Digital Radio UK is taking its ‘Doing the DAB’ event to Northern Ireland, following the success of sessions across England and Scotland.
Previous events have been held in Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Liverpool, while one in Cardiff takes place this week.
Doing the DAB: Belfast will be part of the Belfast Media Festival on 17th November, with speakers confirmed so far including people from the BBC and commercial radio operators in Northern Ireland.
On the list at the time of writing are:
– Local broadcaster John Rosborough
– Stuart Robinson and Mark Mahaffy from Bauer Radio, Northern Ireland
– Michael Tumelty from BBC Northern Ireland
– Larry Deeney from BBC Radio Foyle
– Jimmy Buckland and Peter McVerry from Wireless Group
– JP Coakley from RTÉ
– Bryan Coombes from Arqiva
– Ford Ennals from DRUK
The session is open to all attendees of the Belfast Media Festival which is free to register for.
There are now more than 50 DAB stations available in Northern Ireland, with the last few years seeing the launches of Downtown Country, BBC Radio Foyle and U105 on digital radio.
Doing the DAB: Belfast will hear about the future of digital radio in Northern Ireland and how local stations BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Foyle, Downtown Radio, Downtown Country, Cool FM and U105 are using digital platforms to reach new audiences. Additionally, the Republic of Ireland’s public service broadcaster, RTÉ, will talk about future plans for digital radio.
To attend the Doing the DAB event, you need to be registered for the Belfast Media Festival and also confirm your attendance with Digital Radio UK by emailing sam.bonham@digitalradiouk.com
Ford Ennals, CEO, Digital Radio UK, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to hold a special ‘Doing the DAB’ event at the prestigious Belfast Media Festival. It’s going to be a fascinating morning as we hear from the BBC and commercial radio about their experience launching services on DAB and what the future holds for digital radio in Northern Ireland. We can’t wait.”
Mark Mahaffy, Regional Managing Director of Bauer Radio, Northern Ireland, said: “There’s no better place, and no better event to talk about the ever increasing importance of digital radio – it is already delighting more listeners than ever with greater than ever choice. DAB listening in Northern Ireland is enjoying terrific growth and Bauer Media is proud and excited to be a part of ‘Doing the DAB’ at the Media Festival in November. If you’re interested in the future of radio in Northern Ireland, best to book your place soonest!”
Michael Tumelty, Head of Radio, BBC Northern Ireland, said: “Radio is a key medium and a service which enriches the lives of listeners. This is an exciting and challenging time for radio as it is for all media. BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle is looking forward to participating in the Doing the DAB event at the Belfast Media Festival and meeting, listening and sharing ideas with all those who are passionate about radio and its future.”
Jimmy Buckland, Director of Strategy at Wireless Group, said: “Northern Irish listeners have never had greater choice of national and local digital stations to listen to, so it’s timely that the Belfast Media Festival have arranged this session celebrating the sector’s progress. I’m looking forward to hearing from the other speakers and to sharing updates on U105’s recent DAB expansion and Wireless Group’s wider investments in digital radio.”
