ASIA

ENCO Updates Generative AI Solutions for NAB New York

ENCO will showcase the latest advances for its two generative AI solutions at NAB New York this week, including a new lead gen tool for SPECai that automatically creates a spec spot as part of an email pitch to a current or potential advertiser. ENCO has also added a new twist on instant spec spot creation to SPECai, while empowering aiTrack users with a variety of new voicing opportunities that expand the possibilities of the AI DJ.SPECai and aiTrack share similar performance qualities and achieve the same professional results for two different production needs. Their qualities are largely similar in performance and results thanks to their use of generative AI models to create compelling multi-lingual scripts, and the use of synthetic voice engines to produce natural sounding voiceovers in many languages.ENCO’s approach to AI modeling has ensured that the company can quickly and consistently add valuable new features over time. SPECai’s ad creation workflow, which allows account managers and other users in broadcast radio sales to create compelling, localized spec ads within seconds, is evidence of this approach. At IBC2024 in Amsterdam, ENCO, in collaboration with SPECai partners Benztown and Compass Media Networks, introduced a first-of-its-kind voice cloning feature that invites more freedom to customize ads. Customers can now bring recognizable voices they have the authority to use into new ads using this technology.

Just one month after IBC, ENCO will unveil LeadGenie, a new lead gen feature specifically developed to help radio sales teams win new business. Upon using SPECai’s responsive workflow and software toolset to create scripts, add voiceovers and select music beds from Benztown’s libraries, users can select a new option to email an example to a current or prospective client. Upon choosing this option, SPECai produces an email from a template with a link to the ad that the user can adjust and customize for each client.ENCO has also added a second new feature to SPECai that allows users to create a spot by simply entering a URL for a website or webpage. InstaSpot immediately analyzes the landing site for information relevant to the spec spot and presents the user with three script options for the spec ad. InstaSpot’s instant magic takes a new approach to SPECai’s proven spec spot creation formula that saves the user even more time.ENCO has also added a second new feature to SPECai that allows users to create a spot by simply entering a URL for a website or webpage. InstaSpot immediately analyzes the landing site for information relevant to the spec spot and presents the user with three script options for the spec ad. InstaSpot’s instant magic takes a new approach to SPECai’s proven spec spot creation formula that saves the user even more time.While SPECai represents a standalone solution accessible on any web browser or mobile device, ENCO has developed aiTrack as an AI production toolset built into its DAD automation workflow. Now available for DAD customers, aiTrack’s dynamic content insertion capabilities leverages generative AI models and synthetic speech engines to provide engaging content for listeners in diverse ways. As an authentic part of the DAD automation workflow broadcasters can deliver engaging content at any time, with instant turnaround and insertions of breaking news, weather, sports and more into live broadcasts. Users can pre-schedule and customize automated voice tracks for the AI DJ role.New for NAB New York, ENCO has added dozens of voices to aiTrack that will allow broadcasters greater freedom to develop unique voices for their broadcast shows and overall brand. ENCO has also added SPECai’s proven voice cloning feature to aiTrack, allowing on-air and production teams to replicate the voice of the client, on-air talent or another known presenter upon analyzing a short user-uploaded audio sample.“We will continue to aggressively develop our AI solutions in thoughtful ways that help our customers win more business and operate more efficiently,” said Ken Frommert, President, ENCO. “That means striking the right balance between producing high-quality content that delivers meaningful business results to broadcasters.” […]

Ireland

Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio spearheads The 40 Day Health Challenge as radio partner

Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio is spearheading ‘The 40 Day Health Challenge’, a new initiative that’s all about getting people moving, eating well, and improving mental wellbeing.
The 40 Day Health Challenge, brought by the makers of Operation Transformation, is a free public health initiative aimed at inspiring people across Ireland to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio is the premium radio partner along with ‘The Irish Sun’ as premium print partner.
Operation Transformation, the award-winning annual fitness initiative, ran on RTE radio and television for 16 years until its retirement from the schedules in 2023 and is produced by Vision Independent Productions, producers of Operation Transformation.
As part of the initiative, Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio will be recruiting participants who are ready to dedicate 40 days to transforming their health, guided by experts from the RTE Operation Transformation TV series – GP Dr. Sumi Dunne, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Eddie Murphy, Personal Trainer Karl Henry, and Dietician Sophie Pratt.
Trina Mara will be keeping listeners engaged and motivated throughout the 40 Day Health Challenge with daily updates on Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio. She’ll be sharing exclusive interviews with the experts and participants, providing insights into their progress and tips for staying on track.
Trina Mara is thrilled to be part of the challenge. “I’m incredibly excited to be involved in The 40 Day Health Challenge,” she says.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to speak with the experts, connect with participants, and live this journey with them every day for 40 days. We’ll be sharing real stories and motivating our listeners to take action for their health.”
Kevin Branigan, Chief Executive, Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio, said, “We’re delighted to be the national radio partner for The 40 Day Health Challenge’. Health and wellbeing are very much at the forefront of the national mindset, particularly so at the at the start of the new year to come.
“We’re very happy to be working with Vision Independent Productions and The Irish Sun on this new initiative and to bring the power and audience connection of radio to the mix.” […]

UK

New Rugby coverage deal for BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra

BBC Radio 5 Live will air coverage of the 2024 and 2025 Autumn Rugby Internationals as part of a new two-year audio rights deal.

BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website and app is set to bring listeners every home nation game and the France v New Zealand clash this November.
Heidi Dawson, Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra said: “Securing the Autumn Internationals is a further demonstration of our commitment to international rugby for our sport listeners to enjoy.
“Hosting every single home nations game live, as well as the mouthwatering clash between France and New Zealand, 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra will provide a commentary team of expert analysts to bring listeners all of the action pitch side.”
Welsh rugby fans can follow the men’s Welsh Rugby team with all international games on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru as well as BBC Sounds. In Scotland, audiences can tune in to every Scotland international game on BBC Radio Scotland Extra, 810MW and online.
BBC Sport NI has live audio commentary of all four of Ireland’s Autumn Internationals on BBC Sounds. Ireland v New Zealand and Ireland v Australia will be available on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster, Ireland v Fiji and Ireland v Argentina can be listened to on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Foyle.
This latest deal follows the recent announcement that BBC Sport will show the women’s Rugby World Cup exclusively in 2025.

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UK

Tony Blackburn helps Sliding Doors podcast celebrate 100th episode

The Sliding Doors podcast, hosted by Jennie Becker, is celebrating 100 episodes today with Tony Blackburn as a special guest.
Tony delves into his three Sliding Doors moments in this interview about his life on radio, being crowned the first king of the jungle and his favourite memories from his life and career over the past 60 years.
The 100th episode series also includes guests such as Dame Zandra Rhodes, Shirley Ballas, Paul Sculfor and Jimmy Tarbuck.
Jennie told PodcastingToday.co.uk: “Sliding Doors is based on my love of the 90s classic film. Each episode will delve into your sliding doors moments and decisions, which changed the course of your life (personal or professional).
“I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the last 100 episodes that I’ve recorded and to record someone very special, and that is the broadcasting legend Tony Blackburn.
“My family and I have listened to him for so many years that he’s a part of our radio life and podcasting is an evolution of broadcasting and for me it’s lovely to have him on.
“It’s his 60th anniversary in broadcasting this year and it was great to hear about his life. He doesn’t do that many in-depth interviews and it was great to hear about how his journey has evolved with all the different things he’s done.
“He’s in a great era of his life – he’s has had a lot of ups and downs but is still smashing it on the radio, touring the country and is a great inspiration for people. I wanted to make something special of the 100th episode and I think Tony is the perfect person for that.”
“Previous guests have included Bradley Walsh, Dame Arlene Phillips, Martin Kemp, Dame Prue Leith, Rachel Stevens, Candice Brathwaite, Dr Hilary, Roxie Nafousi, Dan Walker, Ranvir Singh, Dr Alex George, Babatunde Aleshe, Simon Rimmer, Kelvin & Liz Fletcher, Patrick Grant and Ade Adepitan. Sell out live shows with Anna Mathur.

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AU & NZ

“A joy to host.” Olympia Kwitowski and 4BC’s all-female Weekend Breakfast line up

Once upon a time, Olympia Kwitowski honestly thought that talkback radio was something only men could do.As a child growing up in Queensland, she remembers listening to high profile broadcasters like Greg Cary, Gary Hardgrave and Ian Maurice on 4BC. So it is a great source of pride for Olympia that today, she herself is… Read More
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