Posted by Paul Rusling on July 1, 2009, 10:37 am
(My posting a few minutes ago lost the vital introduction, so here it all is again. Maybe Garry or someone can remove the truncated one?)
Why is the pro-DAB lobby still claiming gthat DAB will be the main form of radio listening soon? Its bizarre, expecially given last week's announcement by the trade association of private radio stations in Germany that they will NOT support the migration to DAB, and recommend their own members not to invest in the medium.
Here's an extract from their statement:
"“The conditions required for a successful introduction . . . .have not been met. … the significant initial and operating costs are too great. Against the backdrop of the economic crisis, such investments are a risk. … The VPRT member radio companies have, therefore, concluded that DAB+ has no economically viable future. Even with significant promotion of the system by public funds for at least the next five to ten years and under regulatory pressure, there is only a slim chance of partially recovering (the costs) within the market. "
Anyone who has worked with German and Swiss radio people (I hold both my hands up here, it always makes them smile too!) will know that they are VERY risk averse and NEVER take any financial gambles. One initiative by their regulators was nearly blackmail and threatened loss of licenses, but two clients I work with closely have decided to not rise to the intimidation and offered to send back their licenses if "invest in DAB" was mandatory. One is a large well known international broadcaster.
So why are the UK pro-DAB lobby claiming that Germany is leading the way?
Its a total lie, because Germany isn't, and nor are the Swiss stations - their own VPS (similar trade body to the CRCA or Radio Centre) have said that “Today's ruling by the VPRT makes even more difficult the launch of DAB+ in the whole German-speaking world. VSP recommends that all members use realistic calculations before beginning.”
Well, the Swiss take even less financial risk than the Germans (please dont quote RNI as an example to shoot that comment down; that wasn't their money and it HAD already beens pent on the main asset. And the guys are Anoraks!) so if their trade body has recommended know, you can just about guarantee now that there wont be a single S.Franc invested in DAB there.
It now looks pretty certain it (including DAB+) will be quietly dropped over there. The Germans certainly will not be dumping their FM radios into landfill.
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