US
Audacy Launches Infinity Networks
Audacy has announced the launch of its own syndication unit. […]
Year: 2025
UK
New radio conference to explore Signals from the Edge and celebrate Pirate Radio
The University of Bedfordshire’s Post Graduate Centre in central Luton will host a one-day conference that sheds light on the history, politics, and lasting impact of land-based ‘pirate’ radio.
Titled Signals from the Edge, this event will delve into the origins and influence of unlicensed broadcasting, with a special focus on the 1970s and 1980s.
The conference will explore the social, cultural, and technological aspects of pirate radio, a movement that played a pivotal role in shaping the music landscape, broadcasting practices, and the birth of community radio in the UK.
Topics discussed will include the rise of pirate stations, the music they promoted, the technologies they used, and how these stations were documented and archived despite their often elusive nature.
Dr. Lawrie Hallett, the organiser of the event, highlighted the significance of the movement: “The impact of unlicensed broadcasting is often overlooked. Various mainstream formats started out on land-based ‘pirate’ stations, and it certainly drove the development of Community Radio here in the UK,” he said.
“Many of those working in the mainstream today started out without a licence – so its influence is significant and well worth exploring and documenting.”
The conference will feature contributions from across the UK and Ireland, as well as international perspectives on pirate radio. Attendees will have the opportunity to access exclusive archive materials, including rare audio recordings, that offer a glimpse into the world of unlicensed broadcasting. Additionally, the university’s own community radio station, RadioLaB, will be on hand to record interviews with contributors and attendees, providing a live, interactive element to the day.
Signals from the Edge promises to be an enriching and immersive experience for those interested in the intersection of media history, politics, and cultural movements. Whether you are a long-time radio enthusiast or simply curious about the roots of modern broadcasting, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore the untold stories of the airwaves.
Don’t miss out on this fascinating journey into the world of land-based ‘pirate’ radio on Saturday, March 1st, 2025. More details here.
Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..
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UK
Second series of John Gillmore podcast to also air on Central Radio
The Lancashire Post and Blog Preston’s The Parched Pea Podcast hosted John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore will now also be broadcast on Central Radio.
Recording has begun on the new series in which Gilly hears stories from Prestonians across the city. It will be released on all major podcast platforms this Spring.
Gilly said: “Great to be back hosting series two and again hearing so many amazing stories from Proud Prestonions.
“Plus, with the added bonus this time of the podcast being broadcast on Central Radio it’s been a pleasure working with producer Nathan from the station who is the absolute consummate professional.”
Central Radio’s Nathan Hill added: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity for Central Radio North West to collaborate with both the Lancashire Post and Blog Preston on this podcast project.
“As a local radio station dedicated to serving our community, we’re proud to bring our audio production expertise to the table – recording, editing, and producing a podcast that truly captures the voices and stories of Lancashire.
“Working alongside our sponsor, Cozy Homes in Lancashire, has helped shine a spotlight on important local issues, and we’re grateful for their support in making this initiative possible.
“What makes this collaboration particularly special is how different media outlets have come together to create engaging content for the people of Lancashire.
“In an ever-evolving media landscape, partnerships like this show the power of local journalism and broadcasting when we join forces to deliver content that resonates with our audiences.
“It was also a pleasure to work with John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore, whose wealth of experience in broadcasting has been invaluable. His passion for local storytelling and his connection with listeners is unmatched and having him involved in this project has added an extra layer of professionalism and insight.
“We’re excited about the success of this partnership and look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with our colleagues across the local media sector.”
Nicola Adam is editor in chief (north & metro) at National World, owners of the Lancashire Post of which she is former editor and also presents a Sunday show for Central Radio.
She said: “There’s nowhere quite like Preston and the Parched Pea Podcast, hosted by the marvellous Gilly, aims to capture personalities and city pride through conversation and stories.
“It’s also fantastic to be working with Central Radio and Blog Preston in this new and refreshing era of media collaboration here in Lancashire.”
Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 – use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..
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Ireland
Independent Broadcasters of Ireland call for action on promised support
The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland has called for far more urgent action at domestic and European level on the promised provision of support for public service content and news.
IBI held a briefing for Ireland’s MEPs in Brussels today where support was expressed for its practical proposals aimed at protecting the viability of public service content on Ireland’s 34 local, regional, and national radio stations.
MEPs across all parties and groups voiced their genuine understanding of the value of the fair and balanced news and current affairs which the independent radio stations broadcast and of the need for the stations to be practically supported in providing those services.
IBI told the meeting that in the current environment, the speed at which media supports and policies are delivered needs to undergo a step-change in urgency to match the level of challenges in the international political environment.
At the briefing in Brussels, IBI expressed concern at the speed of delivery of accessible and proportionate funding to help Ireland’s independent stations continue to deliver their public services and unique obligations.
The Chief Executive of IBI, Michael Kelly, said: “We were very impressed by the pledges in the Programme for Government and with the support and understanding of the value of the contribution of our sector’s public service content expressed by the Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., in recent weeks.
“The preparatory work is now in place and what is needed is a step-change in the rate of policy delivery. Five years after the deliberations of the Future of Media Commission, there is still no support available for independent radio stations’ highly respected news and current affairs services.”
