ASIA

Content from BPRWhen was the last time you heard a radio listener say that they were passionate about a radio station that they listen to? Probably not as frequently as one would like. Many factors can cause a decline in listener passion. One of them is the strict adherence to format rules and structure. Highly formatted stations leave little room for spontaneity. In fact, spontaneity is often discouraged and considered to be a “deviation” from the format. Whereas a format can provide a station’s programs with structure and direction, it can also prevent on-air performers from being creative and using their talent as a means to connect with listeners.I recall specific instances when a program director praised me for properly executing a format and in turn discouraged me from developing a persona within that format.  Of course, not every presenter has the ability to be spontaneous and creative. However, strict adherence to the format leaves little or no room for growth on the part of the presenter.Next time you conduct a listener focus group ask the question “Do you like to listen to a station whose presenters are highly predictable and talk about the same things from one day to the next?” Chances are that few listeners will respond in the affirmative.The element of freshness is fundamental to human communication. People who say and do the same thing all the time are boring. Interesting people offer us ideas and observations that are fresh and new. Talk radio is founded not just on information but opinion and insight as well. Without it, talk radio would wither on the vine. To a degree, the same applies to other formats. Listeners want to be surprised. This does not mean that listeners want to be shocked or offended but rather that they want to be exposed to new ideas, thoughts and observations.People are passionate about things that excite them and stir their imagination. Unfortunately, modern day radio too often fails in this respect. As entertainers and informers, we must be prepared to present our audiences with programs that offer both consistency and imagination.  Otherwise, they will go elsewhere maybe even leave radio altogether.Passion is contagious. Repetition does not create passion, creativity does. As has been said many times, “If what you’re doing isn’t working try something new.”By Andy Beaubien, BPR […]

Comrex is now shipping BRIC-Link III. Debuted at NAB 2022, the latest model in its popular cost-effective IP audio codec line features a new, more powerful processor for improved reliability in addition to enhanced front panel indicators, including four buttons which will trigger contact closures by default and are configurable for auto-connections to other Comrex IP audio codecs.BRIC-Link III includes CrossLock VPN technology, Comrex’s proprietary suite of reliability tools which offers an expanded array of techniques including improved congestion detection, redundant transmission, forward error correction, and deadline-sensitive retransmission. Plus, with the ability to use multiple IP networks for increased bandwidth in addition to the intelligent monitoring and dynamic adjustment of data packets, CrossLock optimizes audio for transmission over the public Internet and provides peace of mind to broadcast engineers.With a suite of encoding algorithms including stereo and mono linear mode, FLAC modes, AAC/HE-AAC modes, Opus, G.722 and G.711, BRIC-Link III can accommodate a wide variety of applications. BRIC-Link IP audio codecs are commonly used in home studios, as STLs, for voice-over delivery, for sportscasting, and for many other situations that require point-to-point connections. With additional operation modes like HTTP and IP Multicast, BRIC-Link III can alsofunction as a streaming server or send audio to multiple locations (depending on network bandwidth), making it an incredibly versatile hardware codec with an entry-level price point.BRIC-Link III is compatible with all other Comrex IP audio codecs, including the ACCESS codec line as well as older BRIC-Link models. It also includes EBU 3326/SIP mode for interoperability with third-party manufacturer codecs.BRIC-Link III works with Comrex Gagl, a new service now available for remote contribution. Gagl turns any Comrex IP audio codec into a hub for up to five participants. […]

The next ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium event will be organised as an in-person event from the 6-9 March 2023 at Kuala Lumpur. It attracts close to 1,500 participants annually, representing over 350 organisations across the region and beyond.An ever-expanding range of technologies is now on the market, providing broadcasters with important new opportunities. DBS showcases these to help broadcasters make the right decisions.The DBS2023 event, through its conference sessions, panel discussions, focused workshops and masterclasses, presented by eminent experts across the globe, will address challenges, find solutions and share experiences related to digital transition, technology implementation, creative content ideas, and enhancing user experiences.DBS2023 ConferenceDBS2023 Conference sessions are organised as panel sessions with multiple speakers presenting on topics related to a session theme. Engage in thought-provoking discussions in the conference.DBS2023 Workshops and MasterclassesThe DBS2023 event will also include Workshop and Masterclass sessions that are deemed to be more focused on a specific topic/solution or product(s) by a specific vendor.Submit your Speaking Request at CALL FOR SPEAKERS – ABU DBS 2023 […]

