ASIA

At the hotly anticipated NAB Show 2024, Futuri’s CEO Daniel Anstandig, alongside co-presenter Ameca, the AI-powered humanoid robot, shared findings from the most comprehensive study ever conducted on AI’s role in media.Futuri’s AI in Media Study surveyed nearly 5,200 media consumers across the United States, including 2,624 radio listeners, revealing powerful insights into audience perceptions, expectations, and the future of AI-powered media content. The study was conducted by CMGCustom Research, which is best known as the in-house research team for CMG radio and television stations, responsible for the insights that power their high performing radio brands and hundreds of advertiser campaigns each year.The findings challenge the traditional approach of radio and audio content production, suggesting a shift towards openness to human-AI collaboration: “Futuri’s study shows that audiences are open to media’s adoption of AI for content creation. In fact, 1 in 5 listenersbelieve they already listen to a radio station that is using AI. Listeners also believe that AI will assist media in creating more relevant and engaging content. They just want to be informed of its use, and for it to be used in the right scenarios,” Anstandig noted, highlighting the need for balance between human creativity and AI efficiency.Anstandig added: “This study reveals an industry at the dawn of an AI revolution. The demand for content in general, is at an all-time high, and AI promises to make broadcast teams capable of generating the sheer volume of audio content across multiple platforms that audiences demand.”Key Insights from the Study:● Familiarity with AI:○ 88% of respondents are aware of AI.○ 59% have knowingly used AI.○ Virtually all respondents use at least one AI-powered tool in a typical week, ranging from virtual assistants like Siri/Google/Alexa, traffic apps, health and fitness apps, search engines, and social media services that personalize or customize content.● People cannot easily distinguish between human and AI audio content:○ Participants were presented with paired samples of AI-generated voices created using Futuri’s AudioAI and human voices. 60% of the time, they identified the AI as human and human as AI.● Audiences have a growing desire for customizable AI hosts:○ 45% of respondents expressed interest in personalizing the personality of AI-driven radio or podcast hosts.○ 41% of respondents showed interest in tailoring the type of content delivered, indicating a strong consumer desire for customized media experiences.● Audience Readiness for AI:○ 1 out of 5 people in the US believe they already listen to a radio station that is using AI. (This is not true in practice).○ 89% of radio listeners said AI would be definitely or somewhat likely to improve the selection of songs, and 86% said it would be definitely or somewhat likely to improve introduction of songs.○ 85% of radio listeners believe that AI would be definitely or somewhat likely to improve their experience of weather reports and forecasts.○ 3 out of 4 listeners said talk show topics would be improved if AI is used behind the scenes.○ 90% expressed a desire for open disclosure of AI being used to create content or create on-air voices.○ In every format/genre, when given ‘fit’ questions, assessing whether audio consumers believed AI voices fit on their favorite radio brands, respondents consistently gave AI high ratings for its perceived compatibility and appropriateness. Asked, ‘is this voice appropriate to hear on your favorite station,’ Fit score for Futuri AudioAI voices in every music format was between 69-85% (depending on the format) and consistently performed on par or better than human voices.● AI to fill in gaps:○ 78% of respondents indicate they would listen more if AI were to ‘fill in gaps’ in broadcasting schedules. This is particularly interesting, as a study of the industry notes that less than 30% of radio stations have more than one live and local daypart.● Podcasts are more popular than ever, with 30% of audio listeners saying that AI-generated content would definitely improve their experience of podcasts.○ 63% of respondents listen to podcasts or on-demand audio for news/information. 90% of podcast users are listening to podcasts at least once per week, with 32% doing so daily, 46% a few times per week, and 12% once per week.○ Most desired types of content in podcasts and on-demand audio are humor/comedy, news and information, and hobbies/interests.Anstandig concluded: “Now is the time for radio to maximize its human talent, and use AI to enhance our ability to produce content for every daypart and every platform. The radio industry is not served by debates about whether or not AI is coming… it’s here, it’s inevitable. Content creators are using AI to grow their audience and revenue every day. Now, we in radio need to adopt practical tools and solutions to make ourselves more efficient and impactful. Radio is also not served by debates about replacing humans with AI. We need all the human ingenuity and creativity we can get, and we need to augment and extend it with AI. A strong media industry is good for democracy, and good for society. ”Futuri’s AI in Media Study revealed key insights into best practices for broadcasters across radio, TV, news production, and creators who are seeking growth in the rapidly evolving landscape of content creation and distribution in the dawn of the AI era. […]

