India

WorldDAB's President Jacqueline Bierhorst featured in a panel session: “Radio Re-imagined: Thriving in the Digital Age” exploring the benefits of digital radio, in Mumbai, India on 2 May. The discussion formed part of WAVES 2025 — the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit — a global summit for the media and entertainment industry, organised by India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The discussion focused on the urgent need for radio to digitise its distribution in order to reach broader audiences and offer enriched content experiences. Bierhorst emphasised the importance of a comprehensive digital distribution strategy — combining both digital terrestrial broadcasting and IP streaming — to ensure radio’s continued relevance and growth.

A panel discussion on the subject ‘Radio Reimagined: Thriving in the Digital Age’ brought together global experts to engage in an insightful discourse at WAVES 2025 on 2 May. The esteemed panellists included WorldDAB President and pioneer of commercial radio Jacqueline Bierhorst; Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO of Red FM moderated the conversations. Bierhorst feels that digital radio is likely to be the primary format in the future, as it offers advantages like better sound quality, more reliable transmission, and the ability to integrate multimedia elements. “While analog radio remains relevant in some contexts, the shift to digital broadcasting is ongoing and expected to continue”, she opined. Cost saving happens by switching from analog to digital, they informed.

According to Inntot Technologies MD and CEO, Rajith Nair, DAB deployment is in a high growth phase and the requirement of low-cost, high-quality receivers for all segments is on the rise. Inntot provides SDR based digital broadcast radio receiver solutions for automotive infotainment, consumer devices and smartphones.

TRAI, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, urged the government to come out with a detailed policy framework for digital radio broadcasting.

The Mahindra W6’s standard features now include 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6.0-inch multimedia (non-touch) screen, which features DAB+ digital radio as well as a CD player, cruise control, auto wipers, three ISOFIX child-seat mounting points across the second row, and a cooled centre console box. Stepping up to the W10 adds a 7.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with built-in sat-nav, reversing camera, and keyless entry and push-start.

It doesn't matter how many years go by – or how many newer, better-sounding audio standards come into vogue – the good old digital radio is still going strong. Five of the best DAB radio receivers available in the UK are reviewed here.

The new radio with a retro look is a 4G Android device, and can play FM, AM, DAB and internet radio.

On the feature front, the Swift Sport BeeRacing comes equipped with 7-inch infotainment system which includes navigator with 3D maps, DAB + radio, Bluetooth and MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

On the inside, the all-electric crossover features OLED digital instrumentation and an 8.0-inch centrally mounted touchscreen infotainment system (which doubles as a reversing camera) that comes with EV monitoring software, satellite navigation, DAB radio, and USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

Norway on Wednesday completed its transition to digital radio, becoming the first country in the world to shut down national broadcasts of its FM radio network.