ASIA

Olympics coverage this year has seen new trends emerging about audience consumption.Viewing on free to air television is down in many countries, but viewing of the rights holder’s tv content on its video platforms is up.Don’t let anyone tell you this is the triumph of digital over television. It is television evolving into its own digital platforms. The same is happening with radio.

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American and European live-to-air tv channels recorded low ratings, while digital streaming coverage showed increases.Lee Berke, president of sports right legal form LHB Sports, Media and Entertainment told the LA Times: “The TV ratings are down more than anticipated. Between the lack of a live audience, the move to streaming and the ongoing dropouts of key competitors due to COVID, all of it seems to have a negative impact.”A Reuters report said the Tokyo Games “are currently the least watched Olympics in recent history across Europe and in the United States. However, TV viewership is up in Australia and Japan.”But in Australia, where several of the country’s biggest cities have been in covid lockdown during the games, tv ratings are up by about 20% on the previous Olympics, with 2.7 million viewers watching the opening ceremony, according to Channel 7Since the opening ceremony, Australia has been doing well in the medal tally, and Aussies love to follow winning sportspeople, so the tv ratings are continuing to climb. Channel 7 coverage is on its main tv channel, its digital channels and its online video streaming platform 7Plus.There are four main driving factors in the Channel 7’s ratings success: Being on all platforms, covid lockdowns, the Australian team’s success and the fact that Japan is in Australia’s timezone, whereas it is overnight in America and Europe.So what about audio: live broadcast radio, streaming and podcasts?In 2020 Australia & New Zealand sports entertainment radio network SEN secured the commercial radio rights to broadcast the games in a deal with Channel 7 and was the only Australian radio network where live coverage could be heard. Previously Australia’s national broadcaster ABC also had the non-commercial Olympics rights, but declined to take them up this year.Australians won’t know for sure whether there has been radio ratings success for the rights holder until the end of this month, when the next GfK ratings results are released on 31 August, but there are early indicators.Australia’s radio ratings take all platforms into account, measuring live to air broadcast listening on analog and digital radio transmissions and also on live streaming platforms, so when those ratings are released we will know whether this year’s Olympics have delivered ratings success.Even before the results come out, there are some early indications that the Olympics have been good for radio and podcasts.Anecdotally, all talk stations seem to be drawing strong audiences, as a factor of both Covid lockdowns and the Olympics. Even if those stations are not rights holders, they are still covering the success of the Aussie teams in their news and talk programs.On the other hand, covid lockdowns may be negative for radio Olympics coverage because audiences often watch tv for sports results while at home but listen to the radio when they are on the move to keep up to date with the latest results. With lockdowns in Sydney, and now also in Melbourne, there will be less movement of people during working hours.So what is expected with the rights holder SEN?SEN has made a big commitment to Olympics coverage across all platforms, with eight simultaneous radio channels and expert coverage in most programs continuing until the closing ceremony this Sunday, 8 August.Three ‘always on’ channels from the 7 network are running on the SEN app.The station is broadcasting commentary and calls from the Seven commentary team in Tokyo between 10am to 3 pm daily and national coverage of the finals each night from 6pm.SEN is expected to release complete audience information at the conclusion of the Olympics, but SEN sources have given radioinfo insights into some early figures.The network’s week on week national streaming consumption on the SEN App increased by about 46%. This augurs well for the ratings results later this month. The biggest change was in the state of New South Wales, which was in lockdown during all the Olympics, where consumption increased by 62% on the SEN 1170 stream.The network has used app alerts to draw audience to live coverage and key moments, generating good spikes at various times. “By far the biggest spike