James Cridland’s Future of Radio: BBC Sounds gets launched, longer ads apparently preferred, and Bobby Bones

by James Cridland

James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: New BBC Sounds app launches in the UK. Some questionable research into ad length. Much more from across the audio landscape. Continue Reading

iHeartMedia introduces podcasts to its Top 40 broadcast stations with Anna Faris

iHeartMedia announced a new development in its “Podcast, Meet Broadcast” strategy. The company has landed an agreement to air Anna Faris is Unqualified on its Top 40 broadcast radio stations and on the iHeartRadio Podcast Network. The iHeartMedia strategy aims to use its broadcast radio reach to assist podcast creators in finding new audiences and growing their base. Continue Reading

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BBC director wants a larger overall audio audience, not larger radio share

James Purnell, the BBC’s director of education and radio, spoke at the European Broadcasting Union about the organization’s strategy for reaching a young audience that has increasingly favored digital over analog media. His proposed approach is to meet those potential listeners where they are rather than trying to convert them into terrestrial radio fans. Continue Reading

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ZenoRadio announces acquisition, rebranding as Zeno Media; CEO shares the details

ZenoRadio has acquired AudioNow, with the new joint entity rebranding as Zeno Media. The deal will expand the new company’s broadcasting services, including Call-to-listen, mobile app development, and streaming. Morris Berger, CEO of Zeno Media, spoke with RAIN News by email about the acquisition and what sets its Call-to-listen business apart in the broadcast industry. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s Future of Radio: Next Radio speakers announced; and learning radio’s future from NPR

by James Cridland

James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Several speakers announced for the Next Radio conference. What radio can learn from NPR. Much more from around the radio and audio world. Continue Reading

iHeartRadio promotes digital programming exec

iHeartMedia has promoted Kavi Halemane to the role of executive vice president and general manager of digital programming for iHeartRadio. In this position, Halemane will be responsible for overseeing iHeartRadio’s strategy/operations for original digital music station programming, on-demand subscription playlist and free playlist radio curation, and podcast programming. Continue Reading