ASIA

As part of the Remote Contribution theme of UNESCO’s ongoing Remote Radio Week, today there was a discussion on how to manage audio contributions from home.The session was moderated by Lawrie Hallett of Red Tech and featured Bala Murali Subramaney, Chief Technology Officer, Astro Radio, Malaysia, Gary Kline, Founder, Kline Consulting and Radioinfo Asia’s Steve Ahern, who is also the Head of ABU Media Academy.Speaking about his experience in remote broadcasting, Subramany said during the last 12 months most of their announcers worked from home and they only had one engineer per shift at the control centre.

It was challenging as not all announcers had computers or a broadband connectivity at home, so they would record their audio on their phone and transfer the file to someone who had a computer. They also tried to virtualize the automation system and console.Steve said it was a mixed experience over the last 18 months, and agreed with Bala’s comments about poor internet. When the pandemic struck, he researched extensively about remote radio and learnt that as soon as you move from an acoustic studio to a home studio, there are lot of issues like more echo and background noise. It’s good to choose a small room, use the corner of the room to reduce echo and dampen the sound from the walls with foam or curtains. Even though one may be using the same mics that they usually do, they are not in the studio environment, so use a much closer mic technique and use a headset mic, so if you move around then the mic is in the same position. The playout software has many different configurations, so you can do virtual voice tracking back to the studio, so you only need a microphone and a computer, or you might use the software in your computer to trigger the playout so you’re in control of the whole system remotely, or you can have the audio files and the playout interface on your computer, and at home you out your computer and microphone through a mixer and send the whole program back to the studio or the transmitter.Gary, a consultant, spoke about how when the pandemic struck, almost overnight, most of the staff of radio stations were ordered to stay at home. Many stations were not equipped to broadcast from home, so they made a scramble to get the equipment which put a load on the manufacturers. The rush to get jocks on air meant often there was a sacrifice in terms of audio quality and there was also the issue of internet connectivity. There was a need to assess how to be prepared for any such eventuality in the future.Answering a viewer’s questions about managing broadcasting from home, Steve said one of the problems of handling live was the inadequacy of internet services. If radio broadcasters are thinking ahead, they should be installing direct broadcast lines, IP lines and buying dedicated space in hubs and direct feeds, so they have control rather than internet or mobile services. One should also have multiple backup connections. […]

Global DAB receiver sales have broken through the key 100 million milestone this year – reaching a cumulative figure of 110 million units, including both consumer and automotive receivers.The latest infographic released by industry body WorldDAB shows that despite the impact of the pandemic, sales continue to power ahead. In the last 12 months, automotive DAB receivers exceeded 10 million units for the first time, and consumer receiver sales registered over five million units.The automotive DAB+ market has been transformed over the last two years – with DAB+ now a standard feature in over 89% of new cars in all key European markets. This growth reflects the impact of the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) introduced in December 2020, requiring all new car radios in the EU to be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio.

In the consumer receiver market, the proportion of devices featuring DAB / DAB+ has also seen a sharp increase – from 28% two years ago to 42% in the second quarter of 2021. DAB sales are benefiting from strong marketing in Germany and the Netherlands, receiver regulation in Germany, France and Italy – and the emergence of new DAB markets including Belgium, Austria and the Czech Republic.Patrick Hannon, President of WorldDAB, said: “The data in our new infographic clearly demonstrate that even in the most challenging of times, DAB+ continues to grow as the core future platform for radio in Europe. We’re delighted to see big increases in consumer units and in particular the automotive sector. The implementation of the EECC last year, driving growth in the in-car market, highlights the power of regulation to bring significant benefits not only for listeners across Europe, but also for the environment at this crucial time.”Highlights of the report
Digital radio reach has achieved record levels in several markets, including the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Australia
Sales of consumer DAB+ receivers have performed strongly over the last 12 months – with annual sales in Italy and the Czech Republic more than doubling; sales in France growing by 45%; and sales in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Austria all growing at rates of over 20%
In all major European markets, at least 89% of new cars come with DAB+ radio as standard
The infographic details the rollout status in 24 emerging markets including information on trials and population coverage – not only in Europe but also in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The infographic also gives a comprehensive overview of DAB receiver sales, road and population coverage, household penetration and the number of national stations on DAB/DAB+ compared to FM. The report covers Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and the UK. […]

Orlando “Dondon” Dinoy, a radio journalist, was shot dead by an unidentified gunman inside his home in Bansalan town, Davao del Sur, Philippines, last weekend.Dinoy was a reporter with Newsline Philippines and an anchor for Energy FM. He covered local news, development issues and crime, according to a statement issued by Newsline Philippines editor Editha Z. Caduaya.According to the local police, a gunman entered Dinoy’s house last Saturday around 6pm and shot him six tomes in the head and body. he died instantly.

