ASIA

Content from BPRRadio stations, like any business, will face problems that need to be solved. These challenges may be related to revenue, programming, operations, technology, brand marketing, management, communication. But whatever the problem is related to, you will probably be involved in trying to solve it.The first thing to do when trying to solve a problem is to ask “What problem are we trying to solve?”You need to be sure that you’re dealing with the real problem…. not its symptoms.

So, once again, the survey results are out and, once again, your ratings are less than ideal.When you have been in as many strategy and planning meetings as I have over the years you realise that those in the meeting with you often have completely different views of the very problem they’re there to solve. Everyone suddenly becomes a programmer!Our problem is the Morning Show-they’re not that funny. Our problem is the music, it’s off track. Our problem is lack of marketing. Our problem is too much inventory sold at low rates. We’ve got an image problem – our competitors aren’t that good but they’re out rating us (??!!) Yes, we’ve heard them all.The Morning Show may be lacking in entertainment value, but is that because of the talent, lack of direction or just that there’s a much better competitor?The music may be off track but is that the fault of the music director or the fact that the music vision hasn’t be effectively explained to them… or is it because of flawed music research…. or worse still, no research at all?Too many ads…… what does the research say?Poor brand images…. again what does the research say?To define the problem you’re trying to solve:
Separate fact from opinion
Remove emotion from the process
Specify underlying causes
Avoid trying to solve the problem without reliable insights – what your LISTENERS think the problem is
State the problem specifically and unequivocally. Avoid vague language. Give yourself laser focus to address the problem.
Regarding point #4, radio programmers have been using market research, for example, BPR’s Strategic Studies for a long time (ok you spotted my pitch). Provided the right questions are asked of the right people (aka a robust targeted sample), these Strategic/Perceptual Studies identify the real issues facing your radio station.After all, the official radio ratings only tell you that you have a problem. They don’t tell you exactly what that problem is.By David Kidd, BPRMain Pic: Shutterstock […]

February 13 is World Radio Day (WRD) as proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO, and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day. The theme for the 13th edition of WRD this year is “Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating”, which shines a broad floodlight on Radio’s remarkable past, relevant present and promise of a dynamic future.The opportunity provided by the 100-year-plus milestone of Radio begs to be trumpeted at full volume. The century is an occasion to proudly celebrate the medium’s extensive virtues and ongoing potency. It comes at an opportune time, as Radio – though statistically popular and enormously trusted by the public – faces increased challenges to audience and revenue numbers from digital platforms, pervasive social media, digital and generational divides, the headwinds of censorship and, for some media, stifling consolidation-induced debt as well as economic hardships exacerbated by a soft advertising market.

UNESCO invites the worldwide Radio industry in all its many forms – commercial, public, non-profit – to join in this global celebration of the medium at this special and pivotal juncture in its century-spanning journey.The 2024 observance highlights:The indelible history of Radio and its powerful impact upon news, drama, music and sportsThe ongoing utilitarian value of Radio as a relatively free and portable public safety net during emergencies and power outages brought on by natural and human-made disasters such as storms, earthquakes, floods, heat, wildfires, accidents and warfare.The continuing democratic value of Radio to serve as a grassroots catalyst for connectedness within underserved groups including immigrant, religious, minority and poverty-stricken populations; and as an instantaneous bellwether of public opinion expressed through the auspices of free speech in the public space.UNESCO recognizes and understands the tremendous variety of business models and technological architecture in Radio around the world as well as the independent nature of its companies and organizations, large and small, plus the idiosyncrasies of its on-air personalities. Thus, broadcasters are encouraged to bring their own culture, style and sensibilities to their individual celebrations leading up to and during the February 13 event.World Radio Day is also an opportunity for radio stations to connect on-air with fellow broadcasters around the world. UNESCO invites radio stations to take the initiative for such broadcasts.It is a remarkable achievement for a major mass communications medium to continue its relevancy past 100 years and still be a force for freedom of expression, joy and knowledge. […]

By invitation of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, the International Radio Festival (IRF) will participate in this year’s FOMEX, the Future of Media Exhibition, set to take place in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from the 19th to the 21st of February 2024.FOMEX, now in its second edition, is presented by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and represents an integral part of the Saudi Arabia Media Forum. The event will feature a distinguished line-up of IRF speakers delivering insightful keynotes all around media.The IRF keynotes will delve into topics such as achieving excellence in radio broadcasting both on and off the air, with a special appearance by radio jockey Malishka from India’s leading prime time radio station Red FM. F

