WorldDAB Automotive 2026

Organised by WorldDAB Event

Date: 11th June 2026

Location: Frankfurt, Germany

Types: Conference, Exhibition, In-person ONLY


WorldDAB Automotive 2026

Thursday 11 June 2026 | 09:30 - 15:30 (CEST)
VenueSPARK Europe, Junghofstraße 16, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

WorldDAB Automotive is the leading international forum where the automotive and broadcast industries converge to shape the future of in-car audio.

Our one-day conference brings together senior decision-makers, innovators, and policy influencers to explore how DAB+ digital radio is evolving in the era of connected vehicles.

Through expert talks, collaborative sessions, and real-world case studies, you'll gain fresh perspectives on radio’s resilience, its integration into modern dashboards, and the user experiences that will define tomorrow’s infotainment systems.

With networking opportunities and future-focused discussions, WorldDAB Automotive provides a unique platform to align strategy and technology for the next phase of digital radio.

More information on our programme and speakers will be shared shortly. 

We look forward to welcoming you in Frankfurt!

 

Register

 

 Partner sponsor

Networking dinner sponsor

Coffee break sponsor

Lanyard sponsor

Paneda

 

Exhibitors

Paneda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


B

Jacqueline Bierhorst
President, WorldDAB, and Project Director, Digital Radio NL

Jacqueline Bierhorst has been a pioneer in commercial radio since 1987, specialised in distribution, marketing, and content. She has a strong track record in launching and leading successful commercial television and radio channels in The Netherlands and Belgium. From 2011 until 2015 she was project leader on the roll out of the DAB+ network in The Netherlands and since 2015 she is project director Digital Radio NL, a collaboration between public and commercial broadcasters and the Ministry of Economic Affairs coordinating involvement of all stakeholders and joint marketing of Digital Radio. Bierhorst is owner of Jacky B Entertainment Solutions, President of WorldDAB, a member of the WorldDAB Steering Board and an active ambassador of digital radio throughout Europe. She is also a consultant to the Flemish Government, Department of Culture, Youth and Media for the introduction of DAB+ in Flanders, initiating collaboration throughout the Flemish stakeholders on digital radio and country manager Radioplayer Netherlands. 


C

Phyllis Chen
Insight Manager, Fifty5Blue

Phyllis Chen has over five years of experience in market research and has led a number of large, international research studies for a range of clients across the media, FMCG and commercial sectors.

Working in junction with Julie, she manages a flagship quarterly report for the BBC World Service and Studios teams reporting on brand performance metrics, perceptions and audience engagement within international markets.

Bruno Cigrovski
Head of Broadcasting Systems Department, OIV

Bruno Cigrovski serves as the Head of the Broadcasting Systems Department at Transmitters & Communications Ltd, Croatia’s leading broadcast network operator. He oversees the development and optimization of terrestrial FM, DVB-T2, and DAB+ networks. With more than twenty years of expertise in broadcast systems, Bruno he actively participated in key national projects, including the rollout of a new FM network, the transition to digital terrestrial television (DTT), and the upgrade from DVB-T to DVB-T2 technology.

In recent years, he has led the team responsible for testing and the commercial deployment of Croatia’s national DAB+ network, helping to shape the future of digital radio broadcasting in the region.


E

Raphaël Eyraud
President, towerCast


G

Tomas Granryd
Head of digital partnerships, Swedish Radio


Tomas Granryd has been working for Swedish Radio for more than 20 years, holding various positions such as hosting, producing, and commissioning radio. For the last 5 years, he has been the head of digital partnerships, leading the work around the presence of Radio and Swedish Radio in connected cars. Tomas is also the Vice Chair of the Digital Committee at the EBU.


