitment to the broadcast industry.
https://www.nautel.com/products/digital-radio/dab
GatesAir
For over 100 years, GatesAir (a Thomson Broadcast subsidiary) has been an industry leader in over-the-air transmission solutions for radio and television broadcasters around the world. Our cutting-edge technology helps broadcasters increase efficiency, reliability, and flexibility in their workflows for a profitable and competitive edge.
GatesAir’s Maxiva line offers the industry’s most agile and efficient UHF/VHF transmitters and is globally recognized as the premier choice for DAB/DAB+ deployment. Designed for optimized power usage, maintenance, scalability, and connectivity, Maxiva transmitters are the backbone of digital radio and TV broadcasting worldwide.
Our Flexiva FM transmitters offer a wide range of power options, from cost-effective, low-power units to high-efficiency, high-power models. For analog or digital usage, stations across the globe rely on these renowned solutions.
For reliable AoIP/VoIP distribution, our Intraplex STL codecs are the industry standard. Our award-winning IP and 950MHz codecs provide rock-solid, always-on assurance with advanced analytics and control.
https://www.gatesair.com/dab
Gsertal
Gsertal is the leading provider of advanced monitoring and analysis solutions for TV, Radio, and Mobile networks, supporting broadcasters, operators, and regulators in ensuring optimal signal quality and uninterrupted service.
Discover our DAB/DAB+ solutions: The RCS DAB probe delivers 24/7 proactive remote monitoring of up to 2xRF, 2xETI and 2xEDI digital radio signals simultaneously, automatically detecting anomalies to speed up problem resolution and maintain broadcast quality.
Our newly launched RCS RADIO probe provides the same comprehensive monitoring capabilities as the RCS DAB, plus the added flexibility of multiple FM and DAB/DAB+ service configurations, ideal for supporting clients during the migration process from FM to DAB/DAB+ digital radio.
The HEXYLON, our all-in-one portable analyzer offers detailed multistandard analysis, including coverage assessment, interference detection, synchronization, and drive testing capabilities specifically tailored for DAB/DAB+.
GSERTEL’s innovative solutions combine state-of-the-art technology with ease of use to align perfectly with WorldDAB’s mission of enabling reliable, high-quality digital radio services worldwide, helping the global broadcast ecosystem meet evolving industry demands.
https://www.gsertel.com
ITEL Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni
ITEL Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni is a company specializing in audio processing and headend systems for the radio and television telecommunications market.
Based in Perugia, Italy, ITEL designs and manufactures all of its products locally.
Founded in 2007, ITEL quickly gained a strong reputation in the Italian market for the quality and innovation of its products. It was the first company to implement the recoding of alternative frequencies in RDS systems for FM radio and the first globally to integrate audio processing systems within DAB+ headend technology. Today, ITEL’s distribution network spans over 100 countries, and the company collaborates with major government organizations worldwide to advance DAB+ radio development.
https://www.itel.it/en
Media Broadcast
Media Broadcast is a member of the freenet Group and Germany’s largest service provider for the broadcast and media industry. The company’s core business includes the planning, set-up and operation of multi-media transmission platforms for television and radio on a national and global basis using modern transmitter, fibre and satellite networks. The focus is on terrestrial transmitter networks, and with more than 2,000 transmitters for FM, DAB+ and DVB-T, the company is the market leader in Germany.
Media Broadcast serves around 750 national and international customers, including public and commercial broadcasters, TV and radio production companies, cable network operators, media authorities, as well as private enterprises and public institutions. The company has its headquarters in Cologne and operates several offices throughout Germany.
https://www.media-broadcast.com
Paneda
Paneda offers innovative and cost-effective DAB solutions: safety systems, broadcast networks and broadcast systems. Nearly 200 tunnels in Norway are equipped with Paneda systems. Many local and public European broadcasters are using Paneda DAB Head-End systems with a complete range of products including multiplexing, audio encoders, data insertion and content management.
https://www.paneda.no
RF2Digital
RF2Digital provides advanced SDR (Software Defined Radio)-based solutions that support all major global broadcast standards, including DAB, DRM, CDR, HD Radio, AM/FM, and streaming services. Our software-defined approach ensures seamless integration with diverse automotive SoC platforms.
