James Cridland’s Future of Radio: Smart speakers that aren’t, and Radio Live to close

by James Cridland

James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Smart speakers that aren’t and local radio that isn’t. New Zealand’s Radio Live newstalk station to close. Much more from around the audio world. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s Future of Radio: Good news in South Africa; Ofcom’s localness changes

by James Cridland

James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: A Cape Town radio station that’s thinking positively. How Ofcom’s new localness rules will impact radio in the UK. Continue Reading

Show Shouts: The inspiring, the surreal, and a double dose of sports

Show Shouts highlights noteworthy new and upcoming podcasts from across the vast and fast-growing category. Today’s announcements include two sports programs, one from SB Nation and Vox Media and the other from Cadence13. Also Night Vale Presents is back with some musical surrealism and Westwood One gets inspiration from two Navy SEALs. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s Future of Radio: Personalisation of linear radio; and Pandora bought by SiriusXM

by James Cridland

James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Sirius XM acquires Pandora. Breaking down the latest in upheavals at the leadership at ABC in Australia. Continue Reading

Smart speakers are still new in Japan, but rising in popularity despite embarrassment

Smart speakers are a newer product segment in Japan, but the devices have gained awareness quickly in that market. Recent data shared by Voicebot from Marketing Research Camp showed that rates of smart speaker ownership among ages 15-69 in Japan rose from 4.5% in late 2017 to 5.7% in February 2018. Continue Reading