followthemedia.com
a knowledge base for media professionals 		ftm Radio Page
ftm Home Page

ftm Radio Page - week ending April 28, 2023

We’ve heard the future and it’s bots
"what's real and what's fake"

It was a fairly calm day, yesterday April 27, in reasonably calm Switzerland. Springing to life, figuratively though, was a snapshot of radio’s future. For most of the full day, a radio channel went to the far side, only slightly related to the famous cartoon.

Public radio channel Couleur 3, serving French-speaking western Switzerland, gave listeners the unexpected, a day almost completely produced by artificial intelligence (AI). Several broadcasters have embraced AI to streamline ad placement. A few have introduced AI-generated voices. Couleur 3, the alternative, youth-targeted channel, put it all together for the day, including AI-produced music. (See more about public broadcasting here)

The big show began at six in the morning and lasted 13 hours. Five humanoid voices added a bit (bot) of continuity through the special music. “The boundaries between human and machine have been blurred, and it’s up to you to unravel what’s real and what’s fake,” said one. The voices were provided by Respeecher, which usually adds its expertise to films. Scripts were generated by the oft-reported ChatGPT, including news bulletins, some of which illuminated UFO and alien sightings. Algorithms created some of the music elements, presented interspersed with playlist selections chosen by, of course, bots. Three months were needed to “train” the bots. (See more about digital transitions here)

"It is not easy to distinguish who is speaking, a human or a robot,” said channel director Antoine Multone to public channel RTS (April 28). “On the other hand, this experience also shows us that creativity, surprise and humor remain a very human characteristic and that reassures us, even if we had no doubts about it from the start of the project. This day shows us the way forward: working on added value and originality in our content.”

Listener reaction was solicited during the program, but reserved for a series of follow-up programs Friday. Not a few asked for “their humans back.” Big news agencies picked up the story. “Robots run the show,” said the Washington Post (April 28). AP (April 27) described Couleur 3 as “offbeat.”

DAB+ still unavailable under nationalist politicians
"repair the damage"

Media regulators have taken a rather laissez faire attitude toward digital radio in the form of DAB+. It’s nice if operators want to use it but, really, there’s ChatGPT to worry about. OK, those ageing terrestrial transmitters burn up lots of energy and those related antenna sites could be housing developments or wind farms. But, media regulators in this post-modern free market zone are more than willing to have radio operators spend their investors’ money like crazy.

Hungary’s regulator National Media and Communications Authority (NMHH) turned down authorization for DAB+ 30 months ago, saying the public had little interest. A DAB experiment in Budapest faded away in favor of basic terrestrial FM licensing. This past week the NMHH reiterated that decision, reported independent news outlet Magyar Hang (Hungarian Voice) (April 25) and media news outlet Media1 (April 26). (See more about digital radio here)

As these decisions relate to supply issues, the NMHH seems intent on controlling broadcasting the old fashioned way. Over several years it has revoked, suspended or failed to renew licenses of notable independent broadcast operators, significantly KlubRadio. NMHH council members are all appointed by the ruling Fidesz party of prime minister Viktor Orban. Hungarian civil liberties advocate Momentum in 2021 supported the full introduction of DAB+ broadcasting “to repair the damage done by Fidesz. (See more about media in Hungary here)

In 2019 the European Commission made DAB (DAB+) receivers compulsory in all new automobiles sold in the EU. It did not require national regulators to allow broadcast availability. Automakers selling vehicles within the EU complied. In most jurisdictions, it is the DAB+ multiplex owner and operator that contracts with broadcast suppliers, similar to cable TV, limiting intervention by national regulators. PM Orban fights with the European Commission over many issues.

It was a tough season for some broadcasters
better when the sun shines

Radio broadcasters generally lay low during the winter season, recovering from Holiday promotions and preparing for the big spring push. In many parts of the world during those weeks, the weather forecasts were rotten. This affords broadcasters an opportunity to provide happiness.

Indeed the late winter weather in France was mostly dreadful. This put French people in a mood; rolling strikes occurred throughout the period. In big cities, trash was left to pile up. As noted by media measurement institute Médiamétrie for the January-March period national radio listeners chose not to be challenged with decisions. Total listening Monday through Friday dropped to 71.4%, from 72.6% one year on. Average time spent listening was also down, by two minutes. (See more about media in France here)

Leading the pack in the national survey was, again, national public news and current affairs channel France Inter, rising to 14.4% audience share from 13.9% year on year. “Our channel is a benchmark for French people,” said director Adèle Van Reeth, quoted by Le Monde (April 20). Unchanged at 13.1% audience share for second place was national commercial news and talk channel RTL. Next came legacy national hit music channel NRJ with its highest audience share in five years; 6.9%, up from 6.2%. Commercial radio channels, on aggregate, increased audience share to 64.8% from 63.7%, mostly on gains from NRJ and sister channel Nostalgie, somewhat offsetting continued Europe 1 losses. (See France national radio trend charts here)

Ticking up to 4th place was news/talk channel BFM, 5.5% audience share from 5.2% one year on. Public regional network France Bleu traded places for 5th spot, 5.0% audience share, down from 5.5%. National oldies channel Nostalgie, catching the spirit of the times, rose to (also) 5.0% from 4.6%. Also posting 5.0% audience share was public all-news channel France Info, crashing from 5.7%. Public broadcaster Radio France shed aggregate audience share, dropping to 30.3% from 31.1%, largely attributed to France Bleu and France Info losses.

