Radiodays Europe 2026 Kicks Off in Riga: Audio’s Future Is People Powered!
And we’re off.
Radiodays Europe 2026 has officially begun, opening with an energizing ceremony that set the tone for what promises to be a defining moment for the global audio industry. Hosted in vibrant Riga, the event wasted no time diving into the themes shaping audio today and tomorrow.
A Colorful Start
The conference opened with a striking performance by the Riga Red Choir, immediately grounding the event in creativity, culture, and the emotional power of sound. It was a fitting reminder: audio isn’t just content, it’s experience.
Hosting the opening were Paul Robinson, consultant, radio presenter, and a familiar voice across Boom Radio and Creative Media Partners, alongside Rita Paula, morning show host at Radio Skonto. Together, they brought energy and warmth, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation in radio.
“The Future of Audio Is People Powered”
Peter Niegel, CEO of Radiodays Europe, followed with a powerful opening address. With over 13,000 participants from 55 countries, Radiodays has firmly positioned itself as the “audio hub of the world.”
But beyond the numbers, Niegel posed a bigger question: where does the evolution of audio go next?
His answer was simple, yet profound: “The future of audio is people powered.”
In an era of rapid technological change, the human element, creativity, connection, and community, remains at the heart of everything.
Staying Relevant Without Losing Identity
Baiba Zuzena, Chairwoman of the Board at the Latvian Public Service Broadcaster, reinforced this idea with a reassuring perspective:
“Audio is not losing ground, it’s expanding.”
Her focus was on balance: how do media organizations evolve without losing their core identity?
She highlighted a major structural shift within Latvia’s public service broadcasting, merging TV and radio into a unified system. It’s a bold move aimed at staying relevant in a fragmented media landscape while preserving public trust and purpose.
Clive Dickens: Collaboration, AI, and the Road Ahead
The keynote from Clive Dickens, Managing Partner at The Meliora Company, brought a strategic lens to the conversation.
He outlined the challenges facing the industry:
A consumption problem
A sustainability problem
An investor confidence problem
But his message wasn’t pessimistic, it was a call to action.
The solution is collaboration.
According to Dickens, the audio industry must take cues from others that are already working together on shared technologies and platforms. Investment should be focused on what truly matters: storytelling, distribution, and marketing.
He also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence, urging companies to embrace it rather than fear it.
Consumers are already ahead:
People aged 13 to 34 now spend more time with AI than reading
Over 50 percent of adults use it weekly
His advice was clear, do not lock AI away. Empower teams to use it, learn from it, and better understand audiences through it.
Building Conversations That Matter
The opening session concluded with Nikolaj Vitting Herman, Head of Content and Collaborations at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation.
His focus was connection.
In a world of fragmented audiences, how do we bring people together?
Herman emphasized:
Collaboration across platforms and programs
Creating multiple entry points for audiences
Building strong, shared moments
Telling stories that resonate both structurally and personally
Measuring not just reach, but conversation
It is not just about broadcasting anymore. It is about sparking dialogue and creating meaningful engagement across different communities.
The Importance of Radio in Cars
Edita Kudlacova, Head of Radio at the EBU, and Stefan Möller, President of AER, closed the session before the conclusion with a focus on the future of radio in vehicles. They spoke about why FM must remain alive and the critical role of radio in cars. They stressed that the industry must collaborate closely with car developers to create the best possible experience for consumers while shaping the future of audio. Their insights highlighted that partnership and innovation are key to keeping radio relevant and thriving in the years ahead.
The Bigger Picture
If the opening of Radiodays Europe 2026 made one thing clear, it is this: audio is not fading, it is evolving.
From AI to cross platform storytelling, from structural transformation to human connection, the industry stands at a crossroads. But rather than choosing between technology and humanity, the message from Riga is to embrace both.
Because in the end, the future of audio is not just digital, automated, or data driven.
It is still deeply, unmistakably human.
