ASIA

Audio entertainment platform Pocket FM’s global revenue soared 496% to INR 1,051.97 Cr ($123 million) in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24) from INR 176.36 Cr ($20 million) in the previous fiscal year.Pocket FM is a company based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, specialising in the media & entertainment sector. The company was established in 2018 by Nishanth S., Prateek Dixit and Rohan Nayak.With a community of 200 million listeners, Pocket FM offers more than 75,000 audio series, powered by a community of over 250,000 writers worldwide. It offers diverse content across multiple languages and genres, including romance, drama, thriller, fantasy, science fiction and action thriller among others.Users spend an average of over 115 minutes of daily listening on the platform.Its current core markets are the US and India, and it has recently forayed into Europe and Latin America. Its content competes with Kuku FM, Spotify and Amazon’s Audible.In a statement, the company also said that it managed to trim its global loss by 21% to INR 165 Cr ($ 19 million) from INR 209 Cr ($ 24.5 million) in FY23.A significant portion of Pocket FM’s revenue comes from its microtransaction-led subscription model, which generated a revenue of INR 934.73 Cr ($110 million), up 484% from INR 160.05 Cr ($ 18.9 million) in FY23, the statement said.Revenue from advertisements surged over 600% to INR 89.34 Cr ($ 10.5 million) from INR 12.5 Cr ($1.47 million) in the previous fiscal year.

According to its MCA filing, Pocket FM’s operating revenue from the Indian entity almost doubled to INR 260 Cr ($ 30.5 million) in FY24 from INR 129.7 Cr ($15.2 million) in the previous fiscal year.Its India arm’s net loss dropped 77.1% to INR 15.7 Cr ($ 1.8 million) during the year under review from INR 68.7 Cr in FY23.The company credits its growth to its freemium model, which allows users to access a limited portion of audio content for free while monetising binge-listening behaviour through coin-based microtransactions.The platform allows users to unlock additional episodes by purchasing coin packs starting as low as INR 49.According to Anurag Sharma, Chief Financial Officer, 70% of Pocket FM’s revenue comes from the US, followed by 15% from India, and the remaining from other markets.In March this year, Pocket FM had raised $103 million in series D funding, in a round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from Stepstone Group. This nearly doubled the company’s valuation to about $750 million from $390 million when it previously raised $65 million in its Series C round in March 2022. […]

Content from BPRAdapting to a changing landscape is a core survival skill for any business, including radio. Some businesses successfully manage this as part of their ongoing internal conversations while others seem unable to get out of the starting blocks. The ability to adapt is about future proofing your station. Here are five strategies you need to think about if you want to future proof your business.1:  Cultivate a Culture of CuriosityYou cannot stop change. Head in the sand thinking is the recipe for failure. Head in the sand thinking blinkers you to the possibilities of the future and sets you up to be blind-sided.  It means that you don’t look for alternative solutions for inevitable change, and those changes lead to disruption, declining market share and poor investment decisions.Technology has changed the way we all do business. Look at where AI is in 2024 and imagine just where it could be in five years from now.A culture of curiosity is essential to exploring what the future might look like, and how your business might exist within that future. One you accept that change is inevitable you can prepare for it.  Future proofing cannot succeed where an organization continues to do things because “that’s the way we’ve always done it”.2: Look in the Mirror – Question your AssumptionsKnowing how change will affect your business means being clear about the underlying assumptions that your business is built upon.  You can’t plan for change unless you understand why your category/format exists, what your brand is about and why consumers choose you over your competitors.

Addressing the threats to the very foundation of your business is key to future proofing. Ascertain the long-term threats to your business and scenario plan for them.3: Monitor the HorizonEvery Christmas rolls around with hundreds of “trends” for the upcoming year. It would be impossible to be aware of every single one. However, there are big “mega trends” that bubble under for a long time and are clearly going to shake up our industry and brands if they take hold.  Being aware of them is the first step to doing something about them. Many retail shop fronts failed to plan for the impact of online shopping. The impact of streaming services on Free to Air TV is well documented.4: Know your Brand Purpose  Being able to future proof your station means accepting that it might have to evolve into something completely different. Being willing to cannibalise or let go of parts of your business to take it in a new direction is essential for growth.  The starting point of this is understanding what your station stands for in the minds of the audience.What are the purpose and values of your brand that people engage with (or could engage with!) and where else do those values matter? Being able to expand beyond your category in different ways obviously sets you up better for a future where your product category might not be very appealing to operate in.5: Respect your ListenersListeners have needs and ultimately they are loyal to solutions to their needs, rather than brands. If something better comes along, then their brand loyalty likely counts for very little. So, how focused are you on respecting, understanding and serving your listeners’ changing expectations?  The radio audience won’t adapt to your needs; your format needs to adapt to theirs. Remember Zapoleon’s Music Cycles?Constantly research what listeners want from a radio station and how well you and your competitors are delivering on their needs. Listeners tastes change over time…..make sure you aren’t left behind. Finally……Its not what you think your radio station stands for ….its what the listeners think […]

