01 Oct 2003 |

Television Conference To Tackle Analogue Switch-Off

Analogue switch-off, the impact of personal video recorders and the increasingly complex task of audience measurement are just some of the issues due for debate at this year’s European Television Symposium, which will take place in Prague next month.

The two day event entitled ‘The Race To Analogue Switch Off’ will focus on the growth of digital terrestrial television and the challenges it poses both to viewers and to those within the industry.

A range of international speakers will ask what lessons can be learned from the analogue switch-off in Berlin and the experiments currently being conducted with DTTV in Italy. They will also assess what challenges will face the further development of the digital television.

Richard Fielding, vice-president of research at Starcom Worldwide will address delegates on how personal video recorders are affecting viewing behaviour and Richard Lindsay-Davies, head of strategic marketing at Pace Micro Technology, will ask what lies in store for free-to-view television.

The task of television audience measurement is becoming increasingly complex as the range of platforms and level of interactivity rises. With this in mind, Steve Wilcox, managing director of RSMB Television Research considers the pros and cons of a personal people meter panel for the television industry. Julian Dobinson, head of research at BSkyB has also been lined-up to address delegates on the emerging ways of assessing interactive audiences.

Meanwhile, the event will examine how developments in the European television markets have changed the way audiences are traded. Andrew Canter, head of broadcast at Media Planning Group UK and Barry Cupples, OMD’s regional director for central and eastern Europe, will join a range of speakers in charting the evolution of the television planning and buying process.

The increased functionality provided by digital technology and the complexities involved in electronic audience measurement are also on the agenda at this year’s annual European Radio Symposium.

Helwin Lesch, head of programmes distribution at Bayerische Rundfunk, will begin the proceedings with a look at the prospects for digital radio. Nick Hiddleston, international research director, and Jonathan Barrowman, head of radio UK at Initiative Media, will then examine where radio fits in the media mix.

Following the controversy surrounding RAJAR’s rejection of electronic measurement systems, Jay Guyther, vice president of international business development at Arbitron, and Matthias Steinmann of Telecontrol Group, will report on the latest developments in measuring radio audiences.

Delegates will also hear from Jo Hamilton, head of research at BBC Radio, who will discuss the implications of measuring radio audiences by platform.

This year’s European Television and Radio Symposiums will take place in Prague between 12 and 14 November. Further details can be obtained from Mike Sainsbury on 01822 618 628.

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