ASIA

RØDE has released the RØDECaster Duo, a compact version of the RØDECaster Pro II, condensing an entire broadcasting studio into a power and easy to use console. It allows anyone to record a professional production, a step forward in the democratisation of creator technology with a small desktop footprint.[embedded content]Key features of the RØDECaster Duo:
Compact integrated audio production studio for podcasters and content creators
Ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps™ (-131.5dBV EIN, 76dB gain) for world-class audio quality with stunning clarity and transparency
Two high-quality Neutrik® combo inputs for connecting microphones, instruments or line-level devices
Integrated wireless receiver for connecting RØDE Series IV wireless devices (including the Wireless GO II and Wireless ME)
3.5mm TRRS input for connecting headphones and headsets
Seven individually assignable channels with four broadcast-quality physical faders and three virtual faders
Studio-quality APHEX® audio processing for superior sound quality and unmatched flexibility in any recording application
Six programmable SMART pads for triggering sounds, voice effects, MIDI commands and mixer actions – with eight banks for 48 unique actions
Dual USB-C interfaces for connecting two computers or mobile devices
Advanced Bluetooth® connectivity with wide-band speech for ultra-high-quality phone call integration and audio streaming, wireless monitoring, and more
5.5-inch high-definition touchscreen and rotary encoder for easy navigation and control
Designed and made in RØDE’s precision facilities in Sydney, Australia
“We created the all-in-one podcasting console category with the original RØDECaster Pro in 2018,” says RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “And in 2022, we changed the game again with the RØDECaster Pro II, the most powerful audio console of its kind. We are thrilled to now offer the same features and processing power in a more compact form factor for creators who need fewer audio inputs but don’t want to compromise on audio quality.” […]

Suria FM’s announcer DJ Lin has won the Most Trusted Radio Presenter in Malaysia award presented by Readers’ Digest as part of its Trusted Brands 2023 campaign.She has won for the third consecutive year.The winners were chosen after independently surveying a representative sample of consumers across Asia to discover their views on products and services in over 50 categories across a broad range of industries.The opinions of around 8000 individuals were collected, representing five of the region’s key markets: the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.Each of these 8000 participants completed an online questionnaire that required them to name the brands that they trust above all others and rate them based on six key attributes.DJ Lin said she is grateful for the award as it is proof that she is still relevant even with many emerging talents in the radio industry.” I am honoured as well as surprised to receive this prestigious award for the third time. It is hard to describe (my feeling) because I have been in this industry for 24 years, yet Malaysian listeners continue to vote for and support me as Most Trusted Radio Announcer,” she said in a statement. […]

The 2023 program for Radiodays Asia has been released covering everything from AI to Gen Z.Keynote speaker Valerie Geller will discuss connecting with your radio audience and making listeners stay and come back for more.Christian Schalt, Chief Digital Officer at RTL, Germany, will talk about how AI is transforming radio’s value, how broadcasters can leverage AI in all areas of their business, and the risks associated with this rapidly developing technology.CADA’s Emily Copeland will reflect on the challenges and opportunities that come with catering to a young audience overlooked by traditional media.Richard Fidler, talk about why this in-depth conversational format is still so incredibly successful as a programme as well as a podcast.James Cridland brings cool tools for your radio station from the podcast world.Andrea Ho will demonstrate practical strategies for diversity and inclusion in radio environments and how to attract more listeners by bringing more balance to your teams.Guy Perryman, producer and presenter at Inter FM in Tokyo, takes us inside the world of radio in Japan.Deb Hishon, Media Measurement Director, ANZ at GfK, will explain Radio 360, the world-first hybrid measurement system used for Survey 3, 2023.Also covered will be uncovered reporting in closed countries, the balance of talk and music, how to engage with Gen Z and beyond, using podcasts to break news stories and Paul Amos from Xtra Insights will offer ideas that have worked well in Australian markets.Radiodays Asia is on September 5 & 6 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. […]