The motive for his killing remains unclear and an investigation was under way to pin down the motive behind Dinoy’s death, said Joel Sy Egco, executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), a government body.Dinoy will be the 21st journalist to be killed in connection with their work since Rodrigo Duterte was installed as president in 2016.The Philippines is ranked 138th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2021 World Press Freedom Index.Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), via its Global Impunity Index, ranked the Philippines as the seventh-worst country in the world for reporters, saying that 13 murders of journalists remained unsolved there.“Orlando Dinoy’s murder is particularly shocking because it was carried out in a very cold-blooded manner and with a great deal of premeditation,” said Daniel Bastard, the head of RSF’s Asia-Pacific desk. “Investigators must therefore be alert for evidence that allows them to identify those responsible as quickly as possible, and supports the hypothesis that it was linked to the victim’s journalistic activities.” […]

Content from BPRThe digital development path of a particular media business is a journey which is somewhat unique to that business.  There are many variables such as your available resources, competitive circumstances, business scope and strategic intent. For example, a media business involving both radio and publishing assets will need to approach things differently from a business dealing in audio alone.When it comes to a radio business embracing a digital path there are quite a few lessons to be observed however some of the key issues include:

Know what your current listeners truly love about your brand and/or content. Do not commit significant resources until you know this. It is critical for everyone tasked with designing, creating, delivering and marketing your digital strategy to know this.
Provide as many ways as possible for your listeners to connect with what they love about your brand and content. Build communities of interest around what people love wherever possible.
It’s better to do a good job of a few things than an average job of many things.
Maintain a disciplined approach to reviewing and refreshing content and messaging as frequently as you are able.
Have someone within your business who owns the digital strategy implementation and can apply themselves to the task entirely.  A part time or committee driven process usually leads to wastage and failure.
Do everything humanly possible to get your listeners interacting with you via your own App.
Content unique to your station and/or brand is the magic bullet. Beware populating your platforms entirely with re-published or syndicated content. The more you appear like everyone else, the less you achieve.
Place your linear radio station/s at the center of your digital strategy.  Digital strategy should extend out from your brand and the content you are famous for.
Learn from what you do, if you can’t measure and trend it, question your need to do it.
Build flexibility and the opportunity for scale into all you do where possible.
Re-define your business as an Audio business rather than a Radio business.
This final point is particularly important. Creating audio content that informs and entertains is what we (in radio) do well.  The key to the future is being content impassioned and platform acquiescent. What we currently call radio will remain the dominate form of listening product provided those of us in the industry don’t lose sight of what makes our audio product compelling.  “Radio’s” greatest threat is not other platforms or technologies, it is losing confidence in our ability to prevail as the creators of the best audio content.By Wayne Clouten, BPRWayne Clouten has been working with media companies in the development of digital, listener relationship marketing and multi-media strategy for more than 20 years in markets such as the UK, Austria, Germany, Russia & Australasia. […]

Astro Radio is celebrating being 25 years young this year by revitalizing the SYOK app.From November 1, Malaysians can look forward to over 60 new online radio stations offering extensive variety and compilation of music, and a new Chinese news channel ‘YOU-NEIRONG’ for the latest news and current affairs updates.The new stations on SYOK enables users to stream their favourite music genres and categories across languages including ballads, classics, acoustic music, dance music, workout music, K-pop, hip-hop, favourites from the 70s, 80s and 90s, rock, Jiwang, Cintan, Nasyid, Arabic, Bollywood songs, Irama Malaysia, Dangdut and more.

