DRACE is an academic research group that specializes in studies of radio and audio media.

The radio medium is undergoing renewed challenges and significant change in all markets. Digital radio technologies, mobile communications and the internet have radically transformed the environment in which radio, as traditionally conceived, operates.

There is a widespread belief that radio must re-invent itself in the new digital age to avoid a long term decline. If it does not go digital, it is claimed, radio could become obsolete and lose younger audiences who have become accustomed to a vast array of digital choices in their media experiences.

DRACE studies these changes with a variety of empirical methods, conforming to the highest standards of international research in the field.

News:

Digital Radio in Europe: Technologies, Industries and Cultures was published in February 2010.

Drawing upon extensive cross-national research conducted by the Digital Radio Cultures in Europe research group, this volume offers the first comprehensive review of the complex environment in which European digital radio now operates. The title describes the technologies, policies and different strategies utilized to bring radio into the digital era. Read more...

"Digital Radio in Europe provides a good way in to understanding this prime example of putting the digital cart before the listener interest horse and is recommended reading."

Richard Collins, The Open University, UK
European Journal of Communication March 2011 vol. 26 no. 1, 80-82.

"[T]he book serves as a good introduction for those involved in policy-making and industry strategies as it helps them to understand the dynamics of the digital radio environment in order to establish a real digital culture for radio broadcasting."

Tom Evens, Ghent University, Belgium
International Journal of Digital Television June 2011 vol. 2 no. 2, 253-255.

Stronger European ties

DRACE is now involved in the COST Action "Transforming Audiences, Transforming Societies" which was kicked-off in Brussels in March 2010. Brian O'Neill is management committee member (MC) for Ireland, and Lars Nyre is MC for Norway. The action will be active until at least 2014. DRACE will among other things contribute with a joint qualitative study of participation in broadcast and social media, which has been ongoing since 2004.

"So, we must get to the bottom of the problems holding back the roll-out of digital radio. We must understand exactly why the legal frameworks for digital and online deployment are so disparate across Europe. We need to understand why the EU-wide consensus in 1986 that led to the technically impressive DAB standard has drifted to today’s inertia."