“The recent statements by political figures from the US equating a totally unregulated social media with freedom of speech, are a wake-up call to policy-makers in Europe, and they reinforce the need for fair, balanced and accurate media like independent radio broadcasting.”
“There is no time to delay further in providing fair and proportionate support for independent radio, a sector which delivers huge value to listeners through its public service content.”
At the event, IBI published figures showing that the total number of direct employees in the independent radio sector across Ireland is 1,069 and that when indirect employment resulting from that is included the figure rises to 2,555.
The total economic contribution of the independent radio sector to Ireland in 2024 was €147.3m, the statistics showed, with the large majority of that in rural Ireland.
Annual Investment by independent stations in maintaining and operating critical radio transmission infrastructure was €3.7m last year.
This was the type of infrastructure that enabled independent radio to keep providing essential information to its listeners across Ireland during the recent weather emergencies, when mobile telecoms and broadband failed in widespread regions.
Independent radio stations operate and maintain 221 radio transmission sites across the State.
The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland has urged action across the following areas:
Quick delivery of proportionate and accessible funding for independent radio which recognises its unique statutory and regulatory role.
A level playing-field, without market distortions and ensuring fair and appropriate regulatory conditions are in place to support stations.
State support for critical radio transmission infrastructure, which is vital for communications at all times, but particularly during emergencies.
Action to ensure that Irish radio stations remain easily-accessible to Irish audiences on digital devices like smart speakers and in connected vehicles
Clear and predictable regulation, allied to practical media development assistance from Coimisiún na Meán where needed. […]
ASIA
Politicians shouldn’t have a good relationship with the media: Boris Johnson at Saudi Media Forum
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he is “deeply honoured” to be part of the Saudi Media Forum, being held in Riyadh.“I can see the incredible speed with which Saudi Arabia is becoming a number one tourist destination. There is a lesson for us in the speed and decisiveness of change,” he told delegates at the forum.As an example of the changes happening in the kingdom, Johnson quoted the Saudi tech sector, where “there is 35% female participation in the work force… more than silicon valley.”Asked about his often fractious relationship with the media, Johnson said:“I didn’t always have a good relationship with the media, but the point about politicians is that they shouldn’t have a good relationship with the media. “The media is not here to tell you what a great guy you are, they’re there to hold a mirror to what you are doing. There are some media which are too hostile but responsible media are doing their job.”Politicians have to engage and tell their stories, according to Johnson, but engaging on social media can can be a double edged sword. “Social media can distort people’s understanding of the world. Social media tells people what they want to hear. Responsible media can do better than what happens on social media…”Boris Johnson has just released a memoir. The book is titled Unleashed. […]
ASIA
Media helps Saudi Arabia open up to the world: Saudi Media Forum
“New opportunities in media are helping us open up to the world,” said Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud at the opening of this week’s Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh.“There is a momentum for investment in media as well as sports, tourism and many other sectors. We are changing the perspective of how the entire world views us.“I want to participate in growth, education, investment opportunities, renewable energy. I embrace investment opportunities,” the Prince told a full house during the opening session.After his opening remarks, Prince bin Salman took questions from journalists. One asked: are you sensitive about media?“We need to understand the profession of media. When I speak I try to take the view of the kingdom not of myself. We should not be ashamed of defending our position even when media put us on the spot.“I am fully committed to appear in the media. I was a former university professor. It is like university where you give a lecture but your students can challenge your ideas with discussion,” he answered.At the conference and forum there is a focus on media, the economy, energy, AI technologies, politics and entrepreneurship. There are 2000 speakers, more than 250 exhibitors and thousands of attendees at the event.
In another session on the first day of the conference titled The Future of Radio Begins Now, World DAB’s Jacqueline Bierhorst and MBC Music Group’s Group Director fo Audio Ziad Hamzh discussed the importance of being digital with session host Ghadeer Al-Shehri, a presenter at local station AlUla FM.Jacqui said: “In my own country, FM listening is 30% and the rest is digital, this is a common trend in Europe where digital broadcasting has gained a huge audience.“This session is called the future of radio, but the future of radio is already here. Digital radio is in many countries, it is the future.”To illustrate the success of digital radio, she focused on the budiness benefits. “Digitisation has opened up the possibility of more stations and more choice for listeners. It is more profitable for radio companies because DAB+ transmisison is cheaper than AM and FM, it is cost effective. It can also bring in more income because companies can offer more stations to listeners and advertisers.”When companies are embracing a digital strategy they should keep broadcasting in mind, not just focus on IP. “Broadcast radio is very robust. But will the internet always work, in disasters, in terrorism attacks? Who controls the internet pipes? Broadcast radio is important because the internet is not always reliable and not in the control of the broadcasters.”Zaid talked about Radio Apps. “In the coming years this will become more popular as a way of listening to radio, through apps on the smart phone. You can listen to anything you like from anywhere in the world.”Commenting on the use of AI presenters in radio, Jacquie described the difference between the two types of presenter. “Live radio has somebody on the other end who makes you smile and connects you with another human. AI stations exist but they do not make the same human connection, they are not on the same frequency, they don’t connect people together with each other.” […]