These 60 new online radio stations will be available in addition to all Astro Radio’s brands on-air and on TV including ERA, MY, HITZ, RAAGA, SINAR, GEGAR, ZAYAN, MELODY, GOXUAN, MIX, LITE and more, making Astro Radio and SYOK the first in Malaysia to launch most number of new online radio stations simultaneously.Users can also enjoy many exciting new and upgraded features such as a ‘dark mode’; an ‘alarm’ feature which allows users to schedule their preferred radio station to automatically stream; a ‘live video’ channel, providing users the ability to interact with others during a live video session via chat; and for podcasts – an enhanced podcast search based on categories, enabling users to continue streaming where they left off, organizing downloaded podcasts into folders, sharing on social media; and many more.Kenny Ong, Chief Executive Officer, Astro Radio, said: “As we embark on our journey of transformation to grow as Malaysia’s largest and most influential audio entertainment and infotainment network, Astro Radio is excited to introduce more relevant, audio streaming choices with content curated to our listeners demands. The rapid pace of disruption in the digital space has continued to spur our evolution to offer more online music streams that keep Astro Radio brands relevant. The new SYOK app offers increased personalization with our 60 new online radio stations to suit more lifestyles and preferences. We hope Malaysians enjoy this new entertainment experience on SYOK via the app and web.”Ong continued: “Recently, Astro Radio also collaborated with TikTok to launch three new weekend shows on air and on the SYOK app, to expand reach and cross-promote a wider selection of content and music across platforms. Additionally, we have partnered with ACO Tech, leading smart mobility provider in Southeast Asia, to integrate the SYOK app in vehicles infotainment systems; and with HUAWEI to integrate the SYOK app on the HUAWEI WATCH 3 Series offering users an elevated smartwatch experience. We will announce more partnerships as we continue to innovate and transform the Malaysian radio and audio industry.” Malaysians can continue to stream trending podcasts in various languages exclusively available on SYOK such as Confession Bilik Gelap, TechniPod, Moon’s Parenting Tips, Pei Diary with Lingkesvaran and more, and catch up on all live radio content (radio on-demand) anytime.The SYOK app will also offer Malaysians access to SYOK Originals, short-form videos which will feature relevant, interesting stories such as Everyday Malaysians, SYOK Busybody, SYOK Food Taster and more. Malaysians can also enjoy current articles, news and traffic updates and participate in contests for a chance to take home exciting prizes including the SYOK 101 contest available on the app and on-air from 8 November, for a chance to win cash prizes. […]

Content from BPRWhen considering the development of your radio stations digital strategy the key question is not so much about what you do but why you do it.  It is very easy to fall into the trap of focusing so much on generating activity that the strategic perspective is lost.A fundamental consideration is the intent of your strategy. When it comes to an existing broadcasting business there are basically four primary options:

Is it about defending your existing core business and brands?
Is it about expanding your existing core business and brands?
Is it about changing your existing business into something different and creating additional brands?
Is it about creating something entirely new and separate from your current business?
While most companies will probably want to achieve all four outcomes, each of these strategic intents have different tactical paths.  It’s OK to want it all, however if you rush into the digital space without the priority of your intent being clearly articulated and understood by all involved then two things will likely occur:
The ROI on the digital activity being generated will be poor because of duplication of effort and resources, pursuing dead-end ideas and creating never-ending construction sites.
The people involved will become uncertain or frustrated about what they are doing and why they are doing it and friction will develop.
Point two is particularly worrying because it leads to people focusing on generating activity to justify the digital budget rather than measurable outcomes linked to the strategic intent.  It can also lead to a silo mentality where people become defensive when things become difficult or don’t work out the way it was hoped.  A symptom that things are not right is when staff start using the word “they” rather than “we” when referring to their colleagues.There is a lot of pressure nowadays for media companies to have a strong digital narrative, particularly at a corporate and B2B level. This narrative normally entails a combination of vision and initiative statements supported by activity statistics. All this is great if you are achieving your strategic intent and not just misdirecting attention away from core business issues which are proving too difficult to fix.Digital statistics are intoxicating. Anyone who knows me can testify that I have been leading the charge on radio stations embracing digital opportunities since the beginning of the digital revolution however at the same time I have developed a deep respect for how they can lead you astray from the two primary strategic outcomes for a media business, that being developing more usage of what you create and deliver and most importantly, increasing the profitability of your business.In part 2 of this article on Digital Strategy we will look at some of the practical lessons learned.About the AuthorWayne Clouten has been working with media companies in the development of digital, listener relationship marketing and multi-media strategy for more than 20 years in markets such as the UK, Austria, Germany, Russia & Australasia. […]