RØDE has announced three brand-new products today at the 2024 edition of NAB in Las Vegas. Introducing the Interview PRO, a broadcast-quality wireless handheld microphone for use with RØDE wireless systems, and two premium smartphone filmmaking accessories, the Phone Cage and Magnetic Mount, which join RØDE’s industry-leading range of solutions for today’s generation of mobile content creators.“We are extremely excited to reveal these three new products at NAB today,” says RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “RØDE has been helping creators capture incredible content with their phones since the early days of smartphone technology. We pioneered the plug-and-play smartphone mic category with innovations like the VideoMic Me and iXY, and more recently, with the VideoMic NTG and VideoMic GO II. Last year we released RØDE Capture, the first video app designed specifically for today’s creators. And we invented the world’s first wireless microphone that was universally compatible with mobile devices, the Wireless GO II, which kickstarted a revolution in smartphone content creation.”He continues: “Today, we offer a wide range of audio solutions for mobile creators, and we are thrilled to introduce two new offerings to this ecosystem with the Phone Cage and Magnetic Mount. When combined with one of our microphones, these accessories give creators all the tools they need to capture incredible content on their phone. We are also thrilled to introduce the Interview PRO to our wireless range. Not only is this the ultimate solution for street interviews and run-and-gun presentations, but its compatibility with all of our Series IV wireless products makes it ideal for many different content creation applications, from professional broadcast to podcasting.”Interview ProThe Interview PRO is a broadcast-quality handheld condenser microphone for use with any RØDE Series IV wireless system. This includes the Wireless PRO, Wireless ME and Wireless GO II compact wireless systems for recording pristine audio into a camera, smartphone, or even a computer. It can also be paired directly to the RØDECaster Pro II, RØDECaster Duo and Streamer X just like an XLR microphone, making it ideal for podcasting, small presentations, or streaming applications where creators need the freedom of a wireless microphone. Utilising RØDE’s state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption, it delivers incredibly stable wireless audio with a range of up to 200m (line of sight) and is optimised for close range operation.Featuring a professional-grade condenser capsule, the Interview PRO delivers rich, detailed voice reproduction, and its omnidirectional polar pattern makes it very forgiving when it comes to mic placement, making it perfect for interviews, presentations and other voice applications. RØDE’s GainAssist technology – which utilises intelligent algorithms to automatically control the mic’s audio levels on the fly – ensures that the signal being sent to the receiver is perfectly balanced and minimises the risk of clipping. It also features 32-bit float on-board recording, allowing users to record directly on-board with no chance of the audio clipping. 32GB of internal memory offers over 40 hours of record time, with a dedicated button for stopping and starting recording. Not only does this mean users will always have a clean backup of their audio, but it also allows the Interview PRO to be used as a standalone field recorder, with no need to connect to a receiver, making it incredibly versatile.Essentially, the Interview PRO combines all of the features of the game-changing Wireless PRO with the pristine audio quality of a professional handheld microphone. Internal shock mounting of the capsule ensures minimal handling noise, with an internal pop filter for reducing plosives, plus it includes a high-quality windshield for recording outdoors. It is the ultimate microphone for conducting street interviews, presenting in the field, hosting a casual podcast or creating content on the move.The Interview PRO will be available in early May.Phone Cagehe Phone Cage is a premium magnetic smartphone mounting system for creators looking to elevate their mobile content with professional audio, lighting and mounting solutions. Offering 33 mounting threads and five cold shoe slots, the Phone Cage is incredibly versatile and allows