H

Jerome Hirigoyen
Head of International Radio Business Development, TDF


N

Tobias Nielsen
Senior Vice President Digital, Bauer Media Group

With 30 years in senior leadership roles in European media, Tobias built and led successful ventures across radio, music, entertainment, and digital audio. Highlights include founding Denmark’s most profitable commercial radio stations, launching the country’s largest podcast business, and creating Europe’s first radio subscription service. As SVP of Digital Audio, Tobias drives digital transformation across nine markets, reaching 60 million weekly listeners. Tobias brings a strategic, innovative mindset backed by an Executive MBA, strong communication skills, and deep industry experience. Tobias is member of the Executive Leadership Team at Bauer Media Group and Board of Directors at Bauer Media Denmark.


O

Veit Olischläger
Head of Technology, Media Management and Public Relations, BLM

Veit Olischläger has been Head of Technology, Media Management and Public Relations at the Bavarian regulatory authority for new media (BLM) since 2020. His area of responsibility includes the technical development of radio and tv services in Bavaria as well as research, financial Topics, communication and platform regulation.

Communicating broadcasting innovations was a focus of his previous business activities. He advised nationally and internationally on issues relating to the introduction and communication of new broadcasting technologies.

Veit Olischläger headed several project offices for the transition to DVB-T/T2 and DVB-S on behalf of ARD, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, Vaunet and ZDF.


P

 


Q

David Fernández Quijada
Co-Founder, Research Director, South 180

Dr. David Fernández Quijada is Co-founder and Research Director at the Geneva-based consultancy South 180. In this role, he carries out market research, foresight and strategic project for a number of European companies, including broadcasters such as Yle, Rai, RTVE and RPO, as well as trade bodies such as Broadcast Networks Europe. Previously, he was the Head of the Media Intelligence Service at the European Broadcasting


 

S

Julie Soulsby
Insight Director, Fifty5Blue

Julie Soulsby has over 30 years experience in market research and has directed a number of large multi-national research programmes across multiple categories.

A project she leads was recently nominated for Best International Media project at the Adwanted Media Research Awards in 2025 due to its new approaches to respondent engagement. 

Julie is also the BBC Account Director within Fifty5Blue, where she is regularly reporting on reputation and brand metrics for the BBC both within the UK and globally. 


W

Hanns Wolter
Technical Director, DAB Italia and Chair, WorldDAB Spectrum and Network Implementation Committee

Hanns has been working in the DAB world since 2000 as a Product Manager and has, in these years worked on all issues regarding DAB, at both a national and international level, including the introduction of DAB+ in 2007. He is involved in network planning and spectrum issues and also works closely with hardware manufacturers for the deployment of a comprehensive DAB environment. Currently, he is responsible for the planning and management of the ongoing roll-out of DAB Italia’s network and all issues related to the creation, distribution and transmission of the multiplex.


Y

Lizzie Young
Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) 

Lizzie is a media executive with 25 years’ experience across the UK, US & APAC. She currently leads Commercial Radio & Audio on behalf of the Australian audio industry. Her remit at CRA covers industry wide initiatives including regulatory affairs, audience measurement, demand generation, digital transformation.

Previously Lizzie was APAC CEO and Global Growth Officer of social media start-up WeAre8, pent 12 years at Nine, Australia's largest locally owned media company, rising to the role of Managing Director - Local Markets, Group Marketing & Commercial Partnerships and 12 years in Radio at Southern Cross Austereo and Global Radio in London. 

Her roles have spanned content, marketing, sales, commercial partnerships and operations and in recent years she has executed a number of transformation projects resulting from M&A activity, leveraging new platforms and technologies for growth.

Lizzie is also a former non-executive director of ASX listed real estate classified business Domain and Founding Board Director of Future Women where she remains as an Advisor and Mentor.

 

Get your DAB solutions in front of key decision makers

WorldDAB Automotive is our annual flagship automotive event and brings together over 200 attendees from the international digital radio, broadcasting, electronics and automotive industries. It offers unparalleled opportunities to discuss the current issues within the digital radio industry and to create a better understanding of the challenges affecting the market.

