ASIA

ENCO and PHF COM have joined forces to harmonize the newsroom workflow for Morocco’s Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP), ensuring that the state-owned news agency’s radio operations can share the same Ross Inception newsroom computer system. PHF COM, ENCO’s channel partner in Morocco, managed the Media Object Server (MOS) protocol integration work that now allows radio journalists to use the same system to produce new stories, and share news content with others as needed.Founded in 1959, MAP offers complete, diversified and objective national and global news coverage over its 24-hour news channel M24 and on RIM Radio, which provides live broadcasts and podcasts online and through free iOS and Android apps. RIM Radio, which launched in 2019, uses DAD radio automation to support its live broadcast streams.Younes Yamouni, CEO of PHF COM, says that DAD offered the ideal gateway to bring the two operations together. “One of DAD’s benefits is that ENCO designed it to be an open system that can speak to third-party systems,” said Younes. “This was important for several reasons, one being that MAP operates an all-IP workflow. Both ST 2110 and AES67 benefit from seamless interoperability across all systems.”ENCO’s Ross Inception MOS Interface enables Media Object Server (MOS) protocol integration between Inception and the DAD automation system, allowing journalists and news producers to access DAD audio asset libraries directly within Inception’s client interface. Users can search the ENCO library, preview clips, trim media as needed, and bring the desired elements into their stories through drag-and-drop functionality.Importantly, Inception rundowns are automatically synchronized as playlists on the DAD automation system to keep everything effortlessly updated for subsequent playout. “That is especially useful when journalists have a last-minute change,” said Younes. “They simply go into the interface to make changes to the story and modify the rundown. The change in running order is immediately reflected in the playlist, even if that playlist is already on the air.”Younes notes that three separate studios can access the shared systems today, and all three can be used to support TV and radio operations. Journalists from both stations interact with the DAD system primarily through the Inception plug-in. Audio clips can be recorded into the DAD system, or imported as files either manually or through watch folders using the DAD Dropbox utility.“It’s a very flexible system,” said Younes. “News stories can be provided for live feeds, or they can be pre-produced for podcasts or for live playout at a later time.” RIM Radio operators also utilize DAD’s intuitive Presenter on-air interface for managing live playout, and Younes adds that DAD offers a platform that MAP can grow with as new streams and services are added. […]

You probably already know this but new songs are getting shorter. 20% of the nominated songs in this year’s Grammy Awards came in at under three minutes.Since 1990, the average length of a song on the Billboard 100 has decreased from over four minutes to around three…. and this is regardless of genre.Chart courtesy of the Washington PostAccording to Joe Bennett, Professor of Musicology at Berklee College of Music in the US “Song lengths have always fluctuated with technological and cultural changes. You’ve got artists and technologies working in tandem and then artists responding to other artists. … That’s how the culture and the songwriting craft evolves.”For example, the amount of music that would fit on one side of a vinyl 45 rpm single, combined with the format of traditional radio programming, established the now-familiar three-to-five-minute length. A 45-rpm single could hold only about five minutes of music. Exceeding this often meant lower sound quality.In the 80s, tapes and CDs didn’t have the time limitations of vinyl and allowed artists more flexibility in songwriting. The average song length peaked at 4 minutes 21 seconds in 1992.In 2024, streaming platforms are setting the standard. On platforms such as Spotify, artists earn royalties only if a listener stays engaged for at least 30 seconds, making songs with instantly engaging hooks dominant as it ensures that the listener doesn’t just skip on to the next song. Shorter songs encourage more replays and …you guessed it…. more replays mean more revenue.Taylor Swift has followed the trend. The average song length on her 2010 album “Speak Now” was just under 5 minutes; on her 2022 album “Midnights’ it was just over 3 minutes.This has broader implications for radio than just being able to play more songs per hour. It means that your station’s content must be COMPELLING at all times. But what does compelling actually mean? Let’s start with the dictionary definition. Something is “compelling” when it “makes you pay attention because it is so interesting and exciting.”Compelling content is not just entertaining…. compelling content makes you think…it makes you feel…. it makes you tell your friends…it makes you keep listening in case you miss any more compelling content. Compelling content captures and maintains the attention of the audience.Each song should have a great research score to make it on air, every piece of talk content should be engaging, every contest should have an entertainment value attached to it, negatives/turn offs must be minimised or eliminated…and if you don’t know what those negatives are in 2024, do some research.By David Kidd, BPR […]

