Radiodays Europe in Munich: Spotlight on a Vibrant Audio Market

By Nina Brandtner

Photo: Adobe Stock / rudi1976

Europe's most important conference for the radio and audio industry will take place in Munich from March 17th to 19th. Bavaria, one of the most diverse and strongest audio markets in Europe, is hosting this year's Radiodays Europe (RDE). As host partner, XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria is highlighting the innovative strength of the local industry and showing its hospitality.

Since 2012 Radiodays Europe have taken place in a different country each year. The organizers are now breaking this tradition for the first time in 2024 by returning to Germany. For good reason, as Radiodays CEO Peter Niegel says: "Germany is one of the largest audio markets in Europe - Bavaria and Munich are its driving engine." Over 90 local and state-wide radio stations are on air here, they are well connected and have room for experimentation and innovation thanks to a strong funding system. This is exactly what the Radiodays are all about: How can the European audio industry emerge stronger in an increasingly uncertain future?

Three-day conference with strong Bavarian partners

Under the motto "Shaping the Changing Audio Landscape", top-class speakers from Europe and around the world will discuss current issues in the industry over the course of three days. The conference will be opened from a Bavarian point of view by Dr. Florian Herrmann, Bavarian State Minister for Media, Dr. Thorsten Schmiege, President of the Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien (BLM), and Katja Wildermuth, Director General of Bayerischer Rundfunk. XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria acts as coordinator for further Bavarian partners: Antenne Bayern, Bayerischer Rundfunk, BLM, Radio Arabella, Radio Gong 96.3, Studio Gong, Verband Bayerischer Lokalfunk (VBL) and Vereinigung bayerischer Rundfunkanbieter (VBRA).

»Munich is a great city with a vibrant audio scene.«

Peter Niegel, CEO Radiodays Europe

Photo: Privat

Focus on content related to AI

The RDE sessions cover everything from radio and podcasts to audio tech. Radio and podcast creators from around the world will be discussing topics such as AI, disinformation, funding and new ways to target audiences. International big players including Ellen K from iHeartMedia, James Cridland from Podnews and Marianna Spring from the BBC. With Guy Fränkel from Rock Antenne, Uli Köppen from BR and Jott Lischka from Radio.Cloud, Bavarian pioneers are also among the panelists. For the first time the first day of the event will also feature a Sales Summit coordinated by XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria. This event will be organized by Alexander Zeitelhack together with Studio Gong.

XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria hosts Monday Radio Night

Conference participants will have plenty of opportunity to network away from the panels at the evening events. On Sunday, guests who have already arrived for the summits will come together at the Sunday Welcome Drinks, coordinated by main sponsor XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria and supported by co-sponsor TechniSat. On Monday evening, the radio industry can then be swept away by Bavarian hospitality and Gemütlichkeit at the Monday Radio Night. It is also organized by the initiative XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria and supported by the sponsors Schlossbrauerei Maxlrain, Augustiner Bräu, Wildbach Schokolade, Frankenwein-Frankenland, Pepsi and SELTERS.

"Munich is a great city with a lively audio scene," says Niegel, who is looking forward to the event. "Both in terms of broadcasting and the podcast scene. Bavaria is also incredibly interesting when it comes to audio tech." Stefan Sutor, CEO of Medien.Bayern GmbH and XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria, is also convinced that the Radiodays in Munich will be a complete success: "Whether on air, via DAB+ or online - Bavaria is a special place for audio innovations. We look forward to demonstrating this as hosts in March."