Three reasons to sponsor, exhibit or advertise at this event

  • Sponsor and exhibitor logos reach an audience of 6,000+ industry contacts via our online, email and social promotions for this event.
  • Debut your latest products and services to delegates by placing an advertisement in the event brochure, showcase your current product (advert to be shown as a slideshow on screens during breaks), or feature your product as a banner advert in one of our regular marketing emails.
  • An opportunity to engage with potential customers in a face-to-face discussion while showing them your products at your exhibition table.

Attendees include:

  • Commercial and public broadcasters
  • Chip, receiver and equipment manufacturers
  • Network operators
  • Regulatory bodies
  • National digital radio rollout bodies
  • Automotive manufacturers (OEMs, Tier 1s, Tier 2s)

Download the sponsorship brochureContact the Project Office for more information and to to book.

Sponsors

A B C D E  F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

ARD/DAB+

The ARD is the nationwide network of regional public broadcasters. ARD is fully committed to DAB+ as the modern standard for radio broadcasting. ARD coordinates national marketing campaigns for DAB+ together with commercial broadcasters.

For listeners, the main benefit is a crystal-clear, noise-free sound experience without the need to manually search for frequencies while traveling.

Beyond just audio, DAB+ offers digital extras such as album covers, weather maps, and news headlines displayed directly on the radio screen.

https://www.br.de/unternehmen/inhalt/technik/digitalradio-dab-dab-plus100.html

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 three 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.

www.avt-nbg.de

 

D

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.

www.nautel.com/products/digital-radio/dab/

F

Factum Radioscape

Based in London, Factum Radioscape is a leading provider of innovative radio broadcast technology and services to broadcasters, regulators, and network operators worldwide. With over two decades of experience in the industry, we specialize in delivering high-quality radio solutions, including broadcast monitoring, measurement, and analysis services, to ensure seamless and reliable transmission of radio signals. Factum Radioscape have installed many DAB systems worldwide, providing clients with cutting-edge products that meet their specific needs and requirements.

G

GatesAir

For over 100 years, GatesAir 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.

www.gatesair.com/dab

I

Inntot Technologies

Inntot Technologies is an award-winning Deep Tech company specializing in high-performance Software Defined Radio (SDR) solutions for the global automotive and consumer electronics markets. By shifting complex signal processing from dedicated hardware to optimized software, Inntot provides cost-effective, platform-agnostic DAB/DAB+ IP stacks that significantly reduce Bill of Materials (BoM) costs for OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. Additionally, patents granted in key performance areas, such as sensitivity and acquisition time, give Inntot's customers a competitive edge for an outstanding user experience.

With over 2 million deployments in vehicles worldwide, Inntot’s field-proven technology supports the full spectrum of digital radio features—including seamless service linking, TPEG, and SlideShow—enabling a premium, future-proof hybrid radio experience. Inntot is already engaged with car OEMs and Automotive Tier-1s to provide SDR-based DAB receiver solutions for various markets, including Europe, GCC, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

www.inntot.com

Izt-logo-rgb

Innovationszentrum für Telekommunikationstechnik GmbH IZT

Since 1997, the Innovationszentrum für Telekommunikationstechnik GmbH IZT provides equipment for digital radio systems, transmitters for digital broadcast, receivers for signal monitoring and recording, signal generation and channel simulators.

The DAB-specific product portfolio includes the IZT DAB ContentServer – a highly reliable professional broadcast system for DAB. It combines audio encoding, data service management and ensemble/service multiplex generation in one device. Its reliability has permanently been proven in numerous DAB head-end installations. In addition, the IZT’s signal generators and RF monitoring receivers are powerful laboratory tools, for example for DAB signal analysis or for the development DAB receivers.


P

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. 

www.paneda.no

R

RedwoodComm Co., Ltd.

RedwoodComm delivers high-precision measurement systems designed for the rigorous demands of R&D and high-volume mass production. We provide a comprehensive testing spectrum for DAB/DAB+, DRM, CDR, FM/RDS, and AM, ensuring reliable signal integrity across the entire development lifecycle.