Registration is now open for BroadcastAsia 2024, a part of Asia Tech x Singapore – the region’s flagship tech festival.The event, to be held from May 29 to 31, is the meeting place for Asia’s broadcasters, media and entertainment professionals. It features the latest next-gen broadcast technology in the field, including CableSat, Professional Audio Technology, Com Graphics & Animation, insights on industry and technology trends, and networking opportunities with key decision-makers.It is a great opportunity broadcasters to get insights on industry and technology trends impacting Asia’s broadcast and media landscape, network and reconnect with industry peers, discuss the future of broadcast and the strategies to move forward and source for the latest next-gen broadcast technology from a marketplace of global vendors.Broadcast Solution Providers can understand the impact of the evolving media ecosystem and consolidation on their business, meet and network with key decision-makers within the industry and understand investment trends for broadcast and media in APAC.Content Creators will get insights on how VR, AR and new technology are creating new content experiences, find out the latest creative production technologies that are set to transform the broadcast industry and discuss content monetisation models that work in Asia.With 8 stages, 16 tracks, and over 400 speakers, the event will deliver cutting-edge knowledge and insights in a rapidly evolving industry.2024 Main Themes include:
Artificial Intelligence @ BroadcastAsia
Techxlr8 @ BroadcastAsia (Cybersecurity, Cloud, Data, Immersive Tech, Gaming)
Content Creation, Delivery and Engagement
Monetising Content
Startups @ BroadcastAsia
This year, will also see some exciting new events. Dive deep into artificial intelligence at The AI Summit Singapore and explore the latest in software development at the DeveloperXperience Summit.There are a variety of free as well as paid pass options designed to suit your specific interests and requirements. With options ranging from virtual sessions to all-access onsite experiences, find the pass that aligns perfectly with your aspirations.Register here. […]

A recent study conducted by ABC International Development (ABCID), in collaboration with The Asia Foundation titled State of the Media: Timor-Leste found that radio remains dominant in rural communities where TV access is limited.The provides comprehensive new insights into Timor-Leste’s media sector, outlining achievements and challenges facing the industry in Asia’s youngest democracy, 22 years after independence.ABCID is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s media development unit. It supports partner organisations in the Indo-Pacific region to pursue quality journalism, tell engaging stories and build strong connections with their communities.The study provides valuable evidence for Timor-Leste’s media sector as it navigates a digital future and champions media freedom. State of the Media: Timor-Leste explores the landscape that resulted in the young nation being ranked 10th out of 180 countries in last year’s World Press Freedom Index.There are some 26 radio stations across the country. Two consistently broadcast nationally – RTTL and GMN’s Nacional FM – while a third, Radio Maubere, run by political party Fretilin, also broadcasts across the country but only during election campaigns. The remaining six non-community radio stations are all based in and broadcast to the capital: Radio Liberdade, Radio Metro, Radio M3, Radio STL, Radio Timor Kmanek (of the Catholic Church), and Radio Vox. All but two of the seventeen community radio stations are based outside Dili, where they remain the near-exclusive form of media specifically targeting the needs of those local audiences. Fifteen are members of theTimor-Leste Community Radio Association (ARKTL)4, 5, 6 The two non-ARKTL community stations were established with government support in early 2023, in Atauro7 and Turiscai.Economic sustainability was raised by respondents as the biggest challenge for media, with many smaller operations dependent on volunteer labour. Most broadcasters – including community radio – depend to some degree on government funding and subsidies.While the data show that TV is more frequently accessed than radio, interviews with radio broadcasters revealed that radio remains the platform of choice for audiences without TV access in rural areas.Reflections on potential benefits and/or pitfalls varied from all three community radio stations interviewed. There was a general concern about the local administration potentially appropriating the station as their official communication channel. Further to this, respondents believe that the role of community radio is still not well understood by either national or local administrators. These positions reflect different perceptions of current circumstances, with all three stations stating that their current relationships with local administrations are positive and productive.Key research findings are:
Timor-Leste’s media sector is committed to capturing ‘the voices of the people’ to inform government about community perspectives and experiences.
Television is more frequently accessed than radio across urban and rural locations. However, radio remains dominant in rural communities where TV access is limited. 21% of all respondents reported they listen to radio a few times a week.
TV is the most trusted media source among citizens.
Mis/Disinformation, or ‘hoaxes’, is seen as a significant problem.
Economic sustainability was raised by respondents as the biggest media issue.
Balanced coverage is an industry-wide challenge.
Digital literacy and cyber security will need future attention.
ABC International Development Lead Jo Elsom said: “We’re excited to work with our Timorese partners to fill this knowledge gap and contribute to a better understanding of the media sector in Timor-Leste. Media can use this new information to help shape and strengthen their futures, to address business viability and meet audience needs.”​The Asia Foundation’s Country Representative in Timor-Leste, Héctor Salazar Salame, said: “The Asia Foundation has been a long-time supporter of a free and independent media in Timor-Leste. We believe that an independent media is a critical part of Timor-Leste’s vibrant democracy, and we commend Timor-Leste for maintaining one of the ‘most free’ media environments in Southeast Asia.”​ […]