Mediacorp expands its audio reach to capture 3.8 million listeners weekly, as its roster of free-to-air and digital radio stations continue to be the premier choice for 88.6% of all adults in Singapore who tune in for over 10 hours weekly. According to the latest Nielsen Radio Survey, the company also commands 83.8% of the radio market share, eclipsing that of competitors.In a testament to Mediacorp’s success in staying ahead of consumer preferences and market needs with its customer-centric and multi-platform strategy, listenership on the company’s digital radio network achieved an impressive compound annualised growth (CAGR) of 17% over five years since 2018. This marks the fourth consecutive year of continuous gains on the digital front to reach a record 1.63 million listeners weekly, or 91.6% of all digital listeners.The findings are based on the latest Nielsen Radio Survey conducted from August to October 2022, which tracked radio listenership via diary recordings by 2,014 adults aged 15 and above, with the results weighted by age, sex and race to be representative of the Singapore population.Mediacorp sweeps nine out of top 10 positions, top five are Mediacorp stationsAs the leading radio network, Mediacorp’s radio stations are the preferred choice among key audience segments across gender, age, race and occupation4 . As its reach continues on an upward trajectory for the fourth consecutive year, its capacity to attract, captivate and retain audiences is clear: nine out of the top 10 spots in the ranking of stations is a Mediacorp radio station, with the top five belonging to the company. Out of the 11 hours and 46 minutes that listeners spend tuning in to Singapore’s radio stations weekly, 10 hours and 27 minutes (88.8%) were on Mediacorp’s radio stations.The reigning champion is Chinese station YES 933, boasting a record 964,000 listeners (22.4% of weekly listenership) after attracting an additional 30,000 listeners (+3.2%) since the previous survey6 . As the first choice for a variety of audience segments, including Chinese aged 15+, millennials aged between 25 and 34, premier audiences and parents, it simultaneously claimed the accolade of top digital station with 457,000 digital listeners, and recorded an overall engagement rate of 6 hours 38 minutes.Placing overall second by a narrow margin, but coming in first on both market share and engagement rate is LOVE 972, with 951,000 listeners (22.1% of weekly listenership) who tuned in for 10 hours 22 minutes weekly. This represents an increase of 1 hour 28 minutes since the last survey, which also marks the highest jump in audience engagement across all stations surveyed. Beyond its list of accolades, the station is also the prime choice among women aged 15+, and notably, silvers aged 55+, with whom it achieved a listenership growth of 11%.In overall third place, CLASS 95 continues to be the top English radio station. Following a 3.3% increase in reach, the station recorded 877,000 listeners (20.4% of weekly listenership) who spent an average time of 4 hours 30 minutes listening weekly. Beyond establishing itself as the preferred station among men aged 15+ and PMEBs (professionals, managers, executives and businessmen), the station also achieved a near doubling in digital listenership from 231,000 to 446,000, marking the highest increase among all stations surveyed.In fourth place is CAPITAL 958, which reached 668,000 listeners (15.5% of weekly listenership) and recorded an engagement rate of 10 hours 5 minutes. As a close runner-up to LOVE 972 among silver audiences aged 55+, the station grew 15,000 digital listeners since the last survey6 , marking the third consecutive year of growth on the digital front.Coming in at fifth place for the second year in a row is Malay station Warna 942, which celebrates a highest ever reach of 529,000 listeners (12.3% of weekly listenership) who tuned in for 9 hours 27 minutes weekly. Having recorded a stunning 89.9% increase in digital listenership from 109,000 to 207,000, it is the undisputed top station among Malays, and comes in third among Indians aged 15+. Following closely behind in seventh place is 987, which records 481,000 listeners and retains the honour of being the top station among those between 15 and 24 years old, growing its reach by 51.3% to reach 174,000 listeners. This includes a steady growth in digital listenership, which increased by 80,000 since the last survey6 to hit a record 270,000 listeners. Following closely behind in eighth place is GOLD 905, with 408,000 listeners who spend 4 hours 10 minutes tuning in to the station weekly.Breaking into the top 10 leaderboard for the first time ever is the nation’s preferred English news station CNA938 in ninth place, with a weekly reach of 380,000. This includes a digital listenership of 292,000, representing a 79.1% growth in digital reach, or 129,000 listeners, since the last survey6 . Also breaking personal bests is Oli 968, the top station among Indians 15+. In tenth place, it achieved a record listenership of 348,000 (8.1% of weekly listenership) with an engagement rate of 6 hours 29 minutes.Meanwhile, listenership on classical music station Symphony 924 has remained largely stable at 214,000 (5.0% of weekly listenership); followed by Ria 897 at 133,000 (3.1% of weekly listenership), making it the third leading station for Malays aged 15+. Digital station Indiego, also made its debut in the survey with 2,000 listeners tuning in weekly to the latest indie music from Singapore and around the world.Digital radio network records fourth consecutive year of growthAs Mediacorp continues to boost its suite of digital offerings including the variety of digital audio content such as podcasts, its digital radio network achieved a fourth consecutive year of growth in listenership, achieving a compound annualised growth (CAGR) of 17% over five years since 2018. This translates into a reach of more than 1.63 million listeners, or nine in ten digital listeners, with close to seven hours of weekly engagement.These results correspond with the uptick in performance for Mediacorp’s digital audio service meLISTEN, which saw a growth of 7.4% this year in monthly average unique visitors7 , which reached to 679,973 unique visitors. In terms of podcast content, downloads spiked 41.1% compared to last year to reach a total of 995,585 average downloads monthly8 .Mediacorp’s Chief Executive Officer, Tham Loke Kheng said: “To be continually recognised as the top audio network in Singapore is not an accolade that Mediacorp takes lightly. We are committed to delivering the finest content to entertain, inform and inspire listeners across all demographic segments, and are proud that the latest Nielsen survey has affirmed our success in doing so. As we celebrate being the preferred audio network for a record 3.8 million listeners, we will continue working hard to curate the music they love, create compelling content they enjoy, and connect with them across our network.” […]