has been in the live streaming verticals and experiencing the Games moments in real time,” according to our source. “We’ve used app alerts ahead of key moments like the 400m swimming Titmus v Ledecky final and the Kyle Chalmers 100m final to drive audience back into the platform to great effect.”The network is experiencing commercial as well as audience success with the Olympics so far. “The Olympics has won gold in the hearts of Australians as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our athletes… this was shown through the success and increased engagement of our audiences across the SEN platforms on air, online and digitally throughout the games.” Podcast consumption has also been good for SEN. Podcast spikes have “largely been around the interview and expert opinion.”Podcast providers have also noticed a spike in listening to Olympics related podcasts.Omny Studio Managing Director Sharon Taylor has been seeing “a decent amount of download activity for episodes referencing the Olympics,” however none of it is actual event coverage because the IOC are fiercely protective of the digital rights and will send take downs to broadcasters who haven’t been named an official partner.Internationally, rights holder NBC America has been experimenting with podcasts to supplement its television coverage, with the launch of the NBC Olympics Channel on Apple PodcastsAcast’s Content Director for Australia and NZ Guy Scott-Wilson has told radioinfo that he is seeing a spike in Olympics related podcasts as well as daily news podcasts as part of the wider trend of increasing podcast consumption. “There’s no doubt that people are changing their behaviour when it comes to how and when they consume news and entertainment content… podcast consumption has seen exponential growth… 44% of respondents are listening to podcasts more frequently than they did 12 months ago and 56% intend to listen even more in the future. “This year, the trend has continued with people choosing to consume news and sport content via podcasts, particularly around high profile sporting events such as the Olympic Games. Most recently, in Australia we have seen listener numbers for dedicated sports podcasts increase whilst the Olympics have been on. For example, Sport Today, which is part of the Acast Creator Network, has seen a 36% increase in listens between July 19 (one week prior to the Olympics) and August 2 (one week into the Olympics).  “Listener interest in this content has also seen daily news podcasts such as The Daily Aus embracing the Olympics, adapting their formats and dropping additional episodes to cover the action.”Around the world, radio rights holders will be closely examining the audience research on their Olympics coverage across all platforms to determine its success.Australia is experiencing more people turning to podcasts for news and sports content. These types of podcasts are often short, snappy and designed to bring listeners up to speed in an easy-to-digest way – and this really lends itself to the medium of podcasting.”Innovative audio offerings for big world events such as the Olympics is an important factor important in driving audiences to new ways of consuming live radio and audio. They do benefit radio broadcasters and podcasters.As usual, radioinfo will continue to analyse these trends for broadcasters and advertisers as more information about Olympics media consumption becomes available.The delayed 2020 Olympics ran from 23 July – 8 Aug 2021. […]

Singapore Press Holdings Limited (“SPH”) announced Monday that Keppel Pegasus Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Corporation Limited has proposed to acquire all the shares of SPH post restructuring of the media business through a scheme of arrangement (the “Scheme”).Earlier in May, SPH had said that it will be transferring its media business to a not-for-profit entity amidst the ongoing challenge of falling advertising revenue.Pursuant to the Scheme, for each share in SPH, a shareholder will receive a total consideration of S$2.099 per share, comprising:
cash of S$0.668 per share,
(ii) 0.596 Keppel REIT units valued at S$0.715 per share1 , and
(iii) 0.782 SPH REIT units valued at S$0.716 per share1 from a distribution in-specie (“DIS”) by SPH.
This represents a 39.9% premium to the last traded price of S$1.500 per share before the strategic review of SPH’s businesses was announced on 30 March 2021 (“Strategic Review”) as well as an 11.6% premium to the last traded price of S$1.880 per share on 30 July 2021 and a 21.4% premium to the 3-month volume weighted average price of S$1.729 per share.