WorldDAB Summit 2024, held on November 14 in Zagreb, saw public and private broadcasters actively collaborate and engage in dialogue to ensure radio’s digital future.The Summit host was Aradhna Tayal Leach, a strategic consultant and leader in media, events and engagement.WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst, joined by Edita Kudláčová, the EBU’s Head of Radio, and Luka Đurić, Vice President of the Association of European Radios (AER), celebrated the enduring strengths and benefits of broadcast radio.Bierhorst stated that WorldDAB’s work with global organisations is unifying the broadcast radio ecosystem through initiatives such as its Working Groups and events. She emphasised the importance of maintaining a balanced broadcast sector integrating traditional and digital elements, without relying solely on IP solutions. Complementing this, the EBU’s Connected Car Playbook was highlighted as a key initiative aligning with WorldDAB’s goals, providing critical guidelines for broadcast, apps, and voice in digital environments.The Summit, attended by nearly 200 delegates, marked significant global advancements in digital radio. In her opening address, Bierhorst said, “Securing radio’s digital future is critical and fundamental for listeners, broadcasters, and society.”Jasna Vaniček-Fila from Croatia’s Directorate for Media underscored the Ministry of Culture’s backing for digital radio, citing opportunities for innovation, and environmental benefits such as reduced power consumption. “The Minister of Culture and Media supports the further development of digital radio, and the wide range of opportunities it offers,” she said. Meanwhile, Mate Botica from Croatian network operator OIV announced that nine new DAB+ transmitters had been brought into service since August, bringing coverage to 97%.The event was held just six weeks before Switzerland’s public broadcaster, SRG SSR switches off its FM transmitters. Adriano Pitteri set out the rationale including cost savings, alongside the extensive work being done to publicise the change to listeners. Meanwhile, Dirk Schrödter, Minister of Digitisation of the State of Schleswig-Holstein, shared its plan to make the transition to DAB+ digital radio by 2031. He described radio as “truly a wonderful medium,” but urged that linear radio must be transformed for the digital future. “With DAB+ we are creating more media diversity, which is extremely important in an era where deepfakes and fake news are on the rise.” he added.At a time of flooding across Europe and other disasters around the world, Carsten Zorger from Digitalradio Büro Deutschland highlighted the development of new life-saving Automatic Safety Alerts via DAB+, and the successful “Warntag” [warning day] tests in Germany, which included the system for the first time. The pioneering innovation in DAB+ digital radio technology aims to protect the public during emergencies by delivering reliable safety alerts without requiring an internet connection.

Elsewhere at the event, Javier Sánchez from Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE spoke about this year’s rapid rollout of DAB+. Since its launch in February, DAB+ services from RTVE can now be received in 13 cities across the country. On the 100th anniversary of radio in Spain, Sánchez revealed that Ràdio 4, the Catalonian radio station of RNE, was now broadcasting on DAB+ in Barcelona, becoming the first legal DAB+ station in Catalonia.At the organisation’s General Assembly, held prior to the Summit, the WorldDAB Award for Outstanding Service was presented to Lindsay Cornell of the BBC and Chair of WorldDAB’s Technical Committee, for his work on the development of new ETSI standards for the Automatic Safety Alert system. The award noted that Cornell’s “technical expertise and exceptional project management and people skills have undoubtedly had a huge impact on the industry.”Closing the event, it was announced that the next WorldDAB Automotive event will take place in Madrid, Spain, on 19 June 2025. […]

The leaders of eight international public service media broadcasters – the DG8 – from like-minded democratic nations Australia (ABC International), Canada (CBC/Radio-Canada), France (France Médias Monde), Germany (Deutsche Welle), Japan (NHK WORLD-JAPAN), Switzerland (SRG SSR), the United Kingdom (BBC World Service), and the United States (U.S. Agency for Global Media) met on 12 and 13 November in Sydney under the presidency of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).Collectively, DG8 members generate more than 1.5 billion user contacts every week in more than 75 languages, giving them a significant journalistic impact worldwide. Through their delivery of professional, balanced and verified news and information, DG8 members are at the forefront of the fight against misinformation and disinformation, content manipulation and propaganda.ABC Chair Kim Williams delivered the opening address to the DG8 group and the summit concluded with members reaffirming their cooperation around shared interests: the importance of guaranteeing all citizens access to balanced and independent information, the fight against misinformation, disinformation and censorship, and the centrality of editorial independence and journalistic safety as pre-conditions for press freedom and the public’s right to be informed. During the summit, DG8 members discussed the following areas of common concern:
Journalist Safety: An increasingly dangerous global media environment with the growth of repression and the harassment of journalists highlights the importance of ensuring journalist safety and editorial independence.
Media Trust And the Value Of Public Service Media: In keeping with their core mission as trusted news providers, DG8 members reaffirm their role as champions of efforts to provide audiences across the globe with accurate and verified news, countering misinformation/disinformation.  The members note the need for greater media literacy and training.
Engaging With Third-Party Platforms: DG8 members note the need for increased engagement from Platform Owners (Big Tech, Social Media companies), urging greater accountability and transparency around measures being taken to counter mis- and disinformation, deep fake content and fraudulent copyright which are endangering individuals and communities, and lowering trust in public institutions. The DG8 urge Platform Owners to provide and enable users access to trusted news content and verified information as these are proven cornerstones of healthy and productive democracies and societies.
Censorship: DG8 members note the increasing censorship and blocking of free independent media outlets, including international public sector broadcasters in countries across the globe and the frequent exile of committed journalists from these countries.  DG8 members also note the need for increased funding and research of censorship circumvention tools. […]