Sierra Automated Systems takes its history of Audio over IP innovation to the next level with SAS Global Connect, a complete command and control structure for SAS and third-party broadcast devices living on local and wide-area networks.SAS Global Connect acts as a software-based NOC for broadcasters to centrally manage entire network operations, and can interface with all components in a broadcast infrastructure from microphones to antennas.It is available immediately in on-premises software and is currently testing containerised cloud software versions, providing customers with flexible deployment options based on operational preferences.A producer in one location can manage simple and advanced remote operations with a single button press, from turning microphones and studio lights on and off to triggering automation systems and transmitter feeds.Users can even originate programs across many locations, such as bringing syndicated programs to air for their scheduled slots across different cities.At the same time, users can monitor the health and status of all devices on the network, and switch to redundant components as required.Co-Owner and VP of Sierra Automated Systems, Al Salci, says, “Broadcasters continue to change the way they operate and diversify their services, from consolidating studios and business operations to implementing self-syndication and remote production strategies. “Following decades of experience supporting local facilities and the backend systems architecture, we now take the important step of helping broadcasters support their primary audio delivery needs for both local and remote locations, and with a solution that makes it easy to operate, maintain and monitor all connected devices.”SAS Global Connect is backwards-compatible with most legacy SAS consoles, routers, audio engines and hardware interface accessories, as well as all modern IP-enabled SAS products and is already rolling out for multiple customers.Hyatt says, “We are now activating SAS Global Connect at nearly 40 locations, including studio facilities and transmitter sites. “SAS Global Connect will be an integral component of our turnkey sales, design, installation and commissioning services for radio broadcasters. This is also a solution we anticipate taking global given that we can deploy the software in the cloud, and connect to a broadcaster’s cloud container in the sky to trigger commands and take control of any component, studio or facility anywhere.” […]

Lite FM, Malaysia, has announced a new lineup for its morning show The Lite Breakfast.New addition, Terry Ong, a familiar household name on radio joins popular energetic host, Asha Gill, every weekday morning, from  6 am to 10 am. Fans can also stream new The Lite Breakfast with Asha and Terry on the SYOK app.Asha is a television host, model, actress, producer, activist and radio announcer who has spent over 25 years in the media industry. In addition, she is a certified life coach and hypnotherapist, with her own private practice.Terry is a motor-mouthed wise-cracking personality with over 18 years experience as a radio announcer. Being of Portuguese-Indian-Chinese descent he simply calls himself Malaysian because Portu-chin-dian requires way too much effort.Many new segments are being introduced on the show, including:
Fun-nance, every week, where Asha and Terry speak with Reggie Koh, host of the finance podcast The Financial Coconut, who will share insights, tips and useful information in a fun way, about finance.
What’s Your Problem?, every week, where Asha and Terry will offer their two cents and expert advice for any problems that listeners might have.
Life Hacks, every week, where the hosts share super simple tips and tricks for making life just a little bit easier.
Remember the Time, every Wednesday, where fans can share their memorable moments and stories with Asha and Terry.
Jukebox Hour, every Friday, where fans can take control of the music playlist and share their favourite songs with announcers to be played on Lite FM. […]