ASIA

At the end of December 2021, the DRM Consortium was invited to give a comprehensive presentation at the annual Indonesia ICT Standardization Forum, this time with the theme “ICT Standardization for Accelerating Digital Transformation”.The event was organised by the Indonesian regulator, Kominfo, on December 28 and the DRM presenter, Sharad Sadhu reports:“At this event, DRM shared the platform with diverse industry players, all focussing on how standardisation of digital technologies pushes digital transformation in the associated industries such as in mobile communications (5G, IoT, ORAN, AIML) and in broadcasting technologies.

The well-organised Standardisation Forum event provided information and expertise to the 250 attendees. Industry experts made presentations on aspects of digital transformation of mobile devices, 5G devices in Indonesia, device controlling for Public Protection, ICT Trends at the ITU and mobile broadband technology trends.The DRM Consortium presentation addressed the topic of Digital Broadcasting Technology Trends, focussing on the theme “DRM Smart Radio Accessible to All”.  Introducing the DRM system as the digital radio broadcasting system of choice in all bands of radio broadcasting, the presentation focussed on the main aspects of DRM digital radio in the FM band, as applicable to Indonesia; use of current FM spectrum through RF slot insertion, multiple audio and multimedia services, Journaline and derived services such as Emergency Warning, Radio Schooling, Highway services and public signage. Very favourable Capex and Opex cost benefits accrued by using the DRM system were highlighted leading to an analysis of why Indonesia should consider using the DRM system. A flavour of the DRM receivers in the market and ‘DRM Around the World’ concluded the presentation.In the Q&A session, questions were asked on the versatility of DRM radio for covering the cities, villages, islands, valleys, and hills of Indonesia and about the need for affordable receivers. These were replied to at length and the participants were satisfied with the answers.The DRM Consortium trust that the authorities in Indonesia will consider these aspects of the DRM system and rollout the digitisation of radio broadcasting in Indonesia using the versatile and flexible DRM.” […]

Launched at the end of 2020, the WorldDAB Asia-Pacific Technical Group concluded the year by holding its 4th meeting on 9th December.The WorldDAB Asia-Pacific Technical Group is a forum dedicated to assisting broadcast radio industry stakeholders in the Asia Pacific region implement DAB+. The Group offers participants the opportunity to discuss, learn and collaborate on all technical aspects of DAB+ digital radio, with information tailored specifically to the APAC region.Throughout 2021 the WorldDAB APAC Technical Group grew from strength to strength, with membership of the group growing to over 60 radio industry representatives from over 20 countries from across the Asia Pacific Region, and with virtually all Southeast Asian countries being represented.

The meetings focused a range of topics around the “DAB adoption process” covering topics from Trials and Experimentation to DAB requirements and Allotment planning.The WorldDAB presentations were supported by a range of invited industry presenters who covered a broad range of topics that included multiplexing systems, DAB emergency warning features, systems and examples, DAB in cars, why DAB is green technology, hybrid DAB radio and country advances, example implementations and details of ongoing trials.A highlight of the December meeting was a presentation from Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) announcing the regional expansion of DAB+ in Thailand, with plans for an additional 10 sites to be implemented between 2022 and 2024. The new sites will include both national and local multiplex layers.Chairman of the Group, Dr. Les Sabel, said: “The Technical Group meetings are set to continue in 2022 with a further three meetings being planned which will explore transmission and network planning before discussing marketing and rollout activities. They will be accompanied by topical presentations from leading industry representatives as well as other topics of interest to the group.” […]

Selling Radio Direct with Pat BrysonWhat do I desire in 2022?In one of our last newsletters, we discussed a formula for determining what your activities needed to be to achieve your monetary goals. But creating and achieving goals requires thinking more deeply about what you really want to achieve and WHY you want to achieve it.

Money should be a means to an end, not an end in itself. As my mother used to say, “Money can’t buy you happiness.” No, but it makes being miserable a lot more fun! Money can be a conduit to achieving our dreams.What are your dreams? Have you ever done a vision board? I know this sounds like a kindergarten exercise, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.Take a piece of cardboard like you buy at the school supply store. Then, collect magazines that are full of pictures. Go through the magazines and cut out pictures of things, places, events….whatever you wish to have in your life this year. Maybe it’s a dream vacation. Maybe it’s a new home or new car. Maybe it’s sending your children to college or getting a degree yourself. Whatever you desire. Put those pictures on the board.Next, put the board where you can see it daily. And, watch the magic happen.I did this exercise with my staff when I ran radio stations. They all thought it silly….until the end of the year when they had most of the things on the board. Your subconscious takes over and spurs you on. You aren’t working just for the money: you are working for what you can do with the money.One of my current clients does vision boards. I’ve seen the magic happen with them also.It’s all about the “Why?” We search to find our clients’ “Why’s”. We need to search to find ours as well.We have a new year, new beginnings, new mountains to climb. As we begin, take a moment to discover your “Why?”You will be amazed at the results! […]

