Breaking the Wave: How Digital Radio Shapes Radio Broadcasting

The MTSFB TechTalk: “Breaking the Wave: How Digital Radio Shapes Radio Broadcasting” took place on August 22, 2024, as a virtual session via Zoom, drawing experts and industry professionals to discuss the future of digital radio. This exclusive event explored the potential and benefits of Digital Radio Broadcasting (DRB), offering insights into global best practices, technical advancements, and implementation strategies.

The session began with a welcome address by Dr. Ahmad Zaki Mohd Salleh, Chair of the Broadcast Technology Working Group, MTSFB. He highlighted the transformative impact of digital radio on the broadcasting landscape, setting the stage for insightful discussions on its potential and future developments.

Tech Talk 1: Securing the Future of Radio with DAB+
Dr. Les Sabel from WorldDAB provided an in-depth look into Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB+) and how it is shaping the future of radio. His presentation highlighted the benefits of DAB+ technology, including its superior audio quality, spectrum efficiency, and sustainability compared to analogue FM transmission.

Tech Talk 2: Digital Radio Broadcasting – Planning & Preparation in Indonesia
Mr. Benny Elian, representing the Ministry of Communications and Informatics of Indonesia, shared insights into Indonesia’s roadmap for digital radio broadcasting. He outlined the country’s strategic initiatives, regulatory framework, and challenges in transitioning from analogue to digital radio.

Tech Talk 3: DRM Digital Radio – A Perfect and Comprehensive Solution for Malaysia
This session featured multiple esteemed speakers from the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium, including Mrs. Ruxandra Obreja and Mr. Alexander Zink from DRM Consortium, and Mr. Sharad Sadhu from Fraunhofer IIS.

They presented DRM’s capabilities, discussing its flexibility, cost-efficiency, and coverage benefits for countries like Malaysia, where spectrum availability is a crucial consideration. The speakers emphasised how DRM can complement DAB+ in a hybrid approach, as seen in countries like Indonesia.

Panel Discussion: Charting the Future of Digital Radio
A panel discussion brought together all keynote speakers to delve deeper into the overarching theme of digital radio evolution. The panel, moderated by Ts. Azhar Abdul Latiff, Chair of the MTSFB Digital Radio Broadcasting Sub-Working Group, provided an interactive platform where industry leaders addressed pressing questions from participants.

The session wrapped up with closing remarks by Ts. Azhar Abdul Latiff, who emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation, and regulatory support in shaping Malaysia’s digital radio landscape. His remarks reinforced the need for continued industry engagement and strategic planning to drive the adoption of digital radio.

As digital broadcasting continues to gain momentum worldwide, events like these serve as critical knowledge-sharing platforms, paving the way for a more robust and sustainable radio industry in Malaysia and beyond.