The EBU’s Head of Radio Graham Dixon has addressed the French industry event Salon de la Radio in Paris (2 February).

In his speech Dixon praised the vitality of the French media scene and the media response to the tragic and appalling events in Paris in November 2015.  In this context he referred to the flexibility and portability of radio, and the fact that a report can now be filed from a smartphone. 

“We live in an increasingly complex world and one where the need for rational, thoughtful interpretation of events is absolutely essential,” he told the gathered delegates.

“Not only that, the debates we hear every day on radio demonstrate that a plurality of views within society is possible, and that discussion exemplifies the respectful disagreement on which our societies are founded.   For this reason, I believe that public media is more relevant than ever, in its aspiration to reach and engage with the entire population, providing a focal point for coming together for great events of national importance, from sports to celebrations to elections.” 

Graham Dixon welcomed the recent calendar for the implementation of DAB in France, and spoke of the need to maintain a terrestrial broadcast platform; specifically this was important in emergency situations and to provide a universal service which cannot be hacked or intercepted.  Above all, audiences should be at the heart of the offer.

“Within the framework of DAB, and the resources of public broadcasting, audiences expect more than from commercial streaming services, non-stop audio designed to serve well-defined niches,” he said. “They expect the curation and intelligent commentary they associate with public service media, the opportunity to hear and learn new things, and the repertory broad enough to stimulate their curiosity.  That is why DAB can provide an intermediate offer, between the limited channels of the analogue world and the multiplicity of digital streaming services, while remaining faithful to the public service principle.” 

The EBU’s Head of Radio also drew attention to DAB good news from across Europe during the past few months, with new trial services, station launches, and its inclusion in strategic documents. “But in the future, I offer the challenge that, however excellent our content might be, that may not be sufficient to retain our strong position in the audio market place,” he told the Salon de la Radio. 

“It will need to take full advantage of the newest means of delivery, data management, and develop some elements of personalization.  Here, hybrid radio, combining terrestrial audio delivery with internet elements may provide the solution.   Whatever precise path our different organizations take, our priority must be the development of radio as a contemporary medium. In English, I often say ‘making radio modern’.”  

You can read Graham Dixon;s full speech to the Salon de la Radio in English and French here.