All forms of broadcast.
Audio giant Audacy is announcing Audacy Sports, carving out a new umbrella brand which consolidates and represents the company’s considerable sports offerings. It launches today, coinciding with the start of the NFL Draft. The new configuration is built for advertisers, better showcasing Audacy’s range of ad opportunities. Click for more details. Continue Reading
In his latest guest column: Bauer’s brand bundling. Then there is this piece of wistful idealism: “As the BBC gets ready to put advertising in its podcasts (on third parties) in the UK, you might think that if only BBC Radio took commercials, we’d not have to bother with the TV licence fee and everything would be good.” And than a deeper dive into that concept. A great, informative read. Continue Reading
In his latest guest column, James Cridland grieves the death of Paul Chantler and offers reminiscences. Then, how Bauer Media is closing radio stations, buildings, and transmission platforms. Then, a peek at one of Bauer’s studio renovations. James also continues his public commentary on the BBC decision to carry ads. And much more in a packed newsletter. Continue Reading
A new company called Audire (a combination of “audio” and “dire” — to speak, in French) has launched in Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. It is a new venture for RAIN sponsor and RAIN Summit speaker Carlos Cordoba. The network spans 150-million users across its addressable regions, including 50-million in the U.S. Click for detail. Continue Reading
Radio innovation company Super Hi-Fi is promoting the launch of new technology which uses AI to create radio station programming, and has launched its first examples in HD. It is called HLS+. Partners in this technological adventure are Xperi and Cumulus Media. Two new radio stations in Nashville are powered by a combination of human-produced programming elements and AI-produced targeting and assembly. Click for more explanation of this interesting venture. Continue Reading
We’re not sure Boomers would love the characterization in Westwood One’s recent analytical rundown of ratings and advertising insights, but the point is clear. To be precise, half of the linear TV audience is 65 years or older. This is just part of Westwood One’s latest analysis of media consumption across categories and age groups. PIerre Bouvard is the author. Click for info and a link Continue Reading
The BBC has announced a plan to expand its radio offering with four new stations on the DAB (Digital Audtio Broadcasting) system. “The new extensions look to delve deeper into specific genres and periods of music with context, curation and storytelling done in a way only the BBC can do,” the organization states. Elaborate descriptions are provided. Continue Reading
In his latest guest column, James Cridland starts by looking at recent RAJAR statistics measuring UK radio listening. Interesting, he observes, that spinoff stations do not detract listening from their parent stations. Then he compares NPR’s Morning Edition U.S. radio program with the breakfast shows produced by BBC and Australia’s ABC. He is left “a bit cold.” Then he tried wake-up programming at LBC (a UK network) and RTE’s Radio Ireland. And much more. Continue Reading
When we look at the recently released RAJAR report, detailing the radio listening habits in the UK, we see continued strong attachment to radio listening. On average, listeners tuned into over 20 hours of live radio per week. Click for more metrics. Continue Reading
NPR has revealed its newly appointed CEO: Katherine Maher, announced on the network’s news and commentary program All Things Considered. Maher will inherit the seat now occupied by John Lansing, who took the top job in September, 2019, when he replaced outgoing chief executive Jarl Mohn. Lansing recently announced his resignation. Katherine Maher owns a deep resume. Continue Reading
Radio giant Audacy, rocked by bankruptcy debt restructuring, is forging ahead with a five-point business projection. Looking at the company’s business plan filed with the SEC, we see five areas of focus. Click for details, graphs, and a link. Continue Reading
In his latest guest column, James Cridland reviews and analyzes the Today program at BBC Radio 4. The exercise was enjoyable enough to motivate him to do the same for Australia’s ABC morning show. Also, how to effectively promote radio listening on the air. Continue Reading