ASIA

“Be courageous and experiment with ways to support creativity,”  said Rai’s Head of PMO, Annalisa Polcino. “Use AI technology to serve creativity and not the other way around.”This was the advice given in the session titled, Truth and Trust: Preserving identity and creativity in the world of AI, at the ABU-Rai Days conference in Naples where a panel of experts explored the topic.Moderator Olya Booyar, The ABU’s Head of Radio, said that important concepts of how trust and truth are viewed by panel members have lead them to push the boundaries in different ways. Polcino explained how the AI market was transforming investment opportunities, with the United States leading with $348.9 billion invested, followed by China with $95.1 while Australia invested $3 ahead of Spain at $1.8. (source: Netbase Quid, 2022 I Chart: 2023 AI IndexReport).The five main companies (Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft) dominate western technology and this investment represents an amount that is the 13th largest economy in the world. In the chessboard of innovation Polcino sees the big tech companies as the Kings, slow to react so they rely on their queens, the AI specialised companies, and then the Kings deploy their pawns.Media content giants create large models that can be adapted and reused by other companies for their specific and vertical applications  Polcino said Public Service Media need to reflect on the following to determine the best strategy for the organisations transformation.The challenge of AI evolution: Discussing the impact of AI is tricky because of its rapid change.Collaboration with big tech: We can’t compete with Big Tech so let’s leverage their innovations instead. Mastering AI application: The key is to understand how to effectively use AI on others’ businessPSMs focus: PSMs prioritise stability and quality over speed, operating within strict regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency for their users.The following are examples of current projects being undertaken by some of the public service broadcasters on the panel:1. Improving user experience through recommendations and targeted advertisements2. Enriching the content offer by automatic subtitles and audio subscription, plus archive digitisation3. Lightening and accelerating processes of metadata and classification, comparatives, and editing tools4. Enhancing skills by training AI and co-pilot in a test phase […]

The next evolution of broadcasting will be driven by three types of AI. “A combination of Artificial Intelligence, Audience Interaction and sophisticated Audio Interfaces,” according to Steve Ahern.Speaking at an international conference of European and Asian broadcasters in Naples, Ahern outlined the next strategic technological steps that responsible broadcasters and publishers will need to take as face the future.The current wave of AI technology combines fast, deep learning with large language models to open up new ways for audiences to interact with media. It also poses some potential problems for responsible broadcasters and publishers, which can be solved with strategic planning.Distinguishing responsible from irresponsible media, Ahern referred to his speech at the United Nations in Paris two years ago where he defined responsible media as those that check first and publish after, contrasted with irresponsible media, which publishes first and checks later.In today’s fast moving modern information society, AI, used well, can help to surface good journalism and responsible reporting from trusted sources, to counter disinformation and fake news.Ahern outlined the technological path for broadcasters to follow as they evolve to the next stage of the AI driven information era.“You have trusted, responsibly sourced news, information and entertainment content stored in your systems. Audiences want that content, but as technology evolves, finding it through search will no longer be enough, they will expect it to be presented to them in a faster, more conversational form. Audio will be at the heart of that conversation.”To take advantage of their trusted content, broadcasters and publishers need to reclaim more control of their content, according to Ahern.
Safeguard your content behind strong firewalls so that it is less easily manipulated by third party AI bots
Chose a professional industry grade Generative AI system that does not use the questions, answers and your data to train other systems. If something is free, you are the product. Check the terms and conditions of free systems to see if you are agreeing to give them all your information in return for using their software, if so, don’t use it.
Integrate the Generative AI engine with the synthesised voice of one of your trusted on air personalities or news presenters. Pay them more for the residual rights to use their voice.
When delivering answers, give the audience choices: How long do you have? How much information do you want? Do you want me to show you some video clips on your smart tv? Do you want to hear the voices of people from our radio programs when I quote them? Do you want me to tell you the sources from our archived programs I used to gather this information?
Audience questions help to train the A.I. Safeguard the questions as well as the answers behind your data firewall.
Charge something for the output of your sophisticated interactive offering through a fee, or by bundling it with other things such as subscriptions or advertising. If you are a public broadcaster set a limit to free content per day, geoblock it and charge a fee for content delivered outside your country.
Use sophisticated A.I. tools to detect when other AI bots are using your system and charge them a fee to do so. Only supply the answers to other bots, don’t supply your exclusive sources.
The ABU-Rai Days conference is an annual collaboration of European and Asian Broadcasters covering the latest trends and developments in media and technology. This year it is being held in Naples, hosted by the Italian national broadcaster RAI.The conference continues this week.Steve Ahern is an internationally recognised thought leader in media and broadcasting. He is currently the manager of ABC Radio Sydney, where he has been involved with moving the station to future-ready digital studios in Parramatta. He recently announced he would leave the ABC to resume international training and consultancy activities.Ahern was previously the Director of the ABU Media Academy, Director of Radio at AFTRS, and on the boards of the Community Broadcasting Foundation and one of the world’s first catch-up radio technology companies Rewind Radio. In 2009 he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to broadcasting and education. He is the founding editor of radioinfo. […]

Benztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting and jingles, and P1 Media Group, providing research, strategies and consulting to radio stations worldwide will host a free webinar for radio professionals around the globe, entitled “Getting the Most From Your Station Imaging Voice,” on Thursday, June 13.The free 40-minute webinar will be hosted by Andreas Sannemann, CEO, Benztown, and Ken Benson, Partner, P1 Media Group.It features one of the world’s top radio imaging voices, Rachel McGrath. A Chicago native, McGrath started her radio career as a promotions intern for 97.9 The Loop/WLUP-FM, and quickly realized that being a VO talent and producer was her true calling. In 2012, after years working as Imaging and Commercial Production Director for iHeartMedia in Atlanta, she signed with Atlas Talent Agency and transitioned to full time VO. McGrath’s tenure in radio gave her something treasured – her intuitive ability to know exactly what PDs and Imaging Directors want the second she sees the copy.Rachel’s fearlessness and recognition that she could – and should – be the lead VO, not the archaic secondary, echoey female, has generated tremendous success. With a massive roster from Country to CHR, Rock, and all ACs, it’s nearly impossible not to have heard Rachel being herself. Going off script and into the very core of her stations’ brands, McGrath is known for putting her heart, soul, and life experiences into everything she does, and getting it right – the first time.In Thursday’s webinar, McGrath will share her insights, tips, and tricks for getting the most from your station’s imaging voice, including:
The importance of copywriting to effective station imaging.
How AI will change how she approaches station imaging and how it will affect how stations work with VO talent.
Her practical advice and tips for those who are interested in moving into voiceover as a career, for those just starting out, and for those wishing to grow their VO careers.
Her nonconformist view on giving your station voice direction and why it works.
What does the ideal relationship between the Program Director and VO talent look like?
How she’s overcome challenges in building her VO career, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field.
Her personal favorite stations for imaging and what those stations are doing right.
Register at: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/89/xqxm1hwz. Upon registering, you will receive a link with webinar information. […]

In a context marked by record military expenditures and global tensions exacerbated by persistent conflicts, the Executive Education HEC Montréal, in collaboration with Pale Bleu Dot Foundation – Japan, is launching the Global Media Peace Awards.This initiative aims to encourage and support peace-building efforts on a global scale. Open to all, these awards will recognize the contributions of radio, television and digital in conflict prevention and resolution.Considering relevant storytelling on peacekeeping as the main topic of the Awards, the accepted media genres in this competition are documentary, reportage, and docudrama. News programs and radio drama will also be accepted for these Awards. The theme / message of the story/ program should be on conflict prevention or conflict resolution.The Awards are presented to the most innovative and remarkable radio, video/television and digital programs/ contents/ stories focused on the proposed topic, with the intent of encouraging high-quality program production.Entries across each category will win C$5000, C$2500 and C$1500 as first, second and third award winners.The awards are open to all public and private media organisations as well as individual content producers.Radio Jury members include:
Dan Santa (Chairperson), Ph. D., director-International Relations, Radio Romania
Andrea Borgnino, Journalist, author, and radio host, Rai – Italy
Irina Kornienko, Director of the Radio Culture Channel of the Ukrainian Public Broadcaster
Giedrius Masalskis, Head of Radio – The Lithuanian Public Broadcaster
Colleen Holder, Dir. Corp. Comms. & Productions, Parliament of Trinidad, and Tobago
Ade Irosadi, Head of LPP RRI- Indonesia
Flavia Voinea, Journalist, Manager of Bucharest FM Radio Romania Regional Network
Digital Media Jury members include:
Manuela Kasper-Claridge (Chairperson), Editor-In-Chief of Deutsche Welle, Germany’s International Public Broadcaster
Rebecca Hanson, Director-General, North American Broadcasters Association (NABA)
Kyung Heekim, Executive Producer of KBS Radio’s Hanminjok Channel
Wendy Everett, Journalist – leading her own media consultancy in Australia
Chevaan Daniel, Group Director of The Capital Maharaja Organization Sri Lanka
Steve Ahern, Manager of ABC Radio Sydney
Akim Mogaji, Expert trainer, Change-maker and Producer-Co-funded New Media Networks (NMN)
Serge Lafrance, Director, Executive Education HEC Montréal, and Associate Professor Member of the UNICON Board of Directors said: “The Russo-Ukrainian or Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, among others, exacerbate global tensions, while the rise of racism and intolerance constitutes another major concern. In the face of these challenges, Executive Education HEC Montréal, in partnership with international actors, is honored to participate in the Global Media Peace Awards, whose main objective is to promote and support efforts to strengthen peace on a global scale.”Shigeru Aoyagi, Founder and Director General, Pale Bleu Dot Foundation, Japan – Former UNESCO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific said: “Global Media Peace Awards (GMPA), presented jointly by Executive Education HEC Montréal and Pale Bleu Dot (PBD) Foundation, Japan, is more than just an event. It is a platform to recognize and celebrate the critical role played by media creators in promoting peace and its fundamental element, sustainable development. Our planet, Earth, is precious, yet facing crises from conflict to climate change. Peace and sustainability, rooted in our minds, are crucial for a brighter future. Media holds immense power to shape societies and influence our world. As Johan Galtung highlights, positive peace goes beyond the absence of wars and conflicts to foster harmony. Amidst crises, understanding and presenting diverse realities are vital. Let us embark on this joint endeavour for a better tomorrow.”“Today, humanity is facing unprecedented challenges, from natural and man-made conflicts and climate change to environmental degradation. These crises inflict immense suffering on humanity and pose severe risks to our planet. More than ever, there is an urgent need to foster peace, tolerance, mutual understanding, and sustainable development by changing our mindsets, behaviours, and actions. Media can play a crucial role in shaping the public opinion and help bring peace and sustainability,” said Dr Javad Mottaghi, Adjunct Professor, Department of International Business, HEC·MontrealRegister for the awards here. […]