The RWC2010C Digital Radio Tester integrates multiple broadcasting standards—including DAB/DAB+, DMB, DRM30/DRM+, and AM/FM/RDS—into a single platform. With its built-in multiplexer and ETI/MDI file players, it also supports key data services including SLS, SPI, EPG, TPEG, and EWS.It enables advanced protocol analysis and functional testing such as Reconfiguration, AF, Announcements, and Service Linking.

The RWC2500A Modulation Analyzer provides comprehensive measurement for both digital and analog radio, covering AM, FM, (CDR*), and DRM. With the recent addition of a built-in DRM Analyzer, it enables accurate evaluation of DRM signal quality and audio performance, making it well-suited for validating modern radio receivers.

With RedwoodComm, you gain the technical certainty required to bring high-quality digital radio products to market faster and more reliably.

www.redwoodcomm.com

 

 

 

 

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://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 Fairs - leads 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.

X

Xperi

Xperi helps broadcasters keep radio front and centre—at home, on mobile, and in the car. Our technologies make stations look great, sound great, and deliver real insights. DTS AutoStage enhances in-car broadcast radio listening via rich visuals and provides timely, daily and actionable insights to managers, program directors, and sales teams.  AIM Player lets broadcasters launch premium apps quickly, bringing live radio, podcasts and video to listeners on phones, TVs and dashboards. AIM RAPID ensures your metadata and artwork are consistent everywhere, unlocking new visual ad opportunities and better listener engagement. Together, we make radio more discoverable, more interactive, and more valuable.

Website: https://xperi.com/markets/connected-car/

Contact: getconnected.emea@xperi.com

Networking dinner

Wednesday 10 June 2026 19:00 - 22:00 (CEST)
Venue: Gerbermühle Restaurant, Gerbermühlstraße 105, Frankfurt, 60594

Dress code: Smart casual


We invite you to join us for the WorldDAB Automotive 2026 networking dinner at Gerbermühle Restaurant. The restaurant is nestled within a beautiful riverside park, beside the River Main, offering a relaxed and atmospheric setting a short drive from Frankfurt’s city centre.

Surrounded by greenery and overlooking the skyline, the Gerbermühle Restaurant with its historic charm and open beer garden provides a relaxed summer setting to reconnect with familiar faces, enjoy good food and conversation, kicking off WorldDAB Automotive 2026 in style. 

 

We look forward to welcoming you in Frankfurt!

 

Register

 

Hotels

There are many hotels in Frankfurt to suit all budgets but we advise booking early to get the best rates. Below are a selection of hotels and the walking times between the hotel and the conference venue.

We do not have any preferential rates with these hotels, they have been included due to their proximity only. 

Closest (within 2–5 min walk)

Very Close (5–10 min walk)

Close / Central (10 – 15 min walk)

Further / Alternative Options (15 – 20 min walk)

 

Travelling to and around Frankfurt

Frankfurt am Main is one of Europe’s most accessible cities, with excellent international air, rail, road, and public transport connections. The city centre is compact and easy to navigate, making travel to both our conference venue and networking dinner straightforward.


Arriving at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is located approximately 12 km from the city centre and is directly connected to Frankfurt by public transport, taxis, and road networks.

From the Airport to the city centre

By train (recommended)

  • Take S‑Bahn lines S8 or S9 from Frankfurt Flughafen Regionalbahnhof (located beneath Terminal 1).
  • Trains run every 10–15 minutes.
  • Journey time to the city centre is 15–20 minutes.
  • Tickets can be purchased at machines in the station or via the RMV public transport app; machines offer English language options.

By taxi

  • Taxis are available 24/7 directly outside all terminals.
  • Travel time to central Frankfurt is approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Expected fare to city-centre locations is €40–50.

Getting around during your stay

Frankfurt’s public transport network (RMV) covers the entire city, including:

  • S‑Bahn (suburban rail)
  • U‑Bahn (metro)
  • Trams and buses

Tickets are valid across all local transport modes and can be purchased at stations, ticket machines, or via the RMV app. Day and group tickets are widely available.