creators to build their ultimate mobile videography rig, tailored to their exact needs.At the heart of the Phone Cage is a powerful magnetic mounting disc for attaching any MagSafe® iPhone® or MagSafe-compatible smartphone case or accessory. This is incredibly secure and allows users to instantly transform their smartphone into a professional filmmaking rig, with the option to add microphones and other accessories effortlessly. Integrated cable management slots make it easy to stay neat and tidy, with a slot in each corner for use in any configuration.By itself, the Phone Cage can be used as an ergonomic grip for handheld filming, but its wide array of attachment points also make it easy to attach additional handles or grips, or mount onto tripods or desk mounts, taking stability to the next level either on the move or in the studio. With its innovative design allowing for both portrait and landscape orientations, the Phone Cage is perfectly suited to capturing cinematic footage in traditional horizontal aspect ratios as well as vertical content for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels and other social media platforms.Constructed from high-grade aluminium, the Phone Cage is both rugged and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and durable enough to withstand the rigors of run-and-gun filmmaking.The Phone Cage will be available in late April.Magnetic MountThe Magnetic Mount is another versatile magnetic mounting system for attaching microphones, lights and other accessories to any MagSafe iPhone or MagSafe-compatible smartphone case or accessory. It features the same ultra-strong magnet as the Phone Cage for attaching to a phone with complete security, even with vigorous use, and instead of the cage, it comes with three removable arms: short and long cold shoe arms for shooting in landscape or portrait mode, plus a long arm with ¼-inch thread for mounting onto a tripod, handle or desktop arm for use in a wide range of video or content creation applications. The Magnetic Mount’s portable, modular design makes it a breeze to transport and set up on the fly, and it is super lightweight and compact, making it the perfect addition to any creator’s everyday carry.Now offering a complete ecosystem of microphones and mounting solutions for smartphones, these two new products solidify RØDE as the go-to brand for mobile content creators. With the Phone Cage and Magnetic Mount, plus any of RØDE’s best-selling wireless or shotgun microphones, it has never been easier for creators to produce exceptional looking and sounding video content with their phone.The Magnetic Mount will be available in late April. […]

DNAV, a full-service systems integrator, consultant, and manufacturer’s representative of leading broadcast, AV, lighting, and display equipment, will create a microphone-to-antenna experience featuring its broadcast radio technology partners at NAB Show 2024, beginning Sunday at the Las Vegas Convention Center. DNAV will take the curtain down between two adjacent partner booths – Sierra Automated Systems (SAS) at W3855, American Amplifier Technologies at W3859 – and highlight a blend of solutions that serve as a conceptual springboard for new radio facility designs and existing system upgrades. DNAV will also have a presence on the Orban booth (W3443), representing the company’s latest audio processing solutions.“Our main goal at NAB is to demonstrate the power of DNAV as an inclusive vendor that isn’t limited by the belief that radio systems need to follow a certain blueprint,” said Daniel Hyatt, Principal, DNAV. “We will demonstrate new hardware systems as well as virtualized software solutions that emulate the hardware, and make connections for our visitors across in-studio, remote and cloud-based solution examples. There will be a little bit of everything on the combined stand and tied together with examples of the physical and virtual services we offer to the radio broadcaster.”One way that DNAV will make connections across these different elements is through SAS Global Connect Software, which offers a complete command and control structure for SAS and third-party broadcast devices living on local and wide-area networks. It 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. DNAV will preview a new virtualized SAS on-air console shipping later this year with connectivity to the Global Connect structure, with the ability to remotely manage and control a live broadcast.DNAV Co-Principal Nick Straka adds that DNAV will preview several virtualized toolsets built into the new console, including an intercom system and touch panels. PlayoutONE automation will also be highlighted on the booth, working in conjunction with SAS Global Connect in its cloud-based software structure. “We are sending a clear message that we embrace the physical and the cloud domain, and there are plenty of opportunities to embrace both in ways that effectively define a solution that works for every broadcaster.” […]

