Latest / RedTech daily podcast - Powered by AI / Radio City CEO Returns, WorldDAB Summit, and CH Media's Digital Radio Insights

Transcript

Radio City CEO Returns, WorldDAB Summit, and CH Media's Digital Radio Insights · RedTech daily podcast - Powered by AI

• 0:00
  Welcome to the RedTech Daily Podcast, powered by artificial intelligence.
• 0:06
  I'm Marguerite Clark, bringing you the latest updates in the global radio broadcast and
• 0:10
  digital audio industries.
• 0:13
  Here's what's on today's docket: Abe Thomas returns as Chief Executive Officer of Radio
• 0:19
  City, LABF to honor radio leaders at the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting, WorldDAB opens
• 0:26
  registration for the 2025 Summit in Antwerp, CH Media spearheads Switzerland’s digital radio
• 0:32
  transformation, Pentangle picks Genelec for immersion, Wheatstone offers remote-in tech
• 0:38
  services, Orban seeks engineers to support growth in audio processing, and Mike McVay to
• 0:44
  receive the 2025 NAB National Radio Award.
• 0:50
  India’s Music Broadcast Limited has appointed Abraham "Abe" Thomas as Chief Executive Officer
• 0:56
  of Radio City, effective September 1, 2025.
• 1:01
  This marks his second tenure in the role.
• 1:05
  Thomas succeeds Ashit Kukian, who stepped down for another opportunity.
• 1:11
  Radio City operates 39 FM stations across 12 states and one union territory, reaching over
• 1:17
  60% of India's FM radio listeners.
• 1:22
  Thomas's extensive experience across media platforms highlights the strategic importance
• 1:26
  of India's audio market.
• 1:30
  The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation is set to honor several notable figures in
• 1:35
  radio at the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon on November 14 in New
• 1:41
  York.
• 1:42
  This event celebrates those who've made significant contributions to broadcasting.
• 1:46
  Honorees include Rick Dees, famed for "Rick Dees Weekly Top 40," and Dick Ferguson, former
• 1:52
  executive vice president of Cox Radio Group.
• 1:55
  Gary Sandy, known for his role in "WKRP in Cincinnati," will also be recognized.
• 2:02
  Additionally, CBS News White House correspondent Steven Portnoy will receive the
• 2:07
  Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award.
• 2:10
  WorldDAB has opened registration for its 2025 Summit and General Assembly in Antwerp,
• 2:18
  Belgium, set to take place on November 19th and 20th.
• 2:22
  The event kicks off with a networking lunch and the WorldDAB General Assembly, exclusive to
• 2:28
  members.
• 2:30
  That evening, all delegates are welcomed at a Gala Dinner in the Horta Art Nouveau Hall.
• 2:35
  The main Summit unfolds on November 20th at the DPG Media building, uniting over 200
• 2:41
  participants from the digital radio sector.
• 2:45
  In Switzerland, CH Media is at the forefront of the country's digital radio transformation, led
• 2:51
  by Nicola Bomio.
• 2:53
  With over 20 years in the industry, Bomio emphasizes the importance of a clear vision and
• 2:58
  adaptability.
• 3:00
  CH Media oversees 12 stations and navigates the FM to D.A.B.
• 3:05
  plus transition, with full FM switch-off planned for 2026.
• 3:11
  The shift has seen surprising listener adaptation, particularly in urban areas, and
• 3:16
  has exceeded expectations in reach and engagement.
• 3:20
  Bomio notes that private stations now enjoy about 10% more reach due to reduced FM
• 3:25
  competition from public broadcasters.
• 3:27
  While revenue impacts remain to be fully assessed post-transition, CH Media is adapting
• 3:33
  by shifting from broad sales strategies to targeted, data-driven approaches.
• 3:38
  They're investing in programmatic advertising and dynamic ad insertion while maintaining
• 3:43
  traditional FM and D.A.B.
• 3:45
  plus revenue as a key business driver for now.
• 3:49
  To stay competitive against global streaming services, CH Media focuses on radio's unique
• 3:55
  strengths—local relevance, trusted voices, and emotional connections.