Ng Yat Chung, Chief Executive Officer of SPH, said: “The outcome is the result of a strategic review process that has taken place over many months. We took the first step with the Media Restructuring to ensure a sustainable future for the media business, while removing its losses from SPH. The next step was a thorough process to unlock and maximise value for all shareholders for the remaining company. With the privatisation offer from Keppel, shareholders now have an opportunity to realise the value of their SPH shares at a premium of 39.9% to the last traded price before the Strategic Review was announced.” The Strategic Review was announced on 30 March 2021 with a view to unlock and maximise shareholder value.The first step in the Strategic Review was the proposed restructuring of SPH’s media business. On 6 May 2021, SPH announced that it would transfer relevant subsidiaries, employees, News Centre and Print Centre along with their respective leaseholds, as well as all related intellectual property and information technology assets (“Media Restructuring”) to a wholly-owned subsidiary, SPH Media Holdings Pte Ltd (“SPH Media”).Under the Media Restructuring process, SPH Media would be transferred to a public company limited by guarantee (“CLG”) for a nominal sum. Following the Media Restructuring, SPH would no longer be subject to any funding requirements related to the media business.In addition, the restrictions under the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act2 (“Newspaper Act”), including the 5% shareholder cap restriction and issue of management shares, would be lifted. This increases the range of options available to SPH post media restructuring.The Board carried out a comprehensive review of the various strategic options, including maintaining the status quo, monetisation of certain assets, a partial sale or privatisation of SPH post media restructuring.With an objective to maximise value and minimise disruption for shareholders, the Board concluded that the privatisation of the entire company would be the preferred solution. It derives a better valuation outcome for all shareholders where a control premium is paid for the entire company. Also, it avoids a situation where prime SPH assets are cherry-picked, 3 leaving SPH with its existing debt and the risk of being unable to monetise its remaining assets.A thorough and orderly two-stage process was conducted to solicit and evaluate proposals from a number of potentially interested parties. The process was overseen by a Steering Committee consisting of Board members, in consultation with Credit Suisse and Allen & Gledhill LLP, SPH’s financial and legal advisors, respectively.The final closed bids were evaluated based on price, terms and conditions, financing certainty, regulatory approvals, transaction structure and execution risk. At the end of the process, the final proposal from Keppel to privatise SPH was selected after careful evaluation, based on the various criteria.The Scheme represents an opportunity for shareholders to realise their stake at a significant premium to SPH’s share price prior to the announcement of the Strategic Review. Shareholders will also receive any final dividend that may be declared by the Board for Financial Year 2021 (the “Potential Final Dividend”)The receipt of SPH REIT Units and Keppel REIT Units would allow shareholders to participate in the recovery upside of the retail and commercial sectors at attractive dividend yields.The Scheme is subject to approval by SPH and Keppel shareholders. In addition, it is also subject to other conditions, including regulatory approvals, and no Material Adverse Effect occurring.Upon the Scheme being effective, SPH will be delisted and be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keppel. Keppel will hold a remaining stake in SPH REIT and Keppel REIT of approximately 20% each.The Scheme is contingent on the successful completion of the Media Restructuring announced on 6 May 2021. The transfer of the media assets to the CLG is subject to SPH shareholders’ approval at an EGM expected to be convened in August or September 2021. Should the Media Restructuring be approved at the EGM, the completion of the Media Restructuring, including conversion of the management shares to ordinary shares, is expected to occur by December 2021.It is expected that the privatisation by Keppel will be concluded soon after completion of the Media Restructuring. […]

Media Prima Malaysia’s radio platform Ripple has rebranded to Media Prima Audio (MPA) and marked its first holistic rebrand in over 15 years by revamping its radio stations, content and line ups, as well as the overall strategy of all the radio stations.Hot FM and Fly FM now have a new and different sound, complemented with refreshed logos, look and feel. One FM and Kool FM are now branded as 8FM and Buletin FM, respectively.Media Prima Audio’s CEO Nazri Noran said: “This is MPA’s first holistic rebrand in over 15 years and it’s all about allowing us to reinvigorate and strengthen its standing as the top leading radio station in the country. Today we kick it off with on-air programming, new radio talents, fresh logos, and branding across our assets including digital, social and mobile. We are also thrilled with this new journey as it is also being supported by an extensive marketing campaign across all Media Prima group platforms.”

