Internet Radio – The Next Big Thing: Exaget Week in Review
Internet radio has entered its first teenage years. 2015 has marked its thirteenth year, and internet radio has already come a long way for something that’s still relatively young and fresh. Whilst other radio platforms, such as DAB or the sage analogue, are struggling in keeping up with the hip competition that is online music streaming, internet radio is not only keeping up with the game, but come another thirteen years, could very well surpass it.
So this week, we are dedicating our Week in Review to Internet Radio. Happy Birthday chum!
Dutch go digital, apart from when it comes to radio
It looks like it’s not just the UK that’s being rather obstinate and slow to jump on the DAB world domination band-wagon. According to Dutch broadcaster Nos, the government’s multi-million euro campaign to get people to make the DAB radio switch is failing. Experts in the Netherlands’ radio industry say that switching off FM in 2017 is a fairy tale, and that it will take at least another ten years before people are ready. But it’s not FM that’s DAB’s threat. It’s internet radio. Sales of internet radios are much more popular, and more consumers have switched from FM to internet radio both at home and in their cars. Is the UK to soon see a familiar pattern?
Recruiting from radio: Apple hires Zane Lowe from BBC
Legendary BBC Radio 1 presenter Zane Lowe is making news waves as it emerged this week that he’s now set on joining Apple after over a decade of BBC radio broadcasting. His exact role is as yet unknown, but nevertheless the news are enough to make one stroke one’s chin and ponder, ‘What is this going to mean for internet radio?’ Apple is very much a tech company first and foremost, and much like Pandora depends on algorithms to ‘interact’ with its listeners. But now this tech-driven online music platform is reaching deep into broadcast radio and acquiring the presence of a real-life human being – the trusted host. Apple being Apple, of course it’s going to be the first to set a new trend; and Apple being Apple, of course other companies are going to attempt to follow in its footsteps.
Five things internet radio should steal from broadcast
With Zane Lowe’s announcement that he’s to join Apple soon, it looks like the worlds of music streaming and broadcast radio are converging – and of course, who better to start this trend that Apple. Real life human presenters, who reach out to the audience and create a living relationship with them through the mutual love of music, is a big factor that internet radio is missing, and one that makes it, in contrast to analogue and DAB radio, rather soulless. But it’s not just the human touch that internet radio can take from its bigger broadcast brother. This great insight looks at five other things that internet radio can steal from broadcast, including local programming, music and artist familiarity (which, in its bid to become a source of new undiscovered music, internet radio is overlooking), and audience building and ad selling through recurrents.
Internet radio is young, but it has all the potential and all the signs of becoming the next big thing.
If you are interested in becoming a broadcasting partner, or would like to know what our integrating technology can do for you, contact our Partnership Account Manager Matthew Layton – matthew.layton@exaget.com or +447533517396
If you are interested in advertising opportunities, please contact the CEO of Exaget, Shankar Meembat –shankar.meembat@exaget.com or +447411130680
Week in Review – December Week 4
December 26, 2016
This Week in Review will be looking at what some of the biggest companies are doing to include digital radio in their business. We will also be seeing how well live streaming services really are doing compared to radio. Plus, we find out why police radio is also going digital.
Facebook to Add a Live Audio Feature
Facebook will be debuting a real-time radio option in early 2017. Live Audio will give users the option to broadcast even if their connection is low; audio requires less bandwidth than video. It will also allow users to interact with broadcasters via comments and reactions – making listener engagement so much easier. ‘Facebook Radio’ could also be a way for Facebook to expand their advertising formats as audio advertising market share doubles forward.
G
Early next year, Google will be publishing a podcast series for people who are looking to expand their knowledge on digital marketing. Google will be putting agencies behind the microphone to share their knowledge and expertise on digital marketing. It will enable people to pick up skills as they learn about Google products, agency life, digital advertising and business.
Radio is Still Bigger than Spotify and Pandora
People are still listening to AM and FM channels more often than streaming services. According to a Morning Consult poll, 37 percent of respondents said that they listen to the radio more than any other music consumption options. Radio is even popular amongst the younger audience, with 83% of 18 to 29 year olds still tuning in.
Police Radio to go Digital
By mid-2017, old analogue systems will be replaced with new secure, encrypted digital equipment. The old analogue systems, which the police force currently use, are easy to tune into via radios or even just mobile phone apps. The new digital equipment will stop communications being intercepted by the public. They will instead come with improved voice quality and clarity, coverage and will also be able to track device locations; vastly improving member safety.