Selling Radio Direct with Pat BrysonAfter the RadioDays Prague convention, my friends and I spent a few days exploring Prague. It rained. And rained. Did I say it rained? Nonetheless, we soldiered on, tramping around Prague in search of the multitude of statues created by David Cerny and positioned around Prague in the most unusual places. Day one we walked 7.8 miles! (That’s 12.55 kilometers.) Ditto the following days.On day three, it rained in the morning, then cleared up. We trooped on, determined to find the last of Cerny’s statues. As we located it late in the day, the sky darkened again. And in the words of a Garth Brooks’ song, “the thunder rolled”. The skies opened and it began a deluge. Umbrellas up: not much help. We were soon soaked from the knees down. No Ubers available. Cold, wet, hungry, and miserable were we.We noticed a hotel just around the corner. We made a dash for inside. And we were met by the gentleman in the picture. He immediately registered our plight and took our umbrellas and our coats. We started for the bar, but he suggested we might be more comfortable in the inner lobby and ushered us there: soft sofas, warmth and WINE! Although we weren’t staying for dinner, he brought us towels to dry off, nibbles, and did I mention wine?Here’s his story. He’s from Tajikistan. He’s been in the Czech Republic for 9 years studying. He works as a waiter to pay his way. When it was time to leave, he offered to call a “Post” for us, the local equivalent of Uber, which he said would save us money. Someone at his front desk called a taxi instead. We didn’t mind: time to go to the hotel and crash. However, when we arrived at our hotel, he called one of us to apologize that the wrong car picked us up. He was concerned they overcharged us.Why is this young man in my newsletter? Because of his customer service. I must admit that we didn’t find much service worthy of mentioning while in Prague, but he was the exception. He was a stranger in the land and recognized us as the same. He saw our needs and took care of us. He made us feel special. He went above and beyond in serving us. He went the extra mile.Every time I experience exceptional service, I am reminded how important it is for us to treat our clients with such. We need to surprise and delight them so that they would write about us as I have this young man. Satisfied customers will spend money elsewhere: loyal customers will not. Loyal customers will recommend you to their friends and business associates.Treat each client as though they were the most important thing you have to do today. Find ways to go the extra mile. I guarantee you won’t find traffic jams on that mile!Happy Selling!What people are saying about this new book:“If I was going to write a sales book, this is what I would want to have written. I’ve studied radio sales for 50 years, and this brings all that wisdom into one place-a real resource for new and experienced radio salespeople”Glenn SmithManaging Director, Radio Bay of Plenty – Whakatane, New Zealand […]

The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards celebrated excellence in the broadcasting industry, in the areas of technology, digitalisation, and engineering at its inaugural edition on June 8 in Singapore.According to the organisers: “The broadcasting industry is undergoing a significant transformation as traditional television and radio coexist with digital streaming services, social media, and mobile content consumption. On top of this, broadcasters also have to consider evolving technologies and shifting consumer preferences. Whilst these changes present a myriad of challenges, they also offer numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. The rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way consumers interact with media. Broadcasters have to continue innovating and adapting to leverage new technologies and remain competitive.”The awards programme aims to recognise companies that were able to embrace these challenges as opportunities to deliver compelling experiences across multiple platforms.ABS-CBN Corporation, Philippines, won the Innovation Award for Audio Description for its programme Big Dipper, which provides an inclusive viewing experience for hearing-impaired audiences.Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad won three awards, Innovation Award for Audience-Centric Multi-Platform Solutions, Innovation Award for Audio Streaming & Monitoring System and Innovation Award for Radio Studios.SPH Media powered by Triton Digital won the Excellence Award for Radio Podcast – Singapore, for its audio-streaming app Awedio. It is a free digital audio-streaming app that was launched in 2021, providing uninterrupted live streaming of SPH Radio stations and local podcasts that cover topics such as health, entertainment and crime. The company’s adoption of audio streaming and podcasting technology has enabled it to repurpose daily broadcast content from its five radio stations into podcasts.See the full list of winners here […]

Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) is inviting registrations for its annual Radio conference, the newly re-branded ABU RadioSonic, which will take place on 6 July 2023 at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur.RadioSonic is staged as part of ABU’s new programming mega-event ABU CON-FEST which strategically brings together ABU’s signature content events; ABU TV-CON, ABU RadioSonic and #ABUdigital all in one place with the vision to create a single gathering of producers to share new ideas and talk about creating content that matters.This year’s special keynote address will be delivered by Tracy Gilliam, Chief Strategy Officer, Futuri – RadioGPT™.  Tracy is deeply involved in product and go-to-market strategy, onboarding, and client success for RadioGPT™ . She will share her invaluable insights into how Radio companies can use this technology to positively transform their organisations.Registration is now open at: CON-FEST 2023 – ABU […]