Maria Corominas

Keys to the Failure of DAB in Spain

It does not seem too risky or bold—at the start of the new century—to assert that digital radio has an uncertain future. The present article analyzes the causes of the failure of DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) in Spain using particular current and historical features of the Spanish radio industry to do so (note that Spanish radio falls halfway between the North American commercial model and the European public service model). The opinions of different telecommunications experts, comparisons with other European countries, as well as the defining characteristics of the standard chosen, Eureka 147, better known as DAB, are presented.