Content from BPRI wrote some time ago about the dangers of reacting to social media feedback and commentary as it is very often not representative of opinion residing in the broader community. I was reminded of this recently when assessing the relative merits of using an airline I had not flown with before.I linked out to one of the notable customer review websites and discovered to my horror a litany of disparaging reviews about the airline in question with the overview result that the airline scored an average rating of 1.6 of 5.  I found my interest in using the airline rapidly evaporating until I decided to compare the airline’s rating to other airlines I use and know to be very good.  This is when it became abundantly clear that a rating of 1.6 was actually a little better than average with some of the best airline’s I know rating less.It brought home to me again just how perilous it is to form opinions of things based on what people might post.  Too often the people who make the most noise are those with an axe to grind while those people who are either happy or ambivalent don’t feel any need to stop their life and note that everything is fine and within expectation.In the media field I have seen songs, subjects, authors, artists, and personalities vilified by people on social media for various reasons while at the same time representative market research reveals a completely different picture.  To make matters worse, people with an open mind and a balanced approach to life are retreating from making comments on social media for fear of being trolled and made to feel bad or worse still; sucked into some form of malignant exchange with someone.  What this means is that proportionally, social media share of voice looks to be skewing towards an idiocrasy.So what to make of social media commentary? Generally speaking; favourable commentary is likely to be reflective of the broader market while negative commentary is likely to be not.  Mine ideas, thoughts and issues from your social media but never make quantitative assumptions of market sentiment based on social media, particularly if the context is negative.  A chasm is developing between the view of the world fermented by social media and what the majority of people really think, so mind the gap!By Wayne Clouten, BPR […]

A new RNZ scholarship programme, established with support from NZ On Air, that aims to reduce the financial burden associated with a postgraduate degree in journalism for students of Asian heritage has its first recipients, with Nabeelah Khan (of Fiji-Indian descent) and Chengqi (Mavis) Ye (of Chinese descent) set to receive up to $8000 for payment of one year’s fees and a two-week internship/work experience at RNZ.Applicants were asked to complete a short essay detailing the current state of Asian representation in New Zealand media and identify specific ways they can increase and/or improve media contributions about and for Asian communities in New Zealand.Nabeelah Khan is in the third year of a Bachelor of Communication Studies at Auckland University of Technology, majoring in journalism with minors in screen production and psychology. Khan said rectifying the imbalance of Asian representation in New Zealand media was crucial.“A key challenge with representing Asian narratives within New Zealand’s mainstream media is the difference in communication styles,” she wrote. “Asian cultures tend to follow a collectivist framework as opposed to the individualistic framework that Westernised cultures are accustomed to.”The second scholarship recipient, Chengqi (Mavis) Ye, who is completing a Master of Communication Studies at Auckland University of Technology this year and is a contributor to BusinessDesk, working collaboratively on investigations into the exploitation of Chinese workers, said mistrust was an issue with reporting on and for the Chinese community.“Due to the strict news environment in China, they are not accustomed to seeking help from journalists,” she wrote. “We need more Chinese journalists to listen to Chinese voices, establish connections with them and make them understand the power of the media.” The scholarship is part of the RNZ Asia service, launched in July 2023 and co-funded with NZ On Air, as part of a new initiative to speak to and report on issues in the growing Asian communities of New Zealand.Elliott Samuels who heads the RNZ Asia unit said the continued success of these new channels depended on a continual pathway of promising Asian journalists coming into the industry.“While Asian New Zealanders made up 15 percent of the New Zealand population at the 2018 census, they make up less than 5 percent of New Zealand journalists, suggesting that they are underrepresented in the industry,” he said. “The scholarships aim to remove financial barriers that might deter some in the community who would instead choose to work in other industries.” NZ On Air says it is pleased to see the scholarship initiative increasing meaningful representation in local news media.