Month: May 2024

The DRM General Assembly 2024 (May 19-20) was held for the first time in its history at the crossroads of East and West, in Dubai, May 19-20. This allowed new members from Europe and Middle East and key participants from India, China, Indonesia, Canada and Europe to meet and link to other virtual guests in places like South Africa, other African countries, Myanmar and Australia.Among the highlights of the DRM GA were the presentations on DRM developments in India, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa and the latest from China.The status of digitisation in India, where the government decision on the FM digitisation is eagerly awaited, and the comprehensive presentation from the ministerial representative in Indonesia, a country which has gone for a dual open standards solution, were of the highest relevance. The joined Chinese document issued by the National Radio and Television Administration, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and State Administration for Market Regulation was presented again in this forum. In this government document the three administrations, it was explained, will actively guide and promote car manufacturers to implement DRM in medium band band in China.The interest in DRM in China was also mentioned in relation with the CCBN broadcasting professional Exhibition (April 2024) where the in-car digital radio solutions also became a topic of interest. NXP, Nautel, Fraunhofer IIS, Gospell, RFmondial, Starwaves were present with their latest at CCBN, as well as in Dubai.The most anticipated season at the DRM General Assembly was the receiver session. Companies like CML Micro and Cambridge Consultants (UK), BBC, Gospell (China), Starwaves (Switzerland), RF2Digital (S. Korea), Inntot (India), Skyworks (US), OptM Media Solutions (India), many in cooperation with NXP, Fraunhofer IIS and RFmondial, covered the whole range of options from chipsets, modules, kits of equipment, antennas, professional receivers, standalone radios, new and aftermarket car receivers, public announcements boxes, antennas, monitoring receivers etc. The variety of receiver options and modules for DRM in all bands, as well as the solutions combining DRM with other standards, was the highlight of this rich and varied session.Of particular interest was the announcements of the availability of the complete Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) CML Micro and Cambridge Consultants DRM1000 module that will enable consumer radio manufacturers to provide communities with low-cost, low-power DRM radio designs which should connect them directly to the digital age.The geographic and receiver updates, the new companies’ (Assendive, DAC System, SpaceLine) and the established companies’ (BBC, Encompass Media, Fraunhofer IIS, Gospell) news and the strategic discussions to inform the direction of the DRM activities in 2024-2025 rounded up a very informative and successful General Assembly.“It was a unique event that brought together a truly global audience whose increased interest in DRM was palpable”, says DRM Consortium re-elected chairman, Ruxandra Obreja. “We enjoyed providing good and comprehensive answers to the question on the future of DRM receivers. The varied solutions exist, as amply demonstrated during the GA. DRM can provide not only pure DRM receiver solutions for cars, mobiles and standalone but also solutions for receivers with a combination of standards recommended in several big countries.” […]

Spotify has launched its first Global Podcast Trends Tour, an interactive exploration of the latest trends in podcasting. The Trends Tour showcases fresh insights and gives a free VIP pass to explore how people are engaging with podcasts.Most notably, it was found that there’s a new type of influencer on the scene –  63% of people said they trust their favourite podcast host more than their favourite social media influencer. Just call them podfluencers. And Spotify users aren’t just listening to podcasts; they’re watching them, too: globally, average daily streams of video podcasts are up 39% on Spotify.*While the Podfluencer trend is happening across generations, it’s picking up particular steam with Gen Z: 55% of Gen Zs said that if they follow someone on social media and listen to their podcast, they like their podcast content more than if they only listened.Key global findings included:PodfluencersPodcast hosts build trust with their audience, and they’ve become highly influential in purchasing decisions. 63% of people asked said they trust their favorite podcast host more than their favorite social media influencer. Just call them podcast influencers.
55% of Gen Zs told us that if they follow someone on social media and listen to their podcast, they like their podcast content more.
Nearly half (48%) of Gen Zs and Millennials are more likely to be interested in ads/products when promoted by their favorite podcasters.
45% of Millennials and Gen Zs said that when they hear an ad during a podcast, they trust the brand/product being promoted because of the trusted relationship they have with the hosts.
Stream to Screen Podcasts aren’t just for listening anymore. Globally, there’s been a +39% increase in average daily streams of video podcasts on Spotify.
Globally, there have been +64% more video episodes and +78% more video shows (podcasts with at least one video episode) released on Spotify YoY.
Gen Zs are 18% more likely to watch video podcasts vs. other people who engage with podcasts.
Spotify Global Brand Strategy, Thought Leadership Lead, Jenny Haggard, said: “There’s no denying we’re in the midst of the podcast era as people turn to podcasts to be inspired, informed, educated and much more. And with that, it’s only natural for a new type of influencer to emerge. Through this Podcast Trends Tour we’ve uncovered just how important podfluencers are for marketers looking to connect with audiences in a genuine way. With Spotify’s uniquely engaged audience and innovations in the podcast space, we have made it the perfect place to do just that.” […]