Thought Leaders

Interviews with, and contributions from, the most perceptive voices in the online audio industry.

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: AI and Radio

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland holds forth on AI. “Any technology can be used for good and for bad. Just ask anyone who’s used Twitter,” he notes. James harkens back in time to when computers were introduced in radio studios, and suggests that while AI shouldn’t replace DJs, it can improve other parts of a station’s output — he mentions traffic and weather. Also: 7 links of interest. Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Behind the scenes at 5 Live

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by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland reports on a “visual radio” setup for Nicky Campbell … and changes his mind about it. Also: Radiodays North America, Towercast, a survey from RadioCentre Ireland, and the BBC turning off HLS radio streams. Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Radio 360 launches in Australia: new research

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by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland reports on a big change to the way Australian radio stations were measured – and how it’s reported. . Australian radio will be measured by all three available methods: Diaries, research surveys, and electronic measurement. Early results are revealing for radio’s multiplatform future, James reports. Many other interesting ratings realities are emerging from the new reporting. Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: AM given reprieve; Long Wave to go away; radio on TV

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland reports on the recent about-face by Ford Motor Company in the U.S., which spares AM radio from being removed in its cars. Not so lucky for British AM, though, where “the BBC says that 5 Live will be off AM by Dec 2027; they’ve been slowly turning off BBC Local Radio’s AM transmitters too.” And, as always, global observations and commentary. Continue Reading →

Paul Riismandel: What Is Brand Lift in Digital Audio and Podcasting?

Posted on by Paul Riismandel

In his first guest column at RAIN News, Paul Riismandel (Chief Insights Officer & Partner, Signal Hill Insights) offers a deep and detailed dig into the meaning and functions of “brand lift” — that oft-mentioned and much valued attribute of successful audio ad campaigns. “Brand lift lets performance marketers put a microscope on their ad copy and messaging,” Paul says — and he also itemizes important questions which get answered using brand lift studies. Much more — click to read.
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James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: India tells mobile phone manufacturers to put FM tuners in; and the ‘live item tag’

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland starts in India, where the government has decreed that mobile phones must be equipped with FM reception. Then it’s onto BBC Local Radio, where station cuts are being called “scandalous.” An unusually long and deep column this week; click through to read the whole thing. Continue Reading →

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Russ Crupnick: Does SirisuXM Deserve More Respect?

Posted on by Russ Crupnick

Russ Crupnick of MusicWatch returns to RAIN News with a bold and well researched assessment of SiriusXM, reaching a broad conclusion that the satellite/streaming service is underestimated after a challenging Q1 earnings call. Original research from MusicWatch bolsters the argument, in addition to several keen business-side observations from Russ. A thorough assessment and a good read. Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: AI starts making radio ads

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by James Cridland

“Good job I don’t write radio commercials any more,” observes guest columnist James Cridland, who has explored AI in that regard. The result? Synthetic commercial copy, read by a synthetic voice. Click through to hear it. Also: The world’s biggest broadcaster, statistics about Canadian radio, and more. Continue Reading →

Mark Mulligan: Music fandom’s problem is TV’s opportunity

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by Mark Mulligan

This guest column from Mark Mulligan examines the evolution of music fans in what he calls the “endless hustle of the song economy” as streaming listeners rely on algorithms to furnish an endless succession of songs. TikTok is a better venue for developing a personal relationship between musician and listener. But TV is also a surprising source of music discovery for many people. Click for Mark’s analysis and an illustrative data chart.

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James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Ken Bruce hits the air and Bauer hits its stride

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by James Cridland

In today’s guest column, James Cridland fixes 4ZZZ in Brisbane. An odd choice on BBC Breakfast. A note from Radiodays Europe. An FM in New Zealand is pulled off the air, bafflingly. ABC Australia starts dealing with its ratings slump. Bauer Media announces Rayo. And much more. Continue Reading →

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Can your presenters publish to your website?

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

In today’s guest column, James Cridland discusses difficulties with the BBC, and a strike among BBC Local Radio journalists. Then, coverage of the imminent disappearance of AM radio reception in U.S. cars — “Broadcasters relying on AM for their flagship services need to have an urgent plan to fix it.” Finally, James’s list of links. Continue Reading →

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James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Robot radio comes closer, with RadioGPT – but is it any good?

Posted on by James Cridland

by James Cridland

“Live, local, and powered by AI.” Here, guest columnist James Cridland broaches the tricky subject of artificial intelligence applied to radio — RadioGPT from Futuri Media. James expected to hate it, and surprisingly liked it. There are caveats, though; “smoke and mirrors.” Click through to read. Continue Reading →