Astro Radio’s HITZ FM introduced brand new ‘HITZ Tonight with Keanu and Ili’ featuring Ili Ruzanna, a new HITZ announcer with a versatile personality, with Keanu Azman.A versatile radio announcer, singer and songwriter who taught herself to play the piano, Ili is passionate about music and loves to interact with people on TikTok.Azman calls himself Uncle Millennial, because he prefers crying to romantic comedies and TV shows during his free time rather than hanging out.The new show launched on January 10 and airs, Mondays to Fridays from 8pm to 12am.It features various new segments including:
Hitz Tonight’s Hottest 5 on weekdays, where fans can vote for their favourite songs on HITZ Instagram from 3pm to 7pm, and the top 5 songs will be played on HITZ from 8 to 8.30pm.
Would You Rather? on weekdays at 9pm, fans will get to interact with Keanu and Ili for a question or poll that will be posted on HITZ Instagram from 8pm.
Hitz Tuition on weekdays at 10pm, where fans will get a chance to call and share their homework with Keanu and Ili, both will help to complete and provide solutions.
Ask Ili on weekdays at 10.30pm, where Ili will open up a session with fans to ask about anything that people have always wondered about.
Hitz Tonight Takeover on weekdays at 11pm, for fans can call in and request for songs, that Keanu and Ili will play.
Priya Prabakaran, Network Content Manager, Astro Radio, said: “We remain committed to working with local talents and providing them with more opportunities on our platforms.” […]

Pakistan’s national broadcaster, Radio Pakistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Islamabad United (ISLU) for media partnership in the upcoming sixth season of Pakistan Super league (PSL) Twenty20 cricket tournament.ISLU was formed in 2015 as a result of the formation of the Pakistan Super League by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The franchise is owned by Leonine Global Investments through its sports entity, Leonine Global Sports.The team is has won the PSL twice, including its inaugural edition. It is coached by Johan Botha, replacing Dean Jones who coached the side from the first season till the fourth seasonThe MoU was signed by Station Director of Radio Pakistan, Lahore, Nazakat Shakila and manager of Islamabad United Rehan-Ul-Haq.Speaking at the occasion, off-spin bowler Saeed Ajmal lauded the role of Radio Pakistan for promoting cricket in country and said collective efforts are needed in this regard.He said Radio Pakistan is retaining its former glory by providing quality commentary to the people.Rehan-Ul-Haq also promised to launch more joint ventures in various fields between the Radio Pakistan and Islamabad United.Nazakat Shakila said radio and cricket are tightly interwoven and promotion of PSL is national duty of every Pakistani. […]

Astro Radio Malaysia has launched YOU Streaming, it’s first Chinese news online radio brand that will discuss a variety of serious and casual topics such as current affairs, personal finance, economy, property, travel, feng shui and more in a light-hearted way.YOU Streaming will be hosted by local talents including Chien Waei, a TV and radio host, Cheery (Chong Mei), a young content creator, Jess, an experienced broadcast graduate, and Jian Herng, a young content creator.Listeners can stream the channel via the SYOK app and website and catch the following weekday segments live:

Breakfast show, Mondays and Fridays, from 8.30am to 9.30am; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8.30am to 10.30am, with Chien Waei and Chong Mei presenting a casual and humourous take on current affairs from around the world.
‘A Deep Dive: The Current Affairs Show’, on Thursdays, from 9.30am to 10.30am.
‘The Law Show’ on Mondays, from 11am to 12pm, hosted by two lawyers who will present legal concepts in easy-to-understand layman terms.
‘The Insurance Show’ on Thursdays, from 11am to 12pm, which will share lesser-known facts of the industry and the importance of having insurance.
‘The Property Show’ on Fridays, from 11am to 12pm, delving into tips about property ownership and investment.
A financial talkshow, Mondays and Tuesdays, from 12pm to 1pm; Wednesdays to Fridays, from 12pm to 2pm, with Chien Waei and Jian Herng, covering economic issues, cryptocurrency, financial management, SMEs and network entrepreneurship.
In addition, listeners can enjoy the following weekend segments live on Saturdays:
The Good Vibes Show, from 8am to 9am, teaching listeners to build on their confidence and balancing their energies using metaphysical methods including tarot, meditation and more.
The TCM Show, from 9am to 10am, which will offer listeners information on Chinese medicine and health.
The Aromatherapy Show, from 10am to 11am, presenting the efficacies and taboos of essential oils so listeners can effectively utilize essential oils.
The Fengshui Show, from 11am to 12pm, discussing astrology, luck and fortune.
The Pediatrics Show, from 12pm to 1pm, hosted by Jess and a paediatrician, touching on paediatric pathology and childcare, including for new-borns.
The Book Show, from 1pm to 2pm, where the hosts will review books on topics that cover humanities and social science. […]