Networking Dinner – 10 June 2026

Gerbermühle Restaurant, Gerbermühlstraße 105, 60594 Frankfurt am Main

The Gerbermühle is located along the River Main in the Sachsenhausen/Oberrad area, approximately 3–4 km from the city centre.

Getting there

By taxi (recommended)

  • Travel time from central Frankfurt: 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.

By public transport

  • Tram and bus services operate to nearby stops, with a short walk to the venue.
  • Nearest tram stop: Buchrainplatz (approx. 8-minute walk).

Parking at Gerbermühle

On‑site / nearby parking

  • The restaurant recommends parking in the car park opposite the Gerbermühle.
  • Vehicle access via Gerbermühlstraße in the direction of Kaiserlei (Offenbach).
  • For navigation systems, it is recommended to enter “Deutschherrnufer 105” to reach the correct access point.

Additional limited roadside and nearby public parking is available in the surrounding area, but availability may vary in the evening.


Conference Venue – 11 June 2026

SPARK Europe, Junghofstraße 16, 60311 Frankfurt am Main

Public transport

SPARK Europe is centrally located in Frankfurt’s financial district and is within walking distance of major transport hubs:

  • Hauptwache and Taunusanlage S‑Bahn stations (5–8 minutes’ walk)
  • Served by multiple S‑Bahn, U‑Bahn, tram, and bus lines

Parking near SPARK Europe

Parkhaus Junghofstraße (On‑site / Adjacent)

  • Address: Junghofstraße 16, 60311 Frankfurt am Main
  • Spaces: approx. 310–315
  • Opening hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Maximum vehicle height: 2.00 m
  • Indicative rates:
    • €2.50 per hour (weekday rate)
    • Night maximum (19:00–07:00): €4.00
  • EV charging points available

This car park is directly at the conference address, and is the most convenient option for delegates travelling by car.

June 10th
19:00 - 22:00 Networking dinner
June 11th
09:30 - 15:30 WorldDAB Automotive 2026
June 10th, 19:00-22:00 CEST
19:00 - 22:00 Networking dinner at Gerbermühle Restaurant, Gerbermühlstraße 105, 60594 Frankfurt am Main
June 11th, 09:00-15:30 CEST
09:00 - 09:30 WorldDAB Automotive 2026

DAB+ the car-buyer's choice

Registration and networking breakfast. 

09:30 - 10:30 SESSION ONE
Opening keynote: Audio choices in cars have implications for society, safety, and culture

Automotive decisions taken today shape access to radio access tomorrow - it's not about nostalgia for radio - it’s about future-proofing radio's value in the connected car.

Speaker:  Jacqueline Bierhorst, Project Director, Digital Radio NL and President, WorldDAB 

Evidence, behaviour and implications for broadcast radio in the car

The first presentation of our 2026 multi-market Car Buyers Research, delivered by Fifty5Blue (formerly Kantar). The study examines how drivers actually use audio in the car, what they expect from radio, and how prominence, defaults and user experience influence listening behaviour — providing robust evidence for the automotive and policy communities.

Speakers: Julie Soulsby, Director, Insight, and Phyllis Chen, Insight Manager, Fifty5Blue

Industry response: what the research means in practice

Senior representatives from the automotive sector, the European Broadcasting Union, the Association of European Radios and WorldDAB respond to the research findings and its implications for prominence, discoverability and genuine consumer choice in the connected car.

10:30 - 11:00 COFFEE
11:00 - 12:00 SESSION TWO


The Radio Ready initiative - an update on cross-industry alignment

Speakers: Tomas Granryd, Coordinator, Radio Ready and Tobias Nielsen, Senior Vice President Digital, Bauer Media Group

Broadcast radio in Australia – market update, DAB+ and the connected car

An overview of the Australian broadcast perspective on DAB+ adoption, automotive listening trends and the role of free-to-air radio in connected vehicles, drawing on industry audience data and evolving DAB+ deployment across Australia's major cities and regions.

Speaker: Lizzie Young, CEO, Commercial Radio and Audio, Australia

Prominence in in-car user interfaces – goal, challenge, solution

This session explores the German framework developed by the German Media Authorities and the results of a PoC with different partners. How can regulatory principles be translated into practical implementation and how the model may inform approaches in other markets.