Speaking about the changes of talent lineups for all the radio stations, he said: “Our mission is to drive positive and beneficial changes to the company. Thus, the changes of the talent line up are a part of the new strategy for the brands to appear relevant and competitive in the market. There are lots in store from today onwards for Hot FM, Buletin FM, Fly FM, and 8FM. Malaysia’s radio fans can expect to be thrilled and fall in love with radio all over again with this master brand overhaul.”At the same time, Media Prima Audio has also launched a new mobile app brand, Audio+, which will be the home for all radio, digital and social content, such as radio, podcasts and videos, among others. Instead of downloading a separate app for each station, all brands will now be parked under the Audio+ app.Instead of downloading a separate app for each station, all of the brands will now be parked under one easy and fresh app, Audio+.According to its website, Media Prima Audio has amassed nearly 13 million digital followers, 95 million digital listeners and 1.23 billion video views through its brands.The revamp comes soon after Nazri joined Media Prima Audio in May this year from Astro Radio, where he led its radio brands ERA, Sinar, Gegar, ZAYAN, and Raaga as AVP. He has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry and is known for specialising in creating content that resonates with the local audience. Joining him at the same time was Jake Abdullah, formerly CEO of Astro Radio and Fave Malaysia MD,  who came on board as a consultant and Aaron Pinto, previously head of content for Astro Radio, as chief content officer. […]

Benztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting and jingles, has entered into a strategic partnership with Audry, a fast-growing new online community connecting podcasters worldwide to grow their podcasts and audiences through promo and guest swaps, idea exchange, production tips, marketing insights and more.Through the partnership, Benztown will provide Audry’s community of over 15,000 registered podcasters, most U.S.-based, with a specially priced starter audio production kit designed for the Audry community of podcasters. Podcasters can tap into Benztown’s audio production resources for podcasters at a reduced rate by creating a free Audry profile on www.Audry.io and accessing the Benztown audio production kit at benztown.audry.io.The Benztown starter audio production kit for Audry members includes 5 downloads from the Benztown Podcast Library, allowing podcasters to easily create top-shelf audio imaging for their podcasts. In addition, Benztown will share with the Audry podcasting community multiple recipes on how to design effective intros and outros for their podcasts. Benztown will also provide the Audry podcasting community with educational content on the art of sound design, best practices and insights on how to get started in podcasting with a professional sounding podcast. For podcasters looking for a more full-service approach to their podcast production, Benztown will provide premium audio production packages including custom-voiced and produced podcast intros.

The Benztown Podcast Library covers a variety of music genres and formats, with a virtually unlimited range of sounds. Podcasters can now access the same database of professionally produced audio workparts as world-famous radio stations and big-name podcasts.Through AudryMatch, Audry instantly connects podcasters with like-minded podcasters in their specific content areas, empowering them to grow their podcasts through promo and guest swaps, idea exchange, production tips, marketing insights and more. Co-founded in 2020 by Berlin, Germany-based entrepreneurs Eugenio Warglien and Niklas Hildebrand, Audry brings together podcasters to make the connections and collaborations that are the key to podcasting success, outsizing their content and upsizing their audience in the process.Dave “Chachi” Denes, President, Benztown, said: “Audry is a tremendous resource for podcasters. I was impressed from the minute I saw the Audry website. We’re proud to partner with them on this initiative and to offer our podcast library to the Audry Community of podcasters.”Andreas Sannemann, Chief Executive Officer, Benztown, remarked: “We are excited to partner with Berlin-based start-up Audry to introduce the world’s best podcast production library to passionate podcasters everywhere who want to step up their game. In this highly competitive marketplace, podcasters need every advantage they can get. The Benztown Podcast Library will give their podcast the distinctive, high quality sound it needs to stand out.” Niklas Hildebrand, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, Audry, commented: “Benztown has been at the forefront of audio imaging for years and helping creators to produce the highest quality audio. This partnership will enable podcasters to receive access to high quality resources on a budget and with no risk.” […]

Lakshmi Narasimha Vijaya Rajagopala Sheshadri Sharma Rajesh Raman aka “BlaaZé” is the new breakfast host of “Good Morning Chennai” at Radio One International in Chennai, India.
The show will air weekday mornings from 7 am to 12 pm.
