ASIA

Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Bin Md Isa, Chief Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Malaysia, will officially open Radiodays Asia 2024, marking the start of the premier international event for the radio, audio, and podcast industry across the Asia-Pacific, being held at the Royal Chulan Hotel, 2-4 September 2024.Nessa McGann, Programme Manager for Radiodays Asia said: “This conference is an essential gathering for industry professionals to exchange experiences and gain critical insights into global media trends, innovative technology, content evolution, and emerging business opportunities. We are very pleased to have the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Communications opening the event showing the continued support for the radio, audio and podcast industries.”With the media landscape rapidly evolving, driven by shifting consumption habits and swift business transformation, Radiodays Asia provides a unique platform to delve into the expanding audio sector and its prospects on new platforms.

Sessions at this event include:Making Hard Work Look Easy: 10 Secrets for 20 Years of Success
Chris Marsh, Creative Producer of the Hamish and Andy Show, shares insights on motivating talent and achieving sustained success.
Cutting Through: Reaching Audiences with News & Information
Explore how radio can provide clarity in a fragmented news ecosystem and effectively reach audiences amid changing consumption habits.
Regional Radio – 3 Best Cases
Discover successful radio strategies from India, China, and Indonesia, and learn how to implement these innovations at your station
AI – Tools & Innovations
Mike Russell discusses how AI is transforming the audio industry and what stations must do to stay ahead.
RCS: Evolving The World of Audio
Philippe Generali, President & CEO of RCS, on integrating intuitive design and SaaS to stay competitive in a changing media landscape.
Successful Radio Strategies: Spotlight on Asia
Learn from the success stories in India, China, and Indonesia to bring back innovative strategies for your station.
The Automotive Market in Asia: Threats and Opportunities
Examine the impact of new technology on in-car entertainment and how radio can maintain its dominance.
Research Listening Trends: Europe & Asia
A session on the latest insights into listening trends in radio, audio, and podcasts, with data from Asia and Europe.
Future-Proofing Radio, Audio & Podcasting
Learn strategies for adapting to changing technologies and listener preferences to ensure long-term success.
Build a Brand: Strategy and Management
Discuss the importance of linear radio and DAB+ in reenergizing broadcast radio and its revenues.
This event is a gateway to staying connected with the future of radio, audio and podcasting, ensuring that your media and business strategies are aligned with the latest industry developments. Don’t miss this opportunity to future-proof your operations and lead in the dynamic world of audio.Radiodays Asia also includes Podcast Day Asia on Tuesday 3rd September a one day, one track focus on all areas of podcasting. Podcast Day Asia is a not to miss event for any podcasters in the region, speakers include James Cridland, Editor, Podnews, Shuka Muranishi, Podcast Inventory Manager, Otonal Inc., Simon Lee, APAC Audio Marketplace Operations Director, Triton Digital, Guang Jin Yeo, CEO, 1UpMedia, Alan Fontanilla, CEO and Co-founder, The Pod Network Entertainment, Emily Kwong, Host of Short Wave, NPR,  Inheriting, LAist Studios, NPR, Chase Hattie, Chief Revenue Officer, mowPod, Steve Ahern, CEO, RadioInfo.com, Citra Prastuti, Editor-in-chief, KBR, Roshni Baronia, Founder & CEO, Done For You Podcasts, Emma Lawson, Digital Producer, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Timi Siytangco, Key Account Director, Asia, Acast, Neil McPhedran, President Podium Podcasts, K.Oanh Ha, Senior Reporter, Bloomberg, Kym Treasure, CEO and Founder, Audacia Audio, Norman Hella, Podcast Librarian, Podchaser.Join industry leaders and innovators at Radiodays Asia 2024. Register now to secure your spot and be part of the future of radio, audio, and podcasting. Register here for your ticket today: www.radiodaysasia.com […]

“Radio has adapted to the new audio landscape and still provides a safer environment for brands than many online digital platforms,” Steve Ahern told BFM’s drive show in Kuala Lumpur.Ahern, one of the organisers of RadioDays Asia, was speaking to Sharaad and Dash on BFM’s Drive show, in the lead up to next week’s conference.Asked whether radio is dead, Ahern replied, “lucky for you the answer is no, otherwise you’d be out of a job!”