Radio Page week ending April 21, 2023
radio and the automobile, AM radio, talk radio, radio in Sweden, Sveriges Radio, public broadcasting, social media

Radio Page week ending April 14, 2023
radio in Poland, radio audience, Radio Track, RMF FM, Radio ZET, Radio Eska

Radio Page week ending April 7, 2023
radio in the US, public broadcasting, NPR, social media, Twitter, radio in Ireland, RTE Radio 1, long wave, Atlantic 252, Radio Veronica, radio in Italy, radio conference, Confidindustria Radio Televisioni, digital radio, radio in Afghanistan, Sadai Banowan, women's rights

Radio Page week ending March 31, 2023
radio in the UK, media regulation, smart speakers, radio licenses, Ofcom

Radio Page week ending March 24, 2023
radio in Norway, radio advertising, podcasts, radio in Poland, Radio Szczecin, journalism, radio in the Czech Republic, autoroute radio, Radio Dalnice, podcasts

Radio Page week ending March 17, 2023
radio in Ireland, Irish language, radio license, Media Commission, radio in the US, women in radio, Guinnes World Records, Mary Mccoy

Radio Page week ending March 10, 2023
radio in Cambodia, radio in Southeast Asia, press freedom, media freedom, Voice of Democracy,Cambodian Center for Independent Media, radio technology, artificial intelligence, RadioGPT

Radio Page week ending March 3, 2023
radio broadcasting, AM radio, MW radio, emergency services, media in Poland, Agora SA, Tok Radio, Eurozet, Radio Zet

Radio Page week ending February 24, 2023
radio in the US, public broadcasting, NPR, National Public Broadcasting, radio in Portugal, digital radio, RFM, brand extensions, online radio, Bauer Media Audio Portugal

Radio Page week ending February 17, 2023
radio in Germany, culture radio, Cosmo, RBB, World Radio Day, UNESCO, radio and peace, radio broadcasting

Radio Page week ending February 10, 2023
radio in Poland, influencers, RMF FM, Institute for Media Monitoring, radio in Germany, multiculti.fm, cultural radio, media support

Radio Page week ending February 3, 2023
radio in Austria, Radiotest 2022, radio audience, digital radio, ORF, RMS, international broadcasting, BBC Arabic Radio

Radio Page week ending January 27, 2023
radio broadcasting, brand advertising, radio in France, Fun Radio, Mediametrie, measurement, radio audience, ratings distortion

Radio Page week ending January 20, 2023
radio in Hungary, Cool FM, radio in Sweden, P4 Country, music radio, digital radiko, Germany, social media, Vaunet, fake profiles, BLM

Radio Page week ending January 13, 2023
radio in Poland, Radio 357, crowdfunding, media support, Radio Nowy Swiat, radio in France, Virgin Radio, Europe 2, Lagardère, Vivendi

Radio Page week ending December 9, 2022
radio in the US, performance rights, copyright law, radio in France, radio broadcasting, Radio France, Maison de la Radio

Radio Page week ending December 2, 2022
radio in Afghanistan, Radio Azadi, conflict zones, FM radio, radio advertising, radio in Poland, RMF Group, radio in Italy

Radio Page week ending November 25, 2022
radio in the US, podcasts, mobile media, Edison Research, Zoomers, radio in France, Mediametrie, radio audience, France Inter, RTL, NRJ, France Bleu, Europe 1, France Culture

Radio Page week ending November 18, 2022
radio in Ireland, JNLR, radio audience, RTE Radio 1, Red FM, Bauer Media Audio, mergers and acquisitions, radio in the Netherlands, audience measurement, NLO, MediaCell+, Ipsos

Radio Page week ending November 11, 2022
radio in Sweden, Sveriges Radio, Ekot, public radio, climate change, COP27, radio in the Czech Republic, radio audience, Radioprojekt, Radiozurnal, Radio Kiss

Radio Page week ending November 4, 2022
radio in the UK, BBC Local Radio, local radio, Bectu

Radio Page week ending October 28, 2022
radio in Poland, TOK FM, Agora SE, radio audience, radio in the UK, radio audience, RAJAR, BBC, commercial radio, smart speakers