BlaaZé, the pioneer of Independent Rap music In India was born in Chennai & grew up in Zambia, before moving to the US, UK and finally back to Chennai over 15 years ago .
BlaaZé and Double Oscar and Grammy winner A R Rahman, have collaborated and delivered several blockbuster hits, including two songs as a lyricist/rapper on Slumdog Millionaire, and Vince Vaughn’s Couple’s Retreat, in the international space
At home BlaaZé has worked on over 100 India film songs, including writing of the official UN Anthem For Poverty, ‘Pray For Me, Brother’ with A R Rahman.
In Hollywood, he was a lyricist for Michael Bolton, wrote for Nicole Scherzinger and also collaborated as a Rapper/Lyricist with Coco Lee on the single, ‘No Doubt,’ which went straight to number 1 on the pop charts in 7 countries.
BlaaZé’s love for Radio began at the tender age of 7, by dedicating songs to his friends, and then hosted his show on Zambian Radio, besides a couple of other radio stations in India and abroad.
Ramesh Menon, CEO – Radio and Entertainment, HT Media Ltd and Next Mediaworks Ltd said: ” Blaaze is a brand in itself, with him joining Radio One we further establish ourselves as a brand to reckon with when it comes to international music and a global audience and further amplify our brand presence in Chennai.” […]

New York Festivals® Radio Awards has announced the 2021 Finalists. Four Asian entries have madde it to the list.
104.8 Ishq, India, has two finalists in the Entertainment category for Best Social Justice Special and Best Mini Series. Busan E-fm from South Korea and Radio Taiwan International have a finalist in the Documentary: Culture and Arts category.
Global broadcasters led the way including the 2020 NYF Broadcaster of the Year, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and RTÉ Ireland, 2019 Broadcaster of the Year. Additional prominent broadcasters moving on to the medal round: BBC, CBS Radio, Bloomberg, Radio New Zealand, Westwood One, SiriusXM, ESPN, and National Radio of Argentina.
The 2021 Radio Awards Grand Jury of creative media professionals and content creators from around the globe selected Finalists based on production values, writing, creativity, direction, achievement of purpose, and audience suitability. Entries achieving Finalist status will advance to the next round to determine gold, silver, and bronze trophies.
The Radio Awards receives entries from radio stations, networks, and independent producers from over 30 countries around the globe. The mission of the competition is to honor the achievements of the men and women who make up the global audio storytelling community.
“Once again, this year’s Finalists in addition to appealing to their own listeners, also impressed the Grand Jury with their mastery of the audio medium.  Across all genres, they proved that radio – the original social medium – is robust and thriving.  From podcasts and audiobooks to sound art and breaking news, these talented storytellers bring the world together and engage in real time,” said Rose Anderson, VP/Executive Director, New York Festivals Radio Awards.
For 2021 new categories were unveiled across all genres to shine the spotlight on Social Justice. Finalists include: “How fracking could threaten Australia’s Paris target” (Australian Broadcasting Corp.), “Black Lives Matter: From Protests to Police Reform” (Westwood One), “Say Their Name” (DCP Entertainment), “Birds Eye View” (StoryProjects)”, “Racism Within” (SBS Australia), “Substantial Helen” (Bioneers Radio Series), and “Barack Obama, White Supremacy and Grace” (BBC Radio 4).
Audio Book listening saw an uptick in 2020 and a robust number of compelling Audio Book entries featuring celebrity narrators advanced including: HarperCollins Publisher’s “Mary Poppins Comes Back”, read by Academy Award winner, Olivia Colman and “The Hobbit, By J.R.R. Tolkien” read by Andy Serkis.  Penguin Random House titles moving on to the medal round include: “A Life on Our Planet” read by Sir David Attenborough, “To the Lighthouse” read by Rita Wilson, “Imaginary Fred” read by Ciarán Hinds, and “Judge Dredd: America” read by Joseph Fiennes.  Other Finalists Include: “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” Almost Tangible and “Händelser vid vatten / Backwater” Sveriges Radio.  View the complete list of 2021 Finalists.
