WorldDAB’s out-going President, Patrick Hannon is the recipient of this year’s WorldDAB Outstanding Service Award. Hannon has stepped down after ten years as President of the global forum for DAB digital radio, having been elected and re-elected five times.
The award was presented by the new President, Jacqueline Bierhorst, as part of WorldDAB’s General Assembly, its annual event for members held this year in Munich, Germany. Presenting the award, Bierhorst described Hannon as “a remarkable individual whose exceptional contribution has significantly advanced the cause of DAB and DAB+ digital radio.”
As President, Hannon has overseen the expansion of DAB and DAB+ digital radio technologies to new regions across the globe and has campaigned for legislation that requires DAB+ in every new car sold in Europe. He has spoken at events in over 20 countries and has worked with DAB advocates to ensure the successful launch and development of new DAB markets across Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Hannon remains a member of WorldDAB’s Steering Board.
“Patrick’s leadership was characterised by passion and unwavering commitment to DAB+. He is not one to wait for opportunities, but proactively seeks out ways to advance the mission of WorldDAB,” added Bierhorst.
The WorldDAB Award for Outstanding Service recognises an individual for an exceptional contribution to the roll-out of DAB digital radio. The WorldDAB Award for Outstanding Service is offered in memory of Per-Erik Selemark of Swedish Radio, former vice president and chair of the Technical Committee, who died in January 1999. The Award is given annually at the WorldDAB General Assembly.
Accepting the award, Patrick Hannon said: “Over the last ten years, WorldDAB has helped transform the international radio landscape. On a personal level, it’s been an honour to work with so many friends and colleagues around the world to achieve this goal. Much progress has been made, but further work remains to be done. I look forward to seeing the next chapters in the development of the DAB story.”
WorldDAB Project Director, Bernie O’Neill, said: “We couldn't have asked for a more dedicated and inspiring President than Patrick, whose leadership has been instrumental in WorldDAB's success. His positivity, strategic thinking, and tireless work ethic have set a high standard. The Project office team and I are immensely grateful for his continual support and contributions. Nonetheless, we are excited to welcome Jacqueline as our new President, and we have no doubt that her expertise and passion for DAB+ will drive us forward. As we enter this new chapter, we remain committed to promoting digital radio and advancing the interests of our members and stakeholders. We thank Patrick for his excellent service and look forward to working with Jacqueline to continue building the future of broadcast digital radio.”
Recent WorldDAB Award winners:
o 2022: Jacqueline Bierhorst, Digital Radio NL
o 2021: Helwin Lesch, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Γερμανία
o 2020: Francis Goffin, RTBF, Βέλγιο
o 2019: Sergio Natucci, DAB Italia
o 2018: Ole Jørgen Torvmark, Digital Radio Norway
About Patrick Hannon
Hannon is Vice President Corporate Development at Frontier Smart Technologies. Frontier is a leading supplier of chips, modules, and software for digital radio. Hannon’s remit encompasses strategy, communications and encouraging the successful roll-out of digital radio around the world. He has been President of WorldDAB since November 2013. During this period, DAB digital radio has made significant progress across Europe – with growing signs of interest in the rest of the world. In his role as President, he plays an active role in shaping WorldDAB’s strategy and ensuring that the organisation is fully focused on its core objectives. He has spoken at events in over 20 countries and has worked with DAB advocates to ensure the successful launch and development of new DAB markets.
About WorldDAB
WorldDAB is the global industry association responsible for defining and promoting DAB digital radio. By bringing together radio industry professionals, WorldDAB provides knowledge and expertise that helps countries successfully adopt and implement broadcast digital radio.
Our 1300+ experts from over 110 member organisations in 33 countries across the globe include public and commercial broadcasters, regulators, network providers and manufacturers of receivers, chips, professional equipment, and automobiles.
Info: www.worlddab.org
Notes: Press Release - WorldDAB - 7 November 2023
