James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Radio is a hit for car drivers

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with an epic edition of his weekly column, starting with new research spanning survey respondents in Australia, Europe, and the U.S. — 80% of them really like radio to other listening experiences in the car. Then, a big radio acquisition in Brisbane. Much more, including a “youthquake.” Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: The UK’s new radio figures

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with an analysis of a newly released RAJAR, the UK radio ratings report of record. One item of note, and graphed in this piece: UK radio formats now behave the same throughout dayparts. ALSO: Foxtel, Fred Jacobs, Bob Hoffman, and more. Continue Reading

Audacy stations grab C13 podcast for Halloween night

In an interesting and inventive crossover, all of Audacy’s Top 40 stations will play a portion of Treat, a “podcast movie” produced by C13Features, on Hollywood night. C13Features is a unit within Audacy-owned Cadence13. It’s an homage to old-time radio drama … and, of course, a powerful podcast promotion. Click for details. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: FM switchoff in the UK; and a nerdy look at AM transmission characteristics Inbox

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with one of his more technical columns, in which he closes the can of worms opened in last week’s coverage of a frequency switch at 4BC in Brisbane, Cridland’s home base. Lots of graphics. But first, the UK’s decision about FM switch-off, a new rule for smart speakers, the geography of Wales according to TuneIn, and the new BBC logo. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: 4BC switches frequency; and a landmark for UK commercial radio

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with a richly informative newsletter about radio around the world. In this week’s edition: A frequency trade in Brisbane; a Flash review; a milestone in commercial UK radio; some on-brand whistling and much more. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: The BBC World Service sees more listeners, and Ceefax lives!

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with a richly informative newsletter about radio around the world. In this week’s edition: Discussion of BBC World Service’s new five-year review: listener reach, digital growth, and more. Also, the demolition of a radio tower. And some dinky doo, too. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Stories of goodbyes, radio in Afghanistan, and that’s a good question

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with a richly informative newsletter about radio around the world. In this week’s edition: Classy radio exits. Reporting of inept radio. Praise for Pierre Bouvard’s data-based advice. And more. Continue Reading

Cumulus announces Audio Active Group; renames Westwood One blog

Cumulus Media has announced the creation of the Audio Active Group. In the company’s words, it is a “full-service advisory to offer comprehensive insights, media planning, creative, and measurement services for audio advertisers.” The well-known Westwood One blog, edited by Pierre Bouvard, has been renamed. Click for details. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Podcast-first radio

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with a richly informative newsletter about radio around the world. In this week’s edition: An online radio station that repurposes as a podcast. As always a raft of links to interesting audio stories around the world, and after reading a podcast show script James concludes: “Anyone who writes in all-capitals in 2021 is a masochist.” Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: The CRA’s Good Week

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with a richly informative newsletter about radio around the world. In this meaty edition, the CRA (Commercial Radio Australia) is featured for several recent accomplishments — it’s “quite a force to be reckoned with.” Plus a rich selection of links to audio business news around the world. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Behind the Chris Evans Radio 1 Breakfast Show

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with a richly informative newsletter about radio around the world. In this edition: A nostalgic listen to a long-gone radio show, resulting in a bit of melancholy — but it was an alignment of stars, dependent on the era. Also: Howard Stern as an agent of derailment. And more, including podcast subscription stats. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: The People Who Don’t Listen To Radio On A Radio

by James Cridland

James Cridland returns with a richly informative newsletter about radio around the world. In this edition: Few radios, but more receivers. Nine Radio financials in Australia. A metric from Edison Research. An ironic RIP. Continue Reading