Radio Page week ending October 21, 2022
radio in France, RTL, long wave, M6, Radio Luxembourg

Radio Page week ending October 14, 2022
radio in Belarus, 107.4 FM, DJs, radio in the Czech Republic, Expres FM, radio promotion

Radio Page week ending October 7, 2022
radio in Austria, ORF, FM4, radio in Italy, digital transitions, Confindustria Radio Televisioni, radio in the Philippines, DWBL 1242, press freedom, media freedom

Radio Page week ending September 30, 2022
radio in the UK, international broadcasting, BBC World Service, radio in Spain, Prisa Group, Cadena Ser

Radio Page week ending September 23, 2022
radio in the UK, Heart, Heart Xmas, Global Radio, podcasts, podcasting, Seriaradio in Switzerland, radio licenses, radio in Germany, MA Audio, Radio Bollerwagen, digital radio, radio in Denmark, Jysk Fynske Medier, advertising, saleshouse

Radio Page week ending September 16, 2022
radio in Switzerland, radio licenses, radio in Germany, MA Audio, Radio Bollerwagen, digital radio, radio in Denmark, Jysk Fynske Medier, advertising, saleshouse

Radio Page week ending September 9, 2022
radio in Paraguay, La Voz de Amambay, investigative reporting

Radio Page week ending September 2, 2022
radio in Poland, digital radio, DAB+, KRRiT, RMF Group, Agora Group, radio in Hungary, radio licenses, Tilos Radio, NMHH, MTVA, Petrof Radio, Bartok Radio

Radio Page week ending August 26, 2022
radio in the UK, radio advertising, digital advertising, digital transitions, smart speakers, radio in Africa, radio in Ghana, radio in Malawi, radio in Nigeria, radio licenses

Radio Page week ending August 19, 2022
radio in Mexico, press freedom, Switch 105.9 FM, Mega Radio Networks

Radio Page week ending August 5, 2022
radio in the UK, radio audience, RAJAR, audience measurement, commercial radio, BBC Radio

Radio Page week ending July 29, 2022
radio in France, Greater Paris radio, radio audience, France Inter, RTL, RMC, France Info, Europe 1

Radio Page week ending July 22, 2022
radio in Italy, digital radio, Agcom, FM shutoff, Confindustria Radio TV, radio in the Netherlands, Dutch media, KINK, radio licenses, FM license

Radio Page week ending July 15, 2022
radio in Greece, Real FM, Real Group, press freedom, radio in Germany, radio audience, radio measurement, MA 2022 Audio 2, DAB+, streaming

Radio Page week ending July 8, 2022
radio in Spain, radio audience, EGM, Onda Cero, Los 40 Principales, sports radio, radio in the US, South Texas Radio, local radio

Radio Page week ending July 1, 2022
radio in Portugal, ERC, media regulation, radio in the Philippines, Radyo Natin, talkshows, radio in Canada, music radio, DJs, KiSS FM, Rogers Sport and Media

Radio Page week ending June 24, 2022
radio in Switzerland, GRRIF, BNJ Suisse, OFCOM, radio in the US, Radio Mambi, Latino Media Network, mergers and acquisitions

Radio Page week ending June 17, 2022
radio in Germany, digital radio, DAB, Deutschlandradio, radio in Poland, RMF FM, Bauer Media, Digital News Report, media trust

Radio Page week ending June 10, 2022
radio in Australia, radio broadcasting, Smooth FM, Triple J, mood music, radio in the Russian Federation, Kommsersant FM, hacking, conflict zones

Radio Page week ending June 3, 2022
radio in Portugal, Media Capital Radios, Bauer Media Audio, Radio Comercial, M80, radio in the Netherlands, Qmusic, DPG Media, mergers and acquisitions, RTL Group

Radio Page week ending May 27, 2022
radio in the US, community radio, local radio, radio in Denmark, 24syv, Radio Loud, Radio24syv, Culture Ministry, digital radio, DAB, podcasts

Radio Page week ending May 20, 2022
radio in the UK, RAJAR, radio audience, BBC, Radio 2, 6Radio, Heart, LBC, KISS, digital radio, brand extensions, audio in the Netherlands, streaming media, streaming audio, podcasts, Beat Technologies, Fluister, DPG Media, Veronica, paywalls, e-books

Radio Page week ending May 13, 2022
streaming media, streaming audio, streaming radio, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Prisa Audio, radio in Spain, Grupo Godo, Prisa Radio, mergers and acquisitions, RAC 1, Cadena SER, Amber Capital, radio in France, mergers and acquisitions, Europe 1, Lagardère, Vivendi, radio in Hungary, Tilos Radio, community radio, NMHH, radio license

Radio Page week ending May 6, 2022
radio in Ireland, South East Radio, media support, sports radio, Hessischer Rundfunk, Europa League

