AER 2016 Conference Blog

On Tuesday 21st June Radiocentre attended the AER (Association of European Radios) 2016 conference in Brussels at the European Parliament. The packed programme included radio experts, MEPs, as well as a representative from the European Commission.

Michael Hill (Radioplayer) provided attendees from across Europe with a fascinating insight into ‘findability’ of commercial stations, along with a look at the future of radio in cars. Central to Michael’s presentation was the idea that stations must embrace the technological requirements necessary in order to feature prominently in popular search engines. The importance of successfully engaging with the motor industry was also emphasised given the value listeners continue to place on radio in cars.

After hearing from Anna Herold from the European Commission on a host of issues concerning radio, MEPs Petra Kammerevert and Sabine Verheyen both reinforced the value of commercial radio, as well as the importance of access and ‘findability’ in an age of increased digital competition. The conference also afforded attendees with the opportunity to hear from the panellists about issues such as the Digital Single Market and access to spectrum, as well as ask topical questions.

The conference concluded with a tour of the excellent radio broadcasting facilities at the European Parliament which are available, along with technical support, free of charge to radio stations. Newstalk FM (Ireland) took the opportunity to broadcast live from the Parliament, with the UK’s EU referendum providing a hot topic for debate.

AER is a Europe-wide trade body representing the interests of over 4,500 private/commercial radio stations across the EU28 and in Switzerland. Read more about AER here.