• 4:00
  They're investing in digital tools and personalized experiences, blending tradition
• 4:04
  with innovation.
• 4:06
  Their strategy ensures radio remains accessible across modern platforms.
• 4:12
  Bomio highlights the importance of enhancing digital products and prioritizing artificial
• 4:17
  intelligence tools to support content creation and improve data usage.
• 4:23
  CH Media is also focused on recruiting young talent through the CH Media Academy, teaching
• 4:28
  mobile journalism techniques for platforms like TikTok.
• 4:33
  This approach ensures relevance and resonance with younger audiences.
• 4:38
  Bomio sees opportunities in hyper-local content and user-friendly digital services, emphasizing
• 4:43
  the importance of balancing investments between owned and third-party platforms to maximize
• 4:48
  reach and engagement.
• 4:49
  Switzerland's FM-to-D.A.B.
• 4:53
  plus transition offers key lessons for other countries: proactive communication and
• 4:57
  long-term planning are crucial.
• 4:59
  Transparency with listeners, advertisers, and partners builds trust.
• 5:03
  Bomio stresses the emotional bond people have with radio, which must be preserved during
• 5:08
  technological changes.
• 5:10
  While technology evolves, trust and relevance remain the foundation of successful
• 5:15
  broadcasting.
• 5:18
  At Pentangle Studio in Tokyo, engineer Masahito Tobisawa has revamped the space for a 7.1.4
• 5:24
  immersive audio setup.
• 5:27
  He chose Genelec speakers, including 11 8330A two-way monitors, two 8341A three-way coaxial
• 5:34
  speakers, and a 7350A subwoofer.
• 5:38
  Initially skeptical of powered monitors, Tobisawa's perspective changed after trying the
• 5:43
  Genelec 8020 nearfield models.
• 5:46
  He now appreciates the seamless blend of sound that creates a natural sense of space, not just
• 5:51
  spotlighting effects.
• 5:55
  Wheatstone is now offering remote-in technical services for broadcasters, providing expertise
• 6:01
  without on-site visits.
• 6:03
  These services, billed by the hour, include commissioning, training, and on-demand network
• 6:08
  support.
• 6:09
  Wheatstone's engineers can remotely configure WheatNet Internet Protocol audio networking
• 6:14
  systems, provide training directly on customer equipment, and troubleshoot or expand studio
• 6:19
  networks via a secure Internet Protocol connection.
• 6:22
  The team includes experienced professionals like John Davis, Trey Bryant, and Steve Walker,
• 6:27
  and complements Wheatstone’s Advantage support plan and online Support Center.
• 6:33
  Orban is expanding its engineering team due to a surge in demand for its audio processing
• 6:38
  solutions.
• 6:40
  The company seeks electronic design engineers specializing in analog and digital audio,
• 6:45
  software coders experienced in Linux, 56000 Digital Signal Processors, and Fortran, and PCB
• 6:51
  layout specialists familiar with Altium, Orcad, and PADS.
• 6:56
  Led by Bob Orban, the team offers remote work, flexible hours, and competitive benefits.
• 7:03
  Interested candidates can apply by sending resumes to jobs@orban.com.
• 7:09
  In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the radio industry, Mike McVay, president of
• 7:14
  McVay Media, is set to receive the 2025 National Association of Broadcasters National
• 7:20
  Radio Award.
• 7:22
  This prestigious honor will be presented at the NAB Marconi Radio Awards during the 2025 NAB
• 7:28
  Show New York on October 21st.
• 7:31
  McVay's career spans over four decades, influencing broadcasting, podcasting, and
• 7:36
  digital platforms, underscoring his lasting impact on the industry.
• 7:41
  That wraps up today's episode.
• 7:44
  Thank you for tuning in to the RedTech Daily Podcast, powered by artificial intelligence.
• 7:49
  To read the full articles and stay updated with the latest in the global radio broadcast and
• 7:54
  digital audio industries, visit our website at redtech.pro.
• 7:58
  Until next time, this is Marguerite Clark, signing off.