James Cridland’s International Radio Trends – Radio advertising: your winners and duds

by James Cridland

In his latest column, James unearths an old print ad for two Australian radio stations, and puzzles over a few conundrums. “There’s a lot to unpack from this press ad over thirty years later.” ALSO: A study from Audacy, an amazing face\t about Star Wars, the BBC applying for funds, James’ visit to the Pacific island of Niue, and more. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: DAB means even more new stations

by James Cridland

In his latest column, James shares takeaways from the recent Radiodays Asia and Podcast Day Asia conferences. He brings back intel about the DAB digital radio format, which he reports is gaining interest in Asian countries. And James evangelizes the format, saying it offers a surprising amount of new choice for broadcasters, which helps draw new listeners. UK radio group Global announced twelve new stations. ALSO: a wide range of observations and news from Europe, Australia, and Connecticut. It’s not called International for nothing. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Multi-platform changes to radio, and respect

by James Cridland

In his pre-Podcast Movement weekly bulleting, James documents a well publicized radio closure in New York (CBS AM) and another in Sydney. James muses on these two events, and moves on to an intriguing graphic which illustrates the market share of radio stations in Dublin.
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James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Kyle and Jackie O – a damp squib? Or just poor-quality smut?

by James Cridland

High expectations and low results; that’s a theme i this week’s guest column from James Cridland. He cites Kyle and Jackie O Live — the biggest radio show in Melbourne Australia , and syndicated across the continent — as an example. Can breakfast syndicated shows work? James has a lot to say in this. Also: Two recommended albums, a star interviewer, and how Star Wars saved NPR (sort of). Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Another pop-up station, and a drone light show

by James Cridland

This week James reports the BBC’s new station, called Election 2024. It’s a 24-hour news stream, and interestingly it is available only on the BBC Sounds app … and only in-UK listeners can hear it, and James is dubious. Also: American radio jingles, Australian radio mascots, and much more. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Faking it – competition winners caught out

by James Cridland

Capital Radio Network in Australia said it wasn’t trying to mislead listeners. Guest columnist James Cridland calls BS on that, and explains why. It’s about holding a listener contest without holding one. Nothing new, James says, and cites an example. Plus: Previewing the next iOS version, congratulations to winning broadcasters, and a preview of Swiss Radio Day. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Faking it – competition winners caught out

by James Cridland

Capital Radio Network in Australia said it wasn’t trying to mislead listeners. Guest columnist James Cridland calls BS on that, and explains why. It’s about holding a listener contest without holding one. Nothing new, James says, and cites an example. Plus: Previewing the next iOS version, congratulations to winning broadcasters, and a preview of Swiss Radio Day. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Capital – Taylor’s Version

by James Cridland

In his latest edition of International Radio Trends, guest columnist James Cridland listens (with his young daughter) to a pop-up Taylor Swift station in the UK. It’s a Capital contemporary hits station. and is well programmed, James says, and “shows the power of DAB as a flexible radio transmission platform, and more. Also: The UK general election, a BBC radio flashback, a demonstration of dynamic advertising, and more. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Momentum 24, and the BBC’s ads

by James Cridland

In his latest edition of International Radio Trends, guest columnist James Cridland summarizes the Christian Music Broadcasters conference “a radio conference like no other.” — dancing before sessions, bands playing between speakers — “never such a positive and vocal audience. (And he “never felt so old, so British, so reserved.”) Then, back to a key topic lately in this column: The BBC’s plan to insert ads into podcasts. He calls it “penalising the UK public.” Plus much more from Australia and Canada. It’s not called “International” for nothing. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Networking but sounding local; and could the BBC go commercial?

by James Cridland

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

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: Closures and bereavements

by James Cridland

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