Speakers: Veit Olischläger, Head of Technology, Media Economics & Public Relations, BLM; Rainer Biehn, Bayerische Medientechnik GmbH, and Benedikt Wiencke, MHP Management- und IT-Beratung GmbH

12:00 - 13:00 LUNCH
13:00 - 14:00 SESSION THREE

 
Live audio in the car – why real-time radio still connects

Live broadcast radio remains uniquely powerful in the car, delivering immediacy, companionship and shared experience in moments that matter. From breaking news to cultural events and major national moments, broadcast radio offers free-to-air access, reliability at scale and freedom from buffering or data dependency - reinforcing its enduring role in mobility.

Speaker: tbc

From content to societal value

The DAB+ Public Policy Toolbox reveals why broadcast remains relevant even in connected markets, why governments care about broadcast radio, and how policy frameworks support media plurality, safety, universal access.

Speaker: David Fernández Quijada, Research Director, South 180

Investing in networks – DAB+ coverage today and tomorrow

DAB+ is only as strong as the infrastructure behind it. This moderated panel brings together leading transmission operators from across Europe to outline the current extent of national coverage, planned expansion and the investment frameworks supporting long-term certainty.

The discussion will focus on road, tunnel and cross-border coverage designed specifically for mobility, including test routes and coverage maps relevant to OEM validation. As markets move toward FM parity and strengthened legislative support, the session highlights why continued investment in broadcast infrastructure provides stability for the automotive ecosystem.

Panel moderator:  Hanns Wolter, Technical Director, DAB Italia and Chair, WorldDAB Spectrum and Network Implementation Committee

Panellists:  Jerome Hirigoyen, TDF France; Bruno Cigrovski, OIV Croatia; name tbc, Spain

14:00 - 14:30 COFFEE
14:30 - 15:30 SESSION FOUR

 

How the industry is fixing the gaps - together

As vehicles become increasingly software-defined, ensuring that DAB+ remains present, prominent and intuitive requires practical coordination across broadcasters, OEMs and platform providers.

This session focuses on implementation: what WorldDAB’s Automotive Working Committee is actively doing to improve user experience, strengthen broadcast integration at platform level, and support consistent, high-quality radio experiences across vehicles.

Integration in the evolving dashboard

  • DAB+ in electric and connected vehicles
    How broadcast radio is being integrated into next-generation vehicle architectures.
  • DAB+ in the dashboard today
    Physical controls, digital interfaces and the evolving role of radio entry points in modern HMI environments.

Designing for Discoverability and Trust

  • UX Guidelines for OEMs and Broadcasters 
    An update from the UX Committee on shared design principles for radio prominence, visual consistency and user expectations and how the new web-based guidelines support wider adoption.
  • Android automotive and broadcast radio – fixing radio at the platform layer
    Gregor Poetzsch, Chair, WorldDAB Automotive Working Group
    Progress on addressing broadcast radio gaps within Android Automotive, collaborative open-source work and engagement with platform providers.

Closing panel: from principles to practice

Industry representatives reflect on the day’s core theme — Broadcast. Connected. Safe. — and discuss:

  • What practical changes are required at platform and UX level?
  • How can prominence and public value be implemented consistently?
  • What does successful broadcast–IP coexistence look like in real vehicles?

The session concludes with three key takeaways and clear next steps for OEMs, suppliers and broadcasters working to ensure broadcast radio remains discoverable, resilient and valued in the connected car.

Register as an Attendee WorldDAB Automotive 2026 and Networking dinner | 10-11 June

Networking dinner - Wednesday 10 June | 19:00 - 22:00

WorldDAB Automotive 2026 - Thursday 11 June | 09:30 - 15:30

Our free event is the leading international forum where the automotive and broadcast industries converge to shape the future of in-car audio.

The in-person only sessions will be recorded and shared on our YouTube Channel after the event.

Cost: Free to register

Register as an Attendee