“It’s vital that stories are told by, for and about all audiences in Aotearoa. Genuine representation in our democracy is only achievable when communities have a strong voice in the fourth estate,” said NZ On Air Head of Funding Amie Mills.Former RNZ News Foreign Editor Graeme Acton now heads the Asia Media Centre, part of the Asia New Zealand Foundation in Wellington. He says the issue of finding and retaining journalists from Asian backgrounds is vital for a strong and diverse news media in this country.“The Asia Media Centre is right behind this initiative, breaking down the financial issue that has in the past often prevented these students from progressing into post-graduate journalism study,” he said.“We need these voices in our media, now and in the future. This scholarship programme is a vital step in that process.”  […]

GatesAir, a Thomson Broadcast subsidiary dedicated to wireless content delivery, will introduce a new Intraplex software release to help broadcast networks and content syndicators efficiently manage local ad insertions through Intraplex Audio over IP and cloud networking systems. The new targeted advertising capabilities, fueled through precise metadata triggers enabled within the software, offer a compelling new reason for broadcasters to transition out of the satellite space and embrace the benefits of the cloud for bulk audio transport. GatesAir will demonstrate the new software release, available in June, at NAB Show 2024 in Las Vegas next week. GatesAir exhibits at W2730.The new software capabilities are supported on the Intraplex Ascent cloud platform and IP Link 100c, 100e and 100n Audio over IP codec solutions. GatesAir introduced Intraplex Ascent in 2019 to reduce the costs of multichannel contribution and distribution between many locations. Ascent builds in all of the features that Intraplex IP Link Audio over IP codecs are valued for and reimagines them for enterprise-level deployments that benefit from scalable, IT-oriented architectures. For broadcasters using satellite for bulk transport today, moving to a cloud platform such as Ascent means much lower long-term costs and greater control of the operation without any sacrifice to reliable program delivery.In a typical scenario, a customer’s Traffic Manager will interface with a headend-based IP Link codec or Ascent to trigger virtual metadata that activates local ads for network afilliates at defined times with exacting precision, and switch back to national programming at the conclusion of the local ad break. Triggers are scheduled within the Intraplex platform, which automates delivery to all affiliates without requirements for local manual intervention. Intraplex IP Link Audio over IP codecs or Ascent will automatically receive and activate triggers at local affiliates to manage the breaks.“Broadcasters that use satellite for program syndication and large-scale content delivery are faced with new challenges from the recent C-Band satellite repack, from diminished capacity to rising operational costs,” said Keyur Parikh, VP of Engineering, GatesAir. “Ascent’s agile cloud architecture offers the bandwidth and high availability required for enterprise-level networks that rely on satellite today, along with simple scalability to new end points at much lower costs. Our new advanced local ad insertion feature introduces an important function to Ascent and our IP Link hardware codec platforms that will compel network operators still locked into satellite to migrate their operations to the cloud.”GatesAir started rolling out its second generation of Intraplex IP Link codec solutions in 2020, including the new IP Link 100n hardware codec introduced at IBC. Receiving its North American debut, the IP Link 100n is a full-duplex, single stereo-channel codec for simultaneous reception and transmission of Audio over IP streams in STL (Studio-to-Transmitter), STS (Studio-to-Studio) and other networking applications for radio and streaming services. Same as Ascent and all IP Link products, the IP Link 100n is SRT-capable and integrated with Dynamic Stream Splicing (DSS)  technology, a GatesAir industry-first innovation nearly ten years ago, which fortifies network path redundancy across two or more live streams for hitless protection against packet and link losses.GatesAir will also preview wide-area audio networking applications that takes the Intraplex brand into new areas of content delivery outside of the broadcast space, including the retail and hospitality markets. The new applications, powered through the new software release and managed through Ascent, includes delivery of live audio streams and scheduled playlists to retail chains, hotels, restaurants and other businesses. […]