In the era of SDV (Software Defined Vehicle), we are shaping the future of infotainment with software-driven architectures that empower connected, intelligent mobility.
Positioned as a global enabler of digital broadcasting, RF2Digital delivers flexible solutions for both the automotive and consumer markets, making it easier for industries and governments to adopt and scale digital radio services.
Most recently, we developed multi-standard modules tailored for regional needs — such as DAB/DRM for Indonesia and CDR/DRM for China — and successfully showcased these solutions, demonstrating how RF2Digital’s technology addresses real-world market requirements and supports countries adopting multiple digital radio standards.
http://www.rf2digital.com/
RFmondial GmbH
RFmondial offers professional products and services for the digital broadcasting industry as well as other industries with the need for innovative hardware and software. Research, development and prototype implementation for transmitter, receiver, and monitoring technology as well as design services for various industries are part of our core business. With our broad experience in different technological areas we serve world-wide markets; “Made in Germany”. As DRM and WorldDAB consortium member RFmondial possesses a wide record of experience and know-how in the field of digital audio broadcasting. This includes the experience of the world’s first DRM broadcast in the VHF band as well as precise, absolute SFN timing measurements in DAB networks. Furthermore, DAB+, HD-Radio, FM and related radio standards are parts of its innovative portfolio. The technological surroundings in Hannover - The City of Trade Fairsleads to a close cooperation with the Leibniz University Hannover and ensures high level research expertise. RFmondial is quality management certified under the International Organization for Standardization`s ISO 9001 by the TÜV SÜD.
https://www.rfmondial.com/
Syes
SYES: Powering the Digital Radio Era
For over 40 years, SYES has been driving broadcast innovation with transmitters and solutions trusted worldwide.
In 2025, our spotlight is on next-generation DAB+ transmitters, delivering unmatched efficiency and broadcast-grade reliability with digital precision. Backed by our in-house R&D, we set the benchmark for the future of broadcasting.
See the difference at WorldDAB Summit 2025.
https://syes.eu/dab-transmitters/
TRedess
TRedess is a company specialised in DTT and DAB+ Transmitters and Gap Fillers, counting with more than 30,000 transmitting devices operating worldwide in more than 70 countries. TRedess DAB+ portfolio counts with air cooled solutions from very low powers up to 5KW.
In the last fouryears, TRedess has become a key player in a large number of the DAB+ rollouts worldwide (with more than 600 x DAB+ transmitters deployed in 20 countries). Key elements to that success have been the high efficiency of TRedess DAB+ transmitters (up to 53%) plus also the outstanding performance of TRedess DAB+ SFN Gap Fillers.
Other main characteristics to highlight of TRedess solutions are: compact devices, flexibility, easy to use and operate, cost effective solutions for each scenario, full control of the design and manufacturing, top class quality control, support, etc…
https://tredess.com/en
Xperi - featuring DTS AutoStage and All In Media (AIM)
Xperi, via its comprehensive broadcast technologies portfolio (including DTS AutoStage, AIM Radio Apps including the new AIM Player and AIM RAPID), is uniquely committed to support broadcasters in their special bonds with the communities they serve, enabling connections with audiences wherever they consume content, while simplifying and personalizing content discovery and future-proofing radio via a consistent and constant stream of broadcast-centric innovation.
When joining DTS AutoStage, broadcasters maintain control of their content in the car dash and gain access to end-user analytics. Broadcasters can join DTS AutoStage for free at:
https://onboarding.connectedrad.io
Reliable DAB Solutions
DAB / DAB+
Multiplexing, Encoding, Monitoring, Test & Tunnel Systems
15+ years of flexible, scalable DAB multi-multiplexing and multi-encoding on one platform — VM, server/PC or Cloud. Seamless smart redundancy for audio inputs and EDI outputs on subchannel level. Many different audio over IP inputs including AES67 implemented, others on demand. Program Associated Data over IP and monitoring included. Now with ASA. 100% IP Based
nautel.com/DAB
WorldDAB Members
