Le stazioni locali e nazionali AM/FM spariranno presto dall’etere europeo, si chiede l’EBU nella sua nuova pubblicazione “Public Radio In Europe 2007”?. La risposta è ni. L’Europa, specialmente attraverso i suoi enti pubblici, è molto avanti nella sperimentazione di tecnologie come il DRM, ma gli scenari a breve-medio termine più probabili sono quelli di una convivenza più o meno pacifica (meno, direi io) di piattaforme tecnologiche e modelli di offerta “lineare” (ascolto real time) e “on demand” (asincrona). Come del resto si diceva ieri al Proxy Bar di Radio Imago con Antonio. Secondo l’EBU è probabile che l’FM resti più o meno come tale per almeno altri dieci anni, e che questo mezzo persisterà in molti mercati fino a oltre il 2020.
Lo studio nella sua interezza non è direttamente disponible sul sito EBU ma si può prelevare il file con le conclusioni che sono comunque molto interessanti. Ringrazio Andrea Borgnino per avermi mandato il comunicato stampa rilasciato oggi dall’EBU
Europe’s public broadcasters at the forefront of digital radio development
EBU reveals the findings of a unique study on the digital radio environment in Europe
Geneva, 15 June 2007 – Will analogue FM and AM bands soon disappear across Europe? Is the digitalisation of radio a realistic option? Which digital radio platforms are available today to broadcasters? How can broadcasters respond to the evolving needs of radio listeners? The “Public Radio in Europe 2007” study, published today by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) focuses on these and many other key issues related to the future of radio. It is the first comprehensive study on the role of public service broadcasters (PSBs) in the development of digital radio. It highlights the main tendencies in Europe and the latest perspectives for the future from broadcasters, regulators and industry experts.
The study, produced by the EBU’s Strategic Information Service (SIS) was presented today in Geneva at the EBU Digital Radio Conference where experts are currently discussing means and platforms available as well as expectations and constraints related to the digitalisation of radio.
The key finding of the study is that public service broadcasters are at the forefront of digital radio developments and crucial to the take up and success of both DAB/DAB+ and DRM technologies. From testing, to content provision, to extending coverage of the population, PSBs are committed to bringing the benefits of digital technologies to all citizens across Europe.
However, the emergence of new standards may create confusion and disrupt digital radio implementation in some countries as regulators and planners re-evaluate the potential of each technology. Furthermore, enabling regulation is not yet in place in many countries. The study therefore highlights the dilemma faced by PSBs and national governments in choosing the appropriate digital standards in a fast moving technological environment.
Consensus of all key industry and government players is necessary to drive radio digitalisation. European regulators also have a role to play to facilitate digital radio and motivate key players.
However, for the time being, analogue switch-over is not on the horizon for radio and it will take more than a decade until it becomes a realistic option. There are indications that FM will persist beyond 2020 in most markets.
The study also underlines the fact that without a dedicated transmission network, radio may risk being subsumed by other platforms dominated by television or other services. Radio broadcasts may in fact lose prominence if offered as a supplementary service by aggregators controlling the menus, EPGs, and technical parameters of transmission.