Radio has adapted to the new audio environment, as it adapted to previous technological changes. As long as they have ears, people will still want audio content, it is just a matter of how they get it, according to Ahern. The latest adaptations include how radio had widened out its audio offering to develop podcasts and catch-up audio technologies, and how it is integrating AI into its production workflows.“There’s no doubt that digital platforms have widened the offerings for audiences, which is a good thing, and there is no doubt audiences and advertisers have embraced new digital platforms, but the growth of one doesn’t mean the death of the other.“There are 20 million people who listen to the radio in Malaysia according to your latest survey, they listen for 12 hours a week on average and the most popular listening times are breakfast and drivetime. Of course they also use social media, they search for content and they view websites, in fact they often do that at the same time as they’re listening to radio, so radio is not dying. Don’t believe everything you read about that on the internet, often written by the platforms that benefit most from spreading that view.“Media is now a rich and competitive landscape, that’s a good thing.”Asked about music streaming, Ahern pointed out that audiences have always chosen their own music, back to the days of vinyl records there has always been a proportion of audio listening time given to listening to your own music and a proportion listening to radio. “They serve different purposes, live radio keeps you in touch with what”s going on from a trusted real person who you know, music listening is chosen for mood or activity. They’re both important and audiences mix and match them according to what they want.”Dash pointed out that playlisting music is a big drawcard for people to consume the songs they love in the way they want to. Ahern agreed, saying that playlisting is not new, but streaming apps now make it much easier. “I used to do playlisting too, I’d record the songs I liked in order onto a cassette… it’s not a new thing, it’s just that the technology has changed. Audiences have always split their time between different modes of listening to radio, news, talk, music, recordings…”Will AI put radio people out of a job? Ahern says it will certainly change the types of jobs in the behind the scenes part of the radio business, making some of them easier and making some of them obsolete, but he sees it as an exciting evolution of the audio industry.“It can make editing much easier and quicker, you can clean up background noise and tighten answers much faster than manual editing… “For your kind of business news-talk radio format, synthesised AI voices may be able to give you simple reports like reading out the latest stock exchange prices, but the live interviews and talk you do will be difficult for AI to replicate. As for music radio, it will be possible for GenerativeAI tools like ChatGPT to put together simple scripts about a music artist and to use a synthesised voice to say them, but this isn’t new it has been happening in voice tracking systems in one way or other for a while now.”Discussing the advertising downturn, Ahern said declining ad sales is a world wide problem at the moment for established media companies.“A lot of money is going to digital that’s for sure, but are advertisers really aware how that money is being spent? Are their ads appearing in a brand safe environment, or are they appearing next to vile social media troll comments or radical or obscene videos? Established broadcast companies have long ago solved those problems with regulations and codes of practice to make sure the environment for advertisers is safe for their brands, advertisers are beginning to understand that this is certainly not the case with many digital media platforms and they are rethinking their ad spend mix.”The Radiodays Asia conference begins next Monday, last minute registrations are still open.Steve Ahern, an internationally recognised audio industry expert and trainer, will present three sessions at Radiodays Asia, including a half day workshop on Sustainability.Listen to the Bfm interview, from 22 minutes into the 5 o’clock hour. […]

The RadioDays Asia schedule is packed from morning til night for the conference days, but if you fly in early or stay longer here are some suggestions of how to spend an extra day in Kuala Lumpur from a well known radio industry local.Ryan Matjeraie, a Sarawakian Irish entertainer, began his radio and TV career in 2011, rising to become the highest rating English radio night show reaching a million listeners. Online and on TV, he’s garnered a reputation over time of being one of Malaysia’s most accomplished interviewers, creators, producers and writers plus loves great food and dining at all hours.We asked Ryan Matjeraie, radio breakfast host on at Fly FM 95.8 for his suggestions of favourite foods and places to eat plus not to be missed spots to visit.

