ASIA

Comrex has officially announced BRIC-Link III, the newest addition to the popular BRIC-Link family of codecs. This new codec debuted at NAB 2022. There are over 10,000 BRIC-Link codecs circulating world-wide, and BRIC-Link III is an updated version that takes advantage of the latest improvements in IP audio transmission technology.BRIC-Link III is a true codec, offering a full-duplex stereo encoder and decoder in each box. A jitter buffer manager is incorporated that automatically balances delay and stability, dynamically increasing and decreasing delay based on network performance. BRIC-link III offers a wide range of encoding algorithms including stereo and mono linear mode, FLAC modes, AAC/HE-AAC modes, Opus, G.722 and G.711.BRIC-Link III features a new, more powerful processor for improved reliability. BRIC-Link III also features enhanced front panel indicators, including four buttons which will trigger contact closures by default and configurable for auto-connections to other Comrex IP audio codecs.

BRIC-Link III is compatible with all other Comrex IP audio codecs, including the ACCESS codec line as well as older BRIC-Link models. BRIC-Link III also works with Gagl, a new service now available for purchase for audio contribution. Gagl turns any Comrex IP audio codec into a hub for up to five remote participants.Like other BRIC-Link codecs, BRIC-Link III includes CrossLock VPN technology, Comrex’s proprietary suite of reliability tools. In addition to bonding technology, CrossLock also includes a Redundancy Mode for mission-critical applications. BRIC-Link III can take advantage of HotSwap, meaning that users can set a 4G/5G modem as a backup connection to only be engaged when the primary internet fails, providing an extra layer of reliability.Customers can also choose to purchase an optional one-time license per codec to utilize SwitchBoard, a private server that Comrex maintains which allows for easy connections between IP codecs.BRIC-Link III features a user-friendly HTML-5 based interface. BRIC-Link III is also built with a compact chassis, so it’s easy to fit into a studio set-up. A dual rack kit accessory for housing two BRIC-Link III codecs on a rack shelf side-by-side will be available for purchase.BRIC-Link III is built for multiple modes of operation, including BRIC-Link normal (UDP), HTTP (Streaming Server, Icecast/Shoutcast, Multistreaming), RTP, TCP, IP Multicast & EBU 3326/SIP mode for compatibility).As with all Comrex products, firmware updates are included at no additional cost. Free technical support in English and Spanish is available during business hours. Each unit comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. […]

WorldDAB is renewing the call for DAB broadcasters to make sure their station branding looks good in all car screens in the dashboard, by providing high quality “metadata” alongside the audio stream.Metadata enables the visual information, text and graphics – such as the station name and logo, presenter, song title and album artwork – to be displayed while a station is playing. Stations produce the visuals which are essential for the car to make DAB radio stations look as good as they sound.“We want radio station managers and technical teams to make sure their station is looking its best in the car,” said Patrick Hannon, President, WorldDAB. “With broadcast radio facing increased competition in the dashboard, it’s vitally important for broadcasters to supply the right metadata with their audio. This will ensure the logo and now playing information is provided, helping listeners to find their favourite stations and have the best possible in-car experience.”

The call comes with three weeks to go until WorldDAB’s annual Summit, where metadata and DAB radio in the car are key topics. Speakers at the Summit in London on 17 November include Gregor Pötzsch, Product Owner for Radio at CARIAD Volkswagen Group, and David Holroyd, Director of Technology at Global. The Summit will be hosted by UK technology journalist and broadcaster, Spencer Kelly.WorldDAB offers resources to assist broadcasters, including explainer videos and an information sheet aimed at senior radio managers and technical teams, which gives information on:
The exact type of metadata the car industry requires
Why metadata is important for broadcasters and drivers today
How broadcasters can effectively provide metadata
Metadata requirements and other technical information
These are available on WorldDAB’s website at: https://www.worlddab.org/automotive/metadata […]

Benztown and P1 Media Group will host a free webinar on Thursday, November 3, 2022, for radio professionals around the globe, entitled How to Be Creative, Have Fun & Create Two Massive Brands – What We Can Learn From Radio in Australia. The webinar will be hosted by Andreas Sannemann, CEO, Benztown, and Ken Benson, Partner, P1 Media Group, and features UK and Australia radio programming pro, Paul Jackson of Sydney, Australia’s Paul Jackson Media, architect of Australia mega brands Nova and Smooth.This is the 26th in the webinar series from top radio experts from around the world.

Paul Jackson started his radio journey at a young age in Glasgow, Scotland, where his father worked on Radio Clyde.Following in his footsteps, Jackson quickly moved up the ranks and landed his first PD position in Kent, England, followed by the legendary BRMB in Birmingham.Due to his enormous success, he was elevated to Regional Program Director.He was then off to London and named Chief Exec and Programme Director at Virgin Radio, then moved to Group Programme Director role at the world-famous Capital FM and X-FM.After conquering the UK, Jackson moved to Sydney, Australia, where he spent the last 12 years building the Nova and Smooth Radio brands, growing the total audience from 2.5 million to over 5 million listeners.Recently, he launched Paul Jackson Media, specializing in music and radio consulting, and he continues to work closely with Nova and Smooth.In the 40-minute webinar, Jackson will share his insights and keys to success, including:
What it was like to work for Virgin Radio in the UK, including a look at Richard Branson’s “Challenger Mentality.”
How he took Nova from last place to first place in Sydney.
How he launched the Smooth Network, an AC brand in Sydney and Melbourne – and grew the audience from a two share to over an 11 share, driving the station to #1 in both metros.
How he convinced Michael Bublé and later, Sam Smith, to be the face of Smooth’s marketing, including some great tv ads.
What role imaging has played in building his successful radio brands.
What contemporary music trends he sees in Australia, and how he is optimizing them.
The webinar takes place Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 10:00am PST/1:00pm EST/6:00pm CET. […]

Content from BPRPodcasts play a large part in the digital audio world. Should your radio station be producing podcasts?The simple answer is that station-generated podcasts are a good idea but only if they can generate revenue. Podcasts that do not generate money are of little benefit to a radio company unless they provide a source of advertising income. In fact, some will argue that podcasts may even take TSL (time spent listening) away from actual radio listening.

