International market research and market data provider
Research and Markets has issued an report on digital radio in Australia.
According to the Dublin, Ireland-based research company, the
January 2009 launch of digital radio in state capitals across Australia will cost the radio sector an estimated A$400 million.
In March 2007, Australian commercial radio broadcasters agreed to
adopt the DAB+ standard for the implementation of digital radio. Research and Markets said, however, that many industry experts believe that new technologies such as wireless Internet radio may have overtaken the radio industry by 2009.
Major trials are going on in Melbourne, Victoria, and Sydney, New South Wales, with most commercial stations testing digital transmissions in coordination with
Commercial Radio Australia.
Some stations in Sydney, said Research and Markets, are already making use of the advanced data capabilities of digital radio.
As part of the transition to digital, Commercial Radio Australia has teamed with advertising agencies to help ensure that advertisers understand the capabilities of the new medium and what it can mean for their clients.
The Digital Radio Advertising Advisory Group includes senior representatives from Starcom, Mitchell's, Ikon Communications, Razor Media, Smart, Clemenger BBDO, OMD, Zenith Optimedia, Initiative, Carat, Maxus, Total Advertising and Communications, HMA Blaze, as well as representatives from industry bodies and senior executives of Australia's major radio networks.
Specific responsibilities of the advisory group will include providing advice from the advertising sector on the implementation of digital radio, as well as providing feedback and communication about the use of digital radio in advertising.