“Malaysian Breakfast as you YEAST expect it!“The Malaysian staple breakfast is a good Roti Canai and Teh Tarik! And the best part of indulging in it is that it’s readily waiting for you at any Mamak Stall that’s strategically and quite literally located at every corner of KL – just ask any Malaysian where the nearest ‘Mamak’ and you’ll be on your way.“That aside, we have to give a massive shoutout to our Malaysian national dish – ‘Nasi Lemak’ – which literally translates as ‘Fat Rice’. It’s a tasty rice combo with sambal sauce, nuts and chicken (for you protein lovers) that go hand in hand with each other so well that Malaysians can’t help but enjoy it at all times of the day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Here are a couple of venues to find the best.”VILLAGE PARK RESTAURANT (In Petaling Jaya – 30 mins from KL)Monday – Sunday 6:30 AM to 5:30 PMNASI LEMAK WANJO (In Kampung Baru – In KL itself) Monday – Sunday 6 AM to 10 PMNASI LEMAK TANGLIN (In Bukit Damansara – 30 mins from KL)Monday – Sunday 7 AM to 5:30 PM“Afternoon Delight…“Away from food, the city of KL offers a pretty vast stretch of activities and must see places for first time visitors! Everything from an Elephant Sanctuary to a 272 step staircase into a cave to an Observation Sky Deck of the KL Tower and even a range of Pickleball and Paddle clubs if you’re into socially sweating it out more than you’re already going to be.”PICKLE SOCIAL CLUB (In Bukit Kiara – 30 mins from KL)www.instagram.com/picklesocialclub NATIONAL ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTRE (In Kuala Gandah – 1hr 30 mins from KL)https://www.wildlife.gov.my/index.php/en/public/2016-05-10-02-34-43/2016-05-10-02-42-10BATU CAVES (In Gombak – 45 mins from KL)https://www.malaysia.travel/explore/batu-cavesKL TOWER OBSERVATION SKY DECK (In KL itself)https://kltower.com.my“Stay Up All Night till it Dawns On You…“KL NEVER sleeps! And I say that confidently as someone who used to live in Australia for 8 years and hated the fact that the only thing open after 9pm was Hungry Jacks a lot of the time! We have an abundance of nightlife, markets and street hawker stalls that are open till late. Here’s a few recommendations that’ll hopefully tickle your fancy.”CHINA TOWN (A street of bars, street art and restaurants In KL itself) Monday – Sunday 5pm to 2amJALAN ALOR (A Street of Night Hawker Stalls In KL itself)Daily 5PM till Midnight (tho a lot  of stalls stay open 24 hours)PETALING STREET (A street of vendors selling ‘imitation goods’ In KL itself) Monday – Sunday 12pm to 12am“Honourable Mentions and MY personal favourites…“That aside, I HAVE to give my personal picks of places DEFINITELY worth visiting if time is on your side. From white water rafting to abseiling off a waterfall, to indulging in AMAZING Banana Leaf Indian Cuisine, these are some of the MUST DO’s in my eyes when you’re in town.”WHITE WATER RAFTING & ABSEILING OFF A WATERFALL (In Gopeng – 2hrs from KL)https://www.startravel.com.my/tours/waterfall-abseiling-gopeng-perak-half-day-tour/SRI NIRWANA MAJU (Banana Leaf Indian Food in Bangsar – 20 mins from KL)43, Jalan Telawi, Bangsar – Every day 11AM to 11PMIG: @ryanmatjeraieTikTok: @ryanmatjeraieTwitter: @RyanMatjeraieYouTube: RyanMatjeraie […]

Radiodays Asia, the leading radio and podcasting conference in the Asia-Pacific, has announced more speakers for its 2024 edition.Sopit Wangvivatana, Audio Media Manager at Thai PBSSopit brings nearly 30 years of experience in the broadcasting industry, currently overseeing the production and development of audio content at Thai PBS including Podcast and online radio. Sopit has an extensive background in radio and television, covering news and documentaries, and has also served as a news reporter, announcer, and moderator at various universities.Han Seo Son, Chief Producer, MBC, KoreaHan has been producing KPOP radio programs for 19 years. In 2018, he launched IDOL RADIO, and has directed over 500 episodes. Currently, he is the Chief Producer for IDOL RADIO, and runs large-scale concerts utilizing the IDOL RADIO IP in both Japan and Korea

