James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: A Look Round Radio Formula (Mexico)

by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland reports on a recent visit to Radio Formula, a national radio station in Mexico, owned by Grupo Formula. A new facility, opened in March of this year, offer gleaming photos. “It was astonishing how much the company had packed into what seemed to me like a quite small space.” James reports. He also reports on the latest RAJAR MIDAS report. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Better user interfaces in cars change radio listening

by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland notes an odd finding from Edison Research’s Share of Ear study: “AM/FM is still the #1 audio source; but total listening goes down by a third. Everything else – music streaming, podcasts – doubles.” It’s a user-experience (UX) effect, James claims: “Make it simpler to listen to other things, and people will.” He emphasizes the shared experience and human connection of radio. Also, interesting corporate manoeuvrings in Australia. And more. Continue Reading

Mark Mulligan: Streaming’s problems will not be fixed by royalties alone

by Mark Mulligan

The royalty agreement crafted by Universal Music Group and the Deezer streaming platform has gotten a lot of attention. In his latest guest column, MiDIA Research chief Mark Mulligan says both parties want that attention, if not necessarily the exact commentary they hoped for. “Streaming royalties are not adding up because streaming is not adding up. Fixing royalties is only part of the solution,” Mark asserts. Part of the solution requires understanding how these services have evolved, and solutions must consider the audience’s needs. A must-read.
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James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: AI and Radio

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: India tells mobile phone manufacturers to put FM tuners in; and the ‘live item tag’

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

Leading online radio service AccuRadio to debut AI-driven channels designed for every human activity; April 1 launch

AccuRadio is leveraging its newly created AccuGPT AI tool to create a dazzling array of micro-topical, hyper-targeted music channels. Pre-populated channels include, “Waiting in Line at the DMV” and “I Can’t Find My Glasses,” assisted by AI-enabled video monitoring of AccuRadio users. “It’s more than on-demand, it’s a music experience that AccuGPT creates instantly upon observation,” said CEO and Founder Kurt Hanson. The AccuGPT plan will be put in place April 1, and a large tranch of 47,000 new AI-programmed music channels will debut on Monday, April 3rd. Continue Reading

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

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