Selling advertising for a podcast should not be done in the same way as with broadcast radio. Why? Because podcasts, by definition, are most successful when targeting very specific audiences. Radio stations usually define their target audience by demo and gender such as 25-34 females. On the other hand, podcasts primarily target listeners who are interested in a specific topic of interest. For example, if one produces a podcast about golf, 35-64 men may well make up the preponderance of the audience but more specifically it will reach 35-64 men who like golf.In the digital world, programmatic advertising is becoming the dominant method by which advertisers connect with their specific market group. Programmatic advertising essentially links podcast creators with advertisers who want to reach a specific target market. Traditional radio advertising is based on creating a fairly wide target audience and then selling advertising to merchants interested in reaching that audience. However, programmatic advertising is more efficient because it reaches people who have actively expressed an interest in the advertiser’s product or service.Imagine that your radio station was able to efficiently target specific listener groups in your market. For example, women would hear an ad for women’s apparel while, at the same time, men might hear an ad for sporting equipment. Of course, in traditional radio this is technically impossible. On the other hand, podcasts can target a very specific audience and thereby offer advertisers far greater efficiency for their advertising budget.In short, station-generated podcasts that do not develop income for your station offer little benefit to your brand. However, when your podcast is supported by advertising, it creates a potential income stream for the station and a more efficient advertising buy for the client.By Andy Beaubien, BPR […]

Content from BPRWe all know how valuable it is for a presenter to be a good storyteller. When a presenter gets it right, magic happens but when they get it wrong there is probably no greater thing you can do to blow up your radio station in today’s listening environment.Here are some of the most common traps:LENGTH: Nothing kills a story quicker than taking too long to tell it.  People who over-cook their stories normally do so because of a lack of preparation or an over-inflated ego.OBSCURITY: Telling a story about something that only a small proportion of listeners will associate with or relate to.ELITISCM:  No one likes to hear someone bragging (even if that is not their intention). Beware stories that might be related to the presenter’s wealth, fame or privilege.ANTICIPATION:  A story with an ending the listener can predict is boring.  Stories should be a short journey with at least some uncertainty about what the end of the story is about.TOO COMPLICATED TO REMEMBER: The best stories are those people can remember and re-tell to someone else. If the story is too complicated to remember, then it’s best not to tell it.INTERJECTION:  Within a team of 2 or more presenters, a presenter continually interrupting the presenter telling the story is a killjoy.  If this is a problem with your team then some ground rules need to be discussed.  This is a double whammy problem.  First, it can kill the story being told. Second, people who want to hear the story come to hate the presenter who is interrupting.TICKING BOXES: There are few more evil things designed to destroy a radio station then presenters being obliged to tell a story when there is no great story to tell at that time or they are not a particularly good storyteller.STRETCHING: This is where a presenter feels compelled to turn what might be a good 20 second anecdote into a 3 minute “story”.  I hear a lot “stories” that would have worked much better as a short anecdote.ALWAYS ABOUT THE SAME THING:  A presenter whose stories always revolve around the same subject matter can be a beacon of boredom for the listener. This can be a trap, for example when a presenter continually relies on stories about their family experiences for most of their story content.FAILURE TO ASK WHY:  Is the story to be told honestly more entertaining than playing another record?These are a few of the pitfalls to be mindful of when managing the storytelling content agenda with your team.  One great story in a show is much better than several average stories.By Wayne Clouten, BPR […]

WorldDAB has announced more speakers for its annual summit. The event will take place on Thursday, November 17 at Kings Place, King’s Cross, London.The WorldDAB Summit brings together experts from across the broadcast radio, automotive and receiver manufacturer industries to discuss developments that have influenced the radio industry. It is open to members and non-members alike.The WorldDAB General Assembly (members-only) meeting will take place on the afternoon of 16 November.Newly announced speakers for the summit include:Julia Schutz Managing Director and Programme Director, Antenne NRWJulia hosted various radio shows successfully for many years, before becoming a media economist. She is now not only a successful manager but also speaker, host and jury member at specialist events, such as media and journalism awards.ANTENNE NRW is a new digital broadcaster building market share and presenting original new content on DAB+.Anne-Marie Couvreur CEO and Founder, AirZen Radio, FranceAn entrepreneur at heart, after 15 years leading communications at several national companies, Anne-Marie’s journey took a different turn in 2004 with the creation of the Mediameeting Group – the first French voice business company, now one of the biggest success stories in the French media industry.Aligning her passion for radio with her personal values, she launched AirZen Radio in October 2021.AirZen Radio is France’s first “100% positive” DAB+ radio station dedicated to wellness – the only new national French radio station licensed by the CSA in 20 years.Register for the event here. […]