Emma Lawson, Digital Producer, ABC, AustraliaAs a leading content creator and experienced Digital Producer at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Emma is passionate about building the ABC’s capability to create content for younger audiences on emerging platforms. With a rich background in producing digital, radio, and television content for public broadcasters, Emma excels at transforming traditional media into engaging, innovative formats.At the ABC, Emma spearheads the strategy for their TikTok account, producing and commissioning fit-for-platform video, mentoring staff, and driving an attitude of experimentation for the wider corporation. She is also pioneering efforts to transform ABC’s podcasts into visual mediums.Hermann de Campo, Managing Director, Zaibr Innovations, GermanyAs a respected AI expert, LinkedIn Top Voice for AI, and author, Hermann is known for making complex AI concepts accessible to a broad audience and supports global companies in successfully implementing AI solutions. Additionally, he has extensive experience in the media industry, working with international and local clients in radio, TV, dubbing studios, and film production companies. Hermann is valued for his ability to make technology understandable for everyone, making him an inspiring figure in both the AI and media sectors.Chang Lu, Radio Programme Producer, CTGN Radio, ChinaAs an experienced radio feature journalist, scriptwriter, and producer at CGTN Radio Lu has produced in-depth profile stories, radio documentaries, and cultural podcasts focusing on humanities, arts, and history. Lu’s work has garnered both domestic and international recognition, including several prestigious awards.  Recently, Lu has been the creator, scriptwriter, and producer of several acclaimed radio dramas. These include “The Wrong Train” (2022), “Glad You’re Here” (2023), and the series “Echoes of Kuliang: A Tale of Love, Peace, and Friendship” (2024).  Lu is committed to bringing compelling stories and innovative audio experiences to a diverse audience, showcasing their expertise in both traditional and modern radio production techniques.Neil McPhedran, Founder and Executive Producer, Podium Podcasts, CanadaPodium Podcasts is a multi-award-winning podcast marketing and production company specialising in higher education, non-profit, and narrative podcasts. With 25 years of experience in digital content creation and marketing, Neil has led Podium Podcasts to receive multiple podcast awards, including the Webby People’s Choice Podcast Award for Best Business Podcast and for the Best Science & Education Podcast.  Before going all-in on podcasting, Neil led digital-focused teams for both multinational ad agencies and boutique digital agencies, honing his expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and website and app development. His innovative approach has made him a leader in developing effective marketing strategies using technology.Glenn Van Zutphen, Host of MoneyFM 89.3FM “Saturday Mornings”, Van Media Group, SingaporeWith 30+ years as an international journalist, radio and TV host and communicator, Glenn has held both front-line and behind-the-scenes positions in print, radio and television news during his career while living and working in the US, Japan, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore, including spells working for NPR, ABC News, CNBC and CNN… and now as host of MoneyFM 89.3FM “Saturday Mornings” in Singapore. As the founder of global media consultancy, VanMedia Group, Glenn also provides media coaching & communications programs.Nasir Ali Khan, Mentor at RadioDPS, IndiaFrom having severe stammering issues as a student in school to becoming a leading voice on Radio in Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir has come a long way in his Radio journey. Nasir has worked for many private leading FM channels in Kashmir and now mentors kids at Radio DPS an in-house Radio Station at Delhi Public School Srinagar, Nasir is known for his connection with people on radio and has been responsible in bringing many social changes through his radio shows and campaigns over the years. Nasir is the only Radio host of J&K who has the distinction of being on Air for 111 hours non-stop which saw him run many campaigns on social issues.Xiao Wang, Editor in Chief, CGTN, and Programme Producer, ChinaAt CGTN Wang Xiao leads a team of journalists and editors to produce accurate, timely, and engaging news content as well as overseeing editorial content and ensuring the highest standards of journalism.  Wang also manages media relations and fosters collaborative partnerships, coordinating with various media outlets to enhance program reach and influence.  As a producer Wang produces and manages various commentary shows, including the prominent program “World Today” “Chat lounge” and “Biz Today”.James Ross, CEO, Asia Radio Concepts & Host of MoneyTalk, RTHK Radio 3, Hong KongJames has worked in radio and TV since the age of 14 when he started at the UK’s BBC Radio Solent. He’s been an engineer, studio manager, reporter, presenter, and programme director. He spent many years at BBC Radio 1 & 2 in London, followed by 10 years with Bloomberg Radio and TV in Tokyo. Since 2003 he’s been in Hong Kong working for ITV, Lightning International, and RTHK. James hosts RTHK Radio 3’s morning “Moneytalk” business news show. James also presents a weekly syndicated 2 hour oldies programme, “The Greatest Hits of Music”, broadcast by 25 radio stations worldwide. (www.somethingontheradio.com)RJ Vijdan, Radio Mirchi Host and digital influencer, IndiaAs a Radio DJ Vijdan has carved out a unique space in the world of radio broadcasting. Known for his engaging on-air presence and sharp wit, Vijdan seamlessly blends entertainment with cultural and social commentary, making him a favourite among listeners.  RJ Vijdan’s multifaceted career and his dedication to both entertainment and cultural commentary make him a distinguished figure in the media landscape. His insights and experiences promise to inspire and engage audiences wherever he goes.Paul McNally, Founding Director, Develop AI, South AfricaPaul is an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur with 20 years of experience starting companies in AI, podcasting, justice education and community radio. He founded Develop AI, an innovative company that trains people on how to use AI responsibly, reports on AI and builds AI projects. He is also the founder of Develop Audio, a company that produces award-winning investigative podcasts like Alibi and Asylum and trains journalists to create quality audio. McNally was part of the Journalism and Media Lab in 2017 at Wits University and a member of the South Africa Media Innovation Program in 2018. In 2015 he founded Citizen Justice Network, a community radio innovation which trained community paralegals to be radio journalists and disseminated legal journalism to millions of people in rural areas in South Africa and Kenya. He is the author of the influential book, The Street, published by Pan Macmillan, on police corruption and torture in South Africa.Yumie Yoshiba, Radio Producer, NHK, JapanAs a producer in the radio department at NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster Yumie oversees program production and promotion of all radio shows. Having worked at NHK for nearly 30 years, Yumie has been in the radio department for the past 4, before this she primarily appeared in and produced television programs.Kristian Porter, CEO, Public Media Alliance, UKThe PMA is the largest global association of Public Service Media organisations.  Kristian has extensive experience working in public media support and advocacy, with a background in the NGO sector, editorial management, events, and as a journalist. He has worked globally in his roles for PMA and works with the association’s membership and partners to develop campaigns, relationships, strategies, research, and projects. He is a passionate advocate for media freedom, media independence and journalist safety, and sits on the steering committee for the Public Broadcasters International (PBI) conference and runs the secretariat for the Global Task Force for public media (GTF).K. Oanh Ha, Podcast Host and Senior Reporter, Bloomberg, Hong Kong SARK. Oanh Ha is a Big Take Asia podcast host based in Hong Kong. She’s also a Bloomberg News senior reporter covering the region’s travel and tourism industries. She joined the news organization in 2010 as Vietnam bureau chief and has also served as an editor overseeing coverage of Asia consumer and health news. Before joining Bloomberg, she worked as a host and reporter for KQED Public Radio in San Francisco. She’s also reported for the San Jose Mercury News. She was born in Vietnam and grew up in California.Radiodays Asia will be held 2-4 September in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Register for the conference here. […]