In a first for the northern Pacific region, residents of Palau can now enjoy ABC Radio Australia’s full service on 91.5FM.The service launch comes after a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in 2023 between the ABC and the Republic of Palau’s national radio broadcaster, Eco Paradise FM (EPFM). It is the first time since 2014 that ABC Radio Australia has been available as a full channel service to northern Pacific audiences.Attended by Palau’s Vice President, the Hon. Uduch Sengebau Senior, the launch event at EPFM’s Koror headquarters on Friday 3 May coincided with International Press Freedom Day.ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “The Palau launch marks another important milestone in the ongoing expansion of ABC Radio Australia’s FM footprint in the Pacific and cements our collaboration with EPFM and the people of Palau.”ABC Radio Australia head Justine Kelly, who co-hosted the launch event, said: “I’m excited that audiences in Palau will now have access to the very best of Pacific news, music, sports, culture and health programming, all day, every day via the new service.”Australian Ambassador to Palau, Richelle Turner, also attended the launch event and Gorman acknowledged the Australian Embassy in Palau’s support in brokering the 2023 MOU with EPFM.Acting Director of the Palau Bureau Archives and Media, Linda Ngirameketii, who co-hosted the launch event, added: “I express my wholehearted support for today’s ABC Radio Australia launch in Palau in partnership with EPFM 87.9, Ngerel Belau AM 1584 and the Palau Division of Media & Information Services (DMIS). I am so happy to see ABC Radio Australia return to the Palau airwaves, bridging the distances for many listeners near and far. Through radio waves and the power of media, communities are united and vital information disseminated, reaching many in the Pacific region. We welcome this endeavour, knowing it will resonate far beyond the shores of Palau.”Palau’s Acting Chief of the Media Division Rondy Ronny, who MC’d the launch event, said: “Radio Australia stands as a beacon of connectivity, illuminating the vast potential of the airwaves in the Pacific Ocean. Its opening here in Palau marks not just a milestone in broadcasting, but a testament to the power of media to unite, inform and inspire. I envision this new platform as a catalyst for innovation, education, and cultural exchange, enriching the Palau communities and advancing our collective understanding of our surrounding waters.”In coming weeks and months, more countries and locations will also receive ABC Radio Australia’s service, including Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, Kokopo in Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Kiribati, the Cook Islands, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands. […]

Radiodays Asia registration has opened at the Super Early Bird price. This is the lowest ticket price on offer, so make sure you register now to take advantage of this great price before it ends on May 8.Registration to Radiodays Asia will include the main conference PLUS access to Podcast Day Asia PLUS a whole day for training.  So if you or your colleagues would like to improve your skills, network or hear from the best in the industry, you need to be at RDA24.Radiodays Asia, the leading radio and podcasting conference in the Asia-Pacific, will be held 2-4 September in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Besides one, two and three-day conference passes, group discounts are also available. Email helpdesk@radiodaysasia for more information.The conference is a collaboration between Radiodays Europe, the world´s largest and leading conference for radio, audio and podcast, and broadcasting and podcast partners in Asia and Australia. It is supported by Radioinfo. […]