In Europe this week, public service broadcasters from Asia and Europe are gathered at the ABU-Rai Days conference to build a global perspective on Artificial Intelligence.The conference aims to unite decision makers, thought leaders and stakeholders from Europe, Asia-Pacific and Africa to understand how AI is reshaping the media landscape.Opening the conference, the Italian public broadcaster’s Chairwoman Marinella Soldi said, “in a world where dialog seems to be faltering, public service media needs to help citizens to form their own options in the context of knowing the complete facts.”To achieve this “requires trust between Public Service Media (PSM) and citizens. Trust must be built and earned through transparency,” she said. “Large language models and generative AI are changing the media landscape, so trusted public service broadcasters must join forces so they can move faster and become stronger together.”In his opening remarks, ABU Secretary General Ahmed Nadeem pointed out that just this week Apple has announced the integration of AI into its phones.EBU Deputy Director General & Media Director Jean Philip De Tender (main picture) told delegates the relationship between AI and broadcasters “is inspiring but sometimes worrying, but it never stands still.”“AI was introduced into broadcast companies to seek more efficiency, such as captioning and language translation… then we noticed the deeper storytelling ability of AI. Speech recognition software added inclusivity… Today AI is a multifaceted reality in the PSM space, including news.“It is used to deliver personally relevant content delivery. But the danger is echo chambers… we must guard against filter bubbles. AI is currently the EBU’s number one priority. “We don’t have the luxury to wait and see what happens, anyone left behind will fade into irrelevance… None of the benefits comes without risks, so regulation and governance guidelines development will be crucial,”  he said.De Tender said the EBU is collecting a series of case studies on how AI is being used in broadcasting. […]

Digital Alert Systems, the global leader in emergency communications solutions for video services providers, and broadcast equipment provider Inovonics announced a new joint solution for broadcasters that want or need external monitoring receivers for their Emergency Alert System (EAS) devices.

“Working with Digital Alert Systems to integrate our two products will make EAS monitoring and rebroadcasting more robust and reliable for the broadcast industry,” said Inovonics President and CEO Ben Barber. “Having clean audio and reliable reception of EAS sources is not only good for our customers but also required by the FCC.”

The solution combines the Inovonics Model 677 AM/FM/NOAA Triple Tuner receiver with Digital Alert Systems DASDEC™-II, DASDEC-III, and One-Net™ SE models of emergency messaging devices. While the Digital Alert Systems DASDEC series offers the option of internal receivers, some customer locations or configurations require outboard or external tuners to monitor their required EAS assignments. In these applications, the Model 677 provides a compact, yet powerful set of receivers for those difficult situations.

The 677 Triple Tuner can interface easily with DASDEC-II/-III models. It provides a lot of flexibility, with three independent receivers to monitor any combination of AM, FM, and NOAA broadcasts. In addition, the 677 has a user-friendly web interface with remote monitoring features, such as notifications for reception errors and remote verification listening via audio stream.

With primary utility as an off-air monitor/receiver for EAS and NOAA emergency broadcasts, the 677 functions as a stable and dependable radio receiver and audio source for connecting to a DASDEC/One-Net device that either doesn’t have the internal tuner option or that might require a more robust tuner for challenging reception cases.

Digital Alert Systems has created an application note explaining how to connect the Model 677 to various DASDEC configurations in both dual- and four-input devices. This application note, titled “Using Inovonics Model 677 External Receiver with DASDEC-II/III,” is available here.  The document outlines the wiring between the two components, with several options depending on the specific DASDEC-II or DASDEC-III model.

“Not every broadcaster can use our internal tuners, so for those customers, having an alternate solution is crucial,” said Bill Robertson, vice president of business development for Digital Alert Systems. “Teaming with Inovonics on a complementary product that provides the best possible solution for our customers. The Model 677 is an excellent choice for broadcasters that either demand or require external receivers for EAS monitoring.” […]