India’s Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for the 3rd batch of ascending e-auctions for 730 FM radio channels in 234 new cities, with an estimated reserve price of Rs. 7.84 billion under the private FM Radio Phase III Policy.According to the official statement, the Cabinet also approved a proposal to set the Annual License Fee (ALF) for FM channels at 4 percent of Gross Revenue, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST). This will apply to the 234 new cities and towns.The rollout in these new locations will fulfil the unmet demand for FM radio and offer new and local content in regional languages.

This initiative is also expected to create new employment opportunities, promote local dialects and culture, and support the ‘vocal for local’ initiative.Many of the approved cities and towns are in aspirational districts and areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). The introduction of Private FM Radio in these regions will further strengthen the Government’s outreach efforts.Photo: PIB/YouTube […]

Content from BPRThe concept of positioning brands and products became popular in the 70s and 80s when the ‘noise’ levels around advertising highlighted the benefits of clear positioning with the success of individual products.As an example Volvo is clearly associated with safety. Volvo has been an innovator in this area for many years. Similarly, BMW’s Ultimate Driving Machine has built desirability and appeal around it. Mercedes equals luxury and so on.

Radio brands also have clear positioning attributes – both positive and negative – understanding these is often the key to success.Consumers don’t re-evaluate brand attributes in a clear and rational way – deeply held brand perceptions guide behaviour and often frustrate attempts to change the way listeners see individual products.In radio there are many examples of stations caught in a ‘positioning trap’ as an example,   attempts to ‘modernise’ an old-fashioned brand can fail as the station abandons its traditional audience and fails to attract any new listeners simply because they don’t believe that the brand/station is aimed at them.Changing brand positioning is difficult – not always impossible, but usually expensive.Instead of changing brand positioning, modifying something to become close to consumer expectations is a more realistic objective.In radio this means evolving programming and branding in-line with consumer expectations. Rock doesn’t become Pop simply because management would like it to be. However Rock or Pop positioning may be modified to better fit today’s listeners needs.Making changes also requires clear communications – along with a clear plan, consumers also need to understand what might be different.Before any of these steps can happen you need to understand the positioning of your brand without that you stand to lose more than you gain.Positioning is like a shop window – a clear idea connects:This ..Or this**Thanks David LloydBy Peter Don, BPR […]