Astro Radio continues be the top radio network of choice for Malaysians, according to recent data from GfK, an official ratings agency recognized for measuring radio listenership across Peninsular Malaysia.GfK’s data from the second wave of 2024 shows Astro Radio channels attracting 14.9 million listeners weekly, representing 72% of all radio listeners in Peninsular Malaysia.The eleven stations under Astro Radio’s umbrella collectively achieved a 2% increase in listeners, which includes popular stations ERA FM, HITZ, and MY FM.Two out of four Malay-language stations under Astro Radio have ranked at the top in Malaysia’s most popular radio station charts. ERA FM leads with 4.8 million listeners, followed closely by SINAR FM with 4.4 million listeners. THR GEGAR has drawn 1.8 million listeners, while ZAYAN achieved a 75% increase, now reaching 657,000 listeners.In the English-language radio category, HITZ is at the forefront with 2.2 million listeners, with MIX securing second place with 829,000 listeners. LITE FM also gained strong support, landing third with 637,000 listeners.For Chinese-language stations, MY FM remains the top choice with a listenership of 2.4 million. MELODY reached a significant milestone, recording a 3% increase to 1.24 million listeners, while GOXUAN reached 285,000 listeners.RAAGA continues to dominate the Tamil-language radio category, attracting 1.48 million listeners, solidifying its position as the preferred Tamil-language station year after year.Priya Dharshini Prabakaran, Director of Astro Audio, highlighted GfK’s trusted international reputation, ensuring Astro Radio’s audience statistics are professionally audited.

“We are incredibly proud of the achievements across all Astro Radio stations, which remain committed to delivering engaging and relevant content,” Priya stated. “Beyond the guaranteed quality of radio content, we are focused on making sure our offerings are both beneficial and captivating to our loyal listeners. Our talented presenters are dedicated to innovating and bringing fresh creativity to their broadcasts.” […]

Malaysia’s Suria FM has achieved over 3.3 million weekly listeners, according to the latest results from the GfK Radio Listening Measurement Survey, Wave 2, 2024. This figure shows a significant increase of 292,000 listeners, or 10 percent, compared to the previous survey.The Suria Cinta segment, hosted by DJ Lin every Sunday to Friday from 8 PM to 1 AM, recorded the highest weekly listener increase among the main segments on Suria FM, with 341,000 listeners (33%). This was followed by Gaya Suria and Muzik Top Suria, hosted by Cik Piah every Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM, which attracted 303,000 listeners (23%). Meanwhile, the Morning Morning Suria segment, hosted by Ajak, Dato Fizz Fairuz, and Suraya every Monday to Friday from 6 AM to 10 AM, recorded an increase of 170,000 listeners (12%), while the Suria Petang segment, hosted by Sharifah Shahirah, Chiwan, and Kai Hassan every Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM, saw an increase of 152,000 listeners (9%).Suria Cinta also achieved a significant exclusive listener increase among Malay-language radio stations, with 184,000 more listeners (32%), followed by Suria Petang with an increase of 175,000 listeners (29%), Gaya Suria and Muzik Top Suria with 143,000 (25%), and Morning Morning Suria with 92,000 more listeners (15%).In addition, Suria Cinta remained dominant, achieving the highest weekly time spent listening of 3 hours and 11 minutes among the main segments on Suria FM.Suria FM also showed remarkable growth in weekend segments, which saw an increase of 231,000 listeners (11%) compared to Wave 1, 2024, further solidifying Suria FM’s position as one of the top radio choices for listeners in Malaysia.Commenting on this achievement, Suria FM’s General Manager, Roslinda Abdul Majid (DJ Lin), expressed gratitude and appreciation to all stakeholders and loyal listeners for their continued support of Suria FM.“We are delighted with the Wave 2, 2024 survey results, which show that Suria FM continues to be the top radio choice for listeners in Malaysia. This achievement is the result of the dedicated efforts and hard work of the Suria team, who are always striving to provide the best for our listeners. We are committed to further strengthening the Suria brand to remain relevant and continue to be a top choice for listeners in Malaysia, while producing content that resonates deeply with our audience.” […]