According to experts, the future of radio broadcasting in modern cars is far from certain. At the WorldDAB Automotive 2024 conference in Frankfurt am Main, a warning was issued that radio must compete for space on digital dashboards with streaming apps and tech giants. To maintain its position, WorldDAB representatives say it is essential to standardize user interface standards and intensively educate car manufacturers.
The main problem is the increasing complexity of infotainment systems. If access to radio broadcasting is hidden deep in the menus of touch screens, drivers, according to experts, will prefer more easily accessible audio sources. “If you can’t find it, you can’t use it,” said Gregor Pötzsch from CARIAD (VW Group), who chairs the WorldDAB Automotive Working Group. According to him, it is crucial that radio controls are intuitive, which also prevents dangerous distraction for drivers while driving.
“The purpose of the User Experience (UX) guidelines is to translate all the experience and knowledge of hundreds of radio stations into educational materials for car manufacturers,” said Nick Piggott, Vice President of WorldDAB and RadioDNS.
The organization has therefore transformed its technical standards into a dynamic web platform, which provides developers and product managers in car companies with concrete instructions. These guidelines complement the global Radio Ready campaign, which aims to ensure digital radio has a prominent place in the cockpit. The emphasis is no longer just on the technical layer of the signal, but primarily on visual presentation and easy navigation in station lists.
Voice control also plays a significant role, becoming a standard. Experts point out that radio stations must provide accurate metadata so that voice assistants can reliably identify and launch them. Without quality data, there is a risk that the system will incorrectly evaluate the driver's request or not find the station at all. When testing systems, the committee focuses on addressing technical errors in DAB+ signal transmission, working directly with chipset manufacturers and car manufacturers.
The conference concluded that protecting radio's position in the car requires a unified approach from the entire industry.
“It’s about linking technical expertise, broadcaster needs, and the realities of the automotive industry with one goal: to improve the radio experience for drivers,” stated Jacqueline Bierhorst, President of WorldDAB.
The alliance believes that only through cooperation between public and commercial networks with global car manufacturers can radio be preserved as a primary source of information and entertainment on the road.