It will also feature a session by award winning futurist Nils Müller from TrendOne on how to prepare and embrace the five upcoming disruptions facing the media industry by 2030 will be revealedAdditionally, the intricacies of 360º Content Management across all media channels will be laid open, with valuable insights from tech guru Julian Schweizer of Swiss Online Publishing.To round off the IRF talks, Darryl von Däniken, founder of the International Radio Festival, will hold a masterclass, sharing his radio journey and insights. […]

India’s HT Media Group-owned radio station Fever FM on Tuesday announced that it was shutting down its operations because of “evolving trends” in the media industry.The announcement was made through the radio station’s Instagram page, where it said: “It is with a heavy heart we bring to you this urgent announcement. You, our partners and our listeners have been with us through our ups and downs and our thick and thin but we must make this decision for all,” Fever FM wrote in a LinkedIn post.The post also featured a video message from Fever FM CEO Ramesh Menon, who said: “We made this difficult decision to shut down our station. This decision comes after careful consideration and is due to the evolving trends in the media industry.”

“Radio has been a part of our journey, figuratively and literally. Everyday. But as they say, all journeys must come to an end, and the end for Radio is closer than you expect.”“The management would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to RJs, advertisers, partners, employees and listeners who built and supported the station in its journey,” Menon said.The Instagram post was accompanied by three subsequent posts simply saying, “Ok. Tata. ByeBye,” with an additional prompt for followers to check LinkedIn for more information.However, it later turned out to be a marketing gimmick by the station, according to company sources who spoke to BestMediaInfo.com.According to an article in BestMediaInfo, experts say that the use of such a marketing ploy by a reputed organisation not only creates negative buzz in the industry but also questions their overall judgement and brand integrity.Fever Network operates 22 stations across 15 cities, with three in Delhi and Mumbai, two in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata, and a presence in Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, and 7 UP cities.In the Oct-Dec quarter, the revenue from Radio broadcast and entertainment vertical fell 4.4 per cent to Rs 39.74 crore. […]

Benztown and P1 Media Group will host a free webinar for radio professionals around the globe, entitled “How Radio Talent Can Survive and Thrive in 2024” on Thursday, February 1.The webinar features special guest Paul Anderson, mega-agent and CEO, Workhouse Media, who represents some of the biggest names in U.S. radio, including Dan Patrick, Bobby Bones, BJ Shea, Rickey Smiley, Johnjay and Rich, Jubal from The Jubal Show, and many others.The 40-minute webinar will be hosted by Andreas Sannemann, CEO, Benztown, and Ken Benson, Partner, P1 Media Group.

In addition to his work as a talent agent, Anderson is Executive Producer of a number of #1 podcasts across more than 3,000 episodes, resulting in over 1 billion downloads. He has personally negotiated over $1 billion in talent deals across radio and radio syndication, podcasting, television, and digital.In Thursday’s webinar, Anderson will share his insights and tips on how radio talent can not only survive, but thrive, in 2024. He will discuss the effects and future of AI on radio and radio talent, and help talent prepare themselves for success as the media landscape and environment quickly evolves. Anderson will address:
 What skill sets are essential for radio and television talent compared to those needed for podcast hosts and new media personalities.
What types of people employers are looking for and what positions they really value today.
His take on AI and whether it poses a real threat to jobs for on-air talent.
The benefits of having an agent – Why talent should hire an agent and when is the best time to hire an agent.
What he looks for as an agent when deciding to work with a prospective client.
His advice for aspiring radio superstars and how they reach the level that puts them in control of their own destiny.
Register here. […]

Former top rating 2Day FM Drive presenter Keith Williams has been bumped further up the totem pole at RCS and named Senior Vice President  Asia Pacific. He has been with the company for 23 years, mostly based in Sydney, more recently in Bangkok.William’s promotion comes on the heels of the decision by Mike Powell (below) to retire after 21 years with RCS.

Before joining the company, British-born Powell was the first CEO of UKRD Group Ltd., which included such stations as Pirate, Star and Eagle and many more.Before that, he was CEO of the County Sound Radio Network.RCS President and CEO, Philippe Generali, told staff: “Mike has led the international division of our business into what it is today: an incredible success story by which all others in our industry are measured.”Powell commented: “RCS is a remarkable company that continues to maintain its pioneering and innovative reputation through great teamwork and legendary service.”He added: “I’ve been lucky to enjoy a ten-year career in newspaper journalism, a 20-year career in radio station programming and management, and a 21-year career in broadcast software. I am humbled and very proud of the teams I’ve worked with at RCS.”Photos: supplied […]