"DAB is as good as dead"
Digital Radio Frederik Stucki, editorial director of Radio Canal 3 (Biel) and ExtraBern, sees no need whatsoever to jump on the digital radio bandwagon as quickly as possible.
The need to get on board with digital radio as quickly as possible
jump in. WW: When will Canal 3 and ExtraBern's programs be broadcast digitally?
Frederik Stucki: As soon as the
Digital distribution no longer requires us to jump into a barrel without
Invest in the market. At this time, it is unclear when this will happen
could be.
WW: That
Bakom recently surveyed radio broadcasters about their needs regarding
called for further expansion of DAB digital radio. How did you
Have you taken a position?
Frederik Stucki: We
have expressed serious concerns and asked whether DAB is even still
can be seriously considered as a future standard. In the case of the
But when it comes to digitalization, we definitely want to be part of it.
WW: Why the reservations?
Frederik Stucki: Who
Anyone who has looked around abroad has long since realized that when it comes to digital...
There are more cost-effective technologies for radio transmission that offer greater potential. The
The fact that major players are turning away from DAB shows that, in principle, DAB is
dead.
WW: Then why conduct a needs assessment?
Frederik Stucki: The
Bakom is under pressure. The large SRG, in particular, has in recent
has invested a lot of money in DAB over the years and therefore has a vital interest in,
that this technology will somehow manage to catch on and pay off after all
does.
WW: DAB seems to have caught on in the United Kingdom.
Frederik Stucki: DAB
isn't a success story there either, but was met with
a massive marketing effort and a lot of window-dressing, resulting in a minimal
Market share of five percent.
WW: If not DAB, what is supposed to replace the FM technology commonly used today?
Frederik Stucki: That
FM stations will disappear from the airwaves in the foreseeable future,
I doubt it. Why turn off something that works? As long as it
Since digital broadcasting offers no clear benefit to the listener, there is
There's no reason to switch. For now, it's still the case that with DAB
suffers a loss compared to FM: fewer stations, poorer
Reception in buildings.
WW: What are your thoughts on the future of radio?
Frederik Stucki: One way or another, the future lies in simulcasting—that is, the simultaneous broadcast of a program
about various technologies. With the mobile receiver, I listen to
I listen to the radio on FM, at home via cable, and at the office I listen to Internet radio
and at the vacation home, perhaps through one of the digital platforms.
WW: Which new technology will be the first to gain widespread acceptance?
Frederik Stucki: In the Short Term
It seems that only those things that appeal to both broadcasters and
gives listeners as much freedom of choice as possible and does not
incurs excessive additional costs. Specifically, this means: models that
Those based on FM could gain traction in the initial phase.
WW: You're referring to HD Radio, which is being tested by Radio Sunshine.
Frederik Stucki: The
is certainly an interesting option for private radio stations, since the existing
frequency band is used and the existing FM broadcasts with
is supplemented by digital channels. The original product is available
continues in its usual form. Only those who benefit from the added value
If you want to take advantage of this, you'll need a new device. Those are the «early
»Adopters" who can take the lead here.
Interview: Nick Lüthi
