DAB radio faces threat from satellite rival

DAB radio, the digital radio format promoted by the UK Government, commercial radio sector and BBC, is facing a challenge from a subscription satellite radio which is set to launch throughout Europe.

Ondas Media, a Madrid-based satellite radio group funded by German and Swiss investors, has agreedments to provide its radio devices to car manufacturers including BMW and Nissan. Deals are also expected with Audi, Mazda, Toyota, Honda and Jaguar.

Ondas have also announced a deal to broadcast Britain’s Jazz FM when Ondas’ satellite service launches in 2012. Jazz FM chief executive Richard Wheatly will work with the group to create additional specialist radio channels with tailored content. The satellite radio company is also in talks with the BBC.

Ondas plans to launch with 150 channels in 2012, with devices which will have the capacity for multi-lingual radio, music, video and data services. The devices will be built under licence from Ondas by electronics manufacturers including Bosch, Continental and Delphi. The monthly subscription is expected to be in the region of €10-€12 a month for individuals.

Carmakers have been viewed as vital to making a success of DAB radio, but they have been slow to offer DAB radios in their models, with scepticism about the UK’s commitment to DAB, whether another platform might take its place and whether there will ever be a universal digital standard throughout Europe.

Ondas are also hoping that households and individuals will invest in the technology, which could be available in other devices, including mobile phones and Tom Tom sat nav devices.

Latin American Satellite Network Conference

In Quito, Ecuador, HCJB Global Voice recently hosted a conference for its affiliates in the Latin American Satellite Network (ALAS).

Seventy-two people from nine different countries attended the fourth Congreso de Comunicación Radial Cristiana ALAS-HCJB on June 12-14, a conference held every other year.

Allen Graham, HCJB's Regional Director for Radio Training, said the conference is a special time of radio training, idea-sharing, and Christian fellowship. Unfortunately, fewer people than usual were able to attend the conference this year due to increased travel prices.

Those who were able to make it enjoyed the time together and left with tools they can use to improve what they're doing at their radio station, and impact their audiences for Christ.

Conference attendees left with new inspiration and encouragement. "I'm going to be going back to my country now with new challenges and new goals in the Lord, in terms of how I can use radio to impact my audience with the message of Jesus Christ," said one.

The conference covered subjects like creativity and production in radio, Christian music, and using the radio to mobilize the church for evangelism. At the end of the conference, HCJB unveiled the redesigned ALAS website.

The ALAS Network has more than 80 affiliates throughout the Spanish-speaking world, in Spain, the southwest United States, and fourteen countries in South and Central America. One station in Peru is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, while another station in Peru recently received its license.