DigiTAG will re-launch as the association that defends and promotes terrestrial broadcasting - and the spectrum it needs - on a worldwide basis. The organization held its General Assembly at the EBU in Geneva today, where members were informed about this new direction.

In a clear statement DigiTAG's President Lieven Vermaele confirmed that the organization's new mission is to protect broadcast spectrum, while continuing to focus on promoting and harmonizing Digital Terrestrial services and products and developing new DTT markets.  Mr Vermaele, who is also the EBU's Director of Technology & Innovation, said "We need a body to protect broadcasting and spectrum. Spectrum is a burning issue for the whole of the broadcasting industry and we need to ensure that there is cooperation and a coherent message from all stakeholders. We need a united front."

It was also announced that DigiTAG will now become technology neutral in order represent the whole terrestrial broadcast industry. This will also help towards attracting members from the worldwide broadcast community.

Presentations at this year’s General Assembly came from the BBC's Garazi Goia, on the success of Freeview, from Teracom's Lars Backlund on future FTA and Pay TV for terrestrial broadcasting, Darko Ratkaj of EBU on preparations towards WRC-15, and Stan Baaijens of Funke on the growth of markets for terrestrial broadcasting around the world’.

The DigiTAG Steering Board was also elected for 2013. The Presidency of DigiTAG includes: Lieven Vermaele, President, Vice-Presidents Alex Mestre, Abertis Telecom and John Adam, Samsung, along with Lars Backlund of Teracom.

Joining DigiTAG

DigiTAG is a membership organization. For information about joining or to learn more about the future work of DigiTAG contact the Project Office.

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.digitag.org
 

Photo: Lars Backlund (Teracom), Alex Mestre (Abertis Telecom), Lieven Vermaele (EBU), John Adam (Samsung).