This week saw the publication of Radio World's latest Global Radio Update, an annual feature that brings together leading voices from across the global broadcasting industry to discuss the future of radio, the transition from FM and the technologies shaping tomorrow's broadcast landscape.
The publication includes contributions from representatives of the major digital broadcasting standards and other industry experts. Among them are two contributions from the DRM Consortium: an interview with Matthew Phillips, Product Director at CML Micro and Vice-Chairman of the DRM Consortium, alongside an article by DRM Consortium Chairman Ruxandra Obreja. Together, they provide perspectives on the progress of DRM and the future of digital radio broadcasting.
In "DRM Makes Big Strides", DRM Consortium Chairman Ruxandra Obreja reflects on the progress made by DRM around the world, following the recent DRM General Assembly in Indonesia. She concludes:
"As demonstrated in Jakarta, DRM is making big strides geographically and technologically.
While the qualities and features of the DRM standard remain unchanged, there are always new developments; see Version 6 of the DRM Handbook, available as a free PDF download at handbook.drm.org.
DRM members are pioneers of digital radio innovation. DRM is harnessing AI for education, reaching people where no data plan can be accessed or electricity switched on, saving lives when mobile towers are down. Streaming, Direct to Mobile (D2M) and AI are here. DRM has the reach and the ability to maximise them all. The only big challenges remain time and the speed of governmental decisions. The DRM Consortium and the industry are ready."
Matthew Phillips shares his perspective in the interview "DRM Can Be Embedded in Earbuds and Other Products", where he discusses the continued relevance of digital radio and the opportunities it presents for broadcasters, manufacturers and listeners alike. He concludes:
"We should not be blindsided into believing that radio is a declining technology. Digital radio broadcasting based on DRM can bridge the digital divide for millions of citizens worldwide. Trusted information that is well-produced, thoughtfully created, and efficiently delivered by radio has an expanding and exciting future. We should embrace that future."
