Munich - Oct 31, 2012 - WorldDMB brought together high profile broadcast speakers for a panel discussion "Digital Radio - the Forgotten Connection" at the Telematics Update conference held in Munich.

The panel, moderated by Laurence Harrison, director of technology and marketing development at Digital Radio UK, included Mark Friend, BBC controller for multiplatform and interactive; Dr. Ralf Hinz, RD/RTF, system functions and features from Daimler; Helmut Bauer, strategic digital radio analyst; and Adam Bowie, head of strategy and planning at Absolute Radio.

Among other things the panel considered the recent announcement of a "Euro-chip" ensuring the interoperability of all new digital radio receivers in European countries where broadcasters are using DAB, DAB+ or DMB and/or analog AM and FM. Hinz expressed the wish for alignment of radio standards worldwide, and Friend advised that "common standards are needed in broadcasting and in-car so that the focus and money can be spent on innovation and developing in-car media."

The panelists went on to discuss the future of radio as a hybrid of all radio standards including IP. Bowie said "The ability to use all of the new functionality of digital radio including IP offers a more personalized listening experience alongside greater opportunities to monetize."

The panel called for greater co-operation between broadcasters and the automotive industry and concluded that radio is still an important connection in the car with digital radio offering opportunities and innovative ways to connect with the driver. In fact, a poll of the audience revealed that 80 percent continue to listen to the radio every day whilst driving, and according to Helmut Bauer, "German listeners on average listen to 4 hours of radio per day and of this, 30 minutes is in-car."

The WorldDMB European Automotive Workshop, Digital Radio Connecting the Car, will be held in Berlin on Nov. 14, 2012.