Podcast Finalists include “Where Is George Gibney?” and “I’m Not A Monster – from BBC Panorama & FRONTLINE PBS” (BBC), “30 for 30” (ESPN), “Unlocking Bryson’s Brain” (CBC), “Nut Jobs: Cracking California’s Strangest $10 Million Dollar Heist” (Audible), “Billie Was a Black Woman“ (ViacomCBS), “The Battersea Poltergeist” (Bafflegab Productions), “Weightless” (DMC Studio Argentina),  My Home Town (Kevin Burke Productions), “The Long Lonely Lake” (Colorado Public Radio), “The Secrets In Us” (Loftus Media), “Driving the Green Book” (Fresh Air Production), ”Foundering” (Bloomberg), “Scales of Change: A Field Guide to the Dragons of Climate Inaction” (Future Ecologies Media), “Alligator Candy” (USG Media), “On a Mission” Season 3: To the Ends of the Earth” (NASA/JPL), “GIANT” (Spotify), and “The Debrief with Major Garrett” (CBS News Radio).
Documentaries give a voice to unique points of view, shine the spotlight on real-life events past and present, inform, educate, and captivate. Finalists include: “Fight of The Century” (TBI Media), “Digging For Fire” (RTÉ Radio 1 Extra),” Black Culture, Civil Rights and Change” (BBC Radio 4), “Stuff The British Stole” (ABC Radio Australia), “Voices from Antarctica” (Radio New Zealand), “The Sounds of America” (BMP Audio), “Love, to find beauty everywhere” (ORF), “My Favourite Things” (Curtains for Radio LTD.), “The Anti-Vax Files – BBC Trending” (BBC World Service London), “Bob Dylan: Verbatim” (Zinc Media), “In The Studio – Patrick Woodroffe: Lighting The Stars” (Magnum Opus Broadcasting), and  “Belarus : Once upon a time in the revolution” (France Inter).
Entertainment entries advanced.  Drama Finalists include: “No One Ever Asked Me That” (RTÉ Radio 1 Extra), “Miss Julie, from the balcony of ICI Première” (Radio-Canada/CBC), “The exorcism in Eksjo” (Sveriges Radio), “The Keith Urban Playlist Series 2” (TBI Media).  Music Specials moved to the medal round: “The Lyric Concert – John Lennon Special” (RTE Lyric FM), “Musicals: The Greatest Show” (TBI Media), “Get Back: The Beatles in Britain” (Somethin Else), “War & Peace and Rock & Roll” (BFBS Radio), Family Rhythms” (We Are Grape Ltd.).  Mini Series entries achieving Finalist status include: “Blockbuster: The Story of James Cameron” (Epicleff Media), “Roll Over Beethoven – A Sitcom from Old Vienna in Nine Acts” (Swiss Radio & Television), “Tous les chats sont gris” (Radio-Canada/CBC), and “Journeys In Sound” (Nemone Metaxas). View the complete list of 2021 Finalists.
Breaking News, features, and investigative reporting captured events as they unfolded, revealed the truth about provocative topics, and unearthed critical facts from around the globe. Entries moving on to the medal round: “Road To November” (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation), “The Great Post Office Trial” (Whistledown), “Century of Sound” (CBS News Radio), “Guyon Espiner” (Radio New Zealand), “Snapshots from Black America” (BBC Radio 4), “Maradona. The Last Idol” (National Radio of Argentina), “America in the Morning” (Westwood One), and “Latin American corruption in times of Covid-19” (Voice of America.)
To view the complete list of the New York Festivals Radio Awards Finalist Visit: 2021 Finalists.
The 2021 NYF Radio Award winners will be announced on October 12th at the annual Storytellers gala taking place at NAB in Las Vegas. This year is the eleventh year of NYF’s strategic partnership with NAB Show, the ultimate marketplace for people passionate about media, entertainment, and technology. All winners and attendees will have access to the multi-day NAB event which is the world’s largest media entertainment marketplace taking place this October. […]