Radio Page week ending April 29, 2022
radio in Germany, Brillux Radio, digital radio, radio in the UK, Fix Radio, branded radio

Radio Page week ending April 22, 2022
radio in France, Mediametrie, Radio France, France Inter, France Info, RTL, NRJ, Fun Radio, Europe 1, RMC, radio in Spain, radio audience, EGM, Cadena Ser, Cadena Cope, Onda Cero, RNE, morning shows, radio in Poland, digital radio, DAB+, KRRiT, RMG Group, Agora Group

Radio Page week ending April 15, 2022
radio in Hungary, Tilos Radio, media support, community radio, NMHH, radio in France, elections and media, radio pirates, France Inter

Radio Page week ending April 8, 2022
radio in Italy, time spent listening, RTR 99, Radio WoW, Radio Piterpan, radio in Poland, audience measurement, National Media Institute, Polskie Radio, Jedynka, Trojka, Radio Maryjy

Radio Page week ending April 1, 2022
radio in Poland, Polskie Radio, Jedynka, Trojka, radio in Romania, public radio, Radio Targu Mures, elections and media, radio in Kazakhstan, media in Central Asia, Europa Plus Kazakhstan, social media

Radio Page week ending March 25, 2022
radio in Sweden, radio licenses, radio advertising, digital radio, Bauer Media, NENT Group, radio in Belgium, RTBF, radio in the Czech Republic, Media Bohemia, radio in Germany, WDR, children's radio, Ukrainian language, radio in Tunisia, Mosaique FM, investigative reporting, press freedom

Radio Page week ending March 18, 2022
international broadcasting, BBC, radio in Norway, NRK Nyheter, news radio, Nielsen PPM

Radio Page week ending March 11, 2022
radio in Austria, news talk radio, KommAustria, Radio Standard, LoungeFM, radio in the Netherlands, Radio 555, NOS

Radio Page week ending March 4, 2022
radio in the Russian Federation, Ekho Moskvy, Gazprom Media, radio in Ukraine, Russian Radio Ukraine, Kiss FM Ukraine, Kiss FM Berlin

Radio Page week ending February 25, 2022
podcasts and podcasting, MA Podcast, media in Germany

Radio Page week ending February 18, 2022
radio in Ireland, audience measurement, JNLR, RTE, FM104, Today FM, radio in the US, sports radio, Super Bowl, radio audience, WEBN, KSPN, World Radio Day 2022, UNESCO, World Radio Alliance, radio advertising

Radio Page week ending February 11, 2022
media in Brazil, podcasts, podcasting, Flow Studios, Spotify, radio in Africa, radio in Guinea-Bissau, Radio Capital FM, radio in Portugal, Media Capital Radios, Radio Comercial, Radio Cidade, Radio M80, Bauer Media Audio, mergars and acquisitions

Radio Page week ending February 4, 2022
radio in the UK, RAJAR, radio audience, BBC, radio in the Russian Federation, Ekho Moskvy, radio in France, Médiamétrie, radio audience, Greater Paris, local radio, Oui FM, Voltage

Radio Page week ending January 28, 2022
radio in Italy, social media, Social Radio Lab, Radio Deejay, radio in Poland, audience measurement, Kantar Radio Track, Polskie Radio, music quotas

Radio Page week ending January 21, 2022
radio in Germany, Vaunet, ARD, streaming media, podcasts, Deezer, radio in France, Médiamétrie, radio audience, national reach, Radio France, France Inter, France Info, France Bleu, RMC, Europe 1, NRJ, Nostalgie, FIP, coronavirus

Radio Page week ending January 14, 2022
radio in Hungary, Sportradio, A Rock, consolidation, radio in France, elections and media, FranceInfo, news radio, journalism, radio in Sweden, NENT Group, Lugan Favoriter, Bauer Media, podcasts

Radio Page week ending January 7, 2022
radio in the UK, radio advertising, ad spending, radio in Africa, radio in Democratic Republic of Congo, Radio de la femme, Women's Radio

Recently added radio audience figures and resources

Also see ftm Knowledge

Europe's Radio - Southern Europe

Radio broadcasting in southern Europe ranges from highly developed to developing highly. Italian, Spanish and Portuguese radio is unique, creative and very popular. Radio in Croatia, Serbia and Greece has had ups and downs. The ftm Knowledge file includes Resources. 126 pages PDF (June 2015)

Order here

Europe's Radio - Western Europe

Opportunity meets tradition in Western Europe's radio broadcasting. Change has come fast and yet oh, so slowly. This ftm Knowledge file contains material and resources on public and private radio broadcasting in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Netherlands and Switzerland. 244 pages. Resources. PDF (September 2013)

Order here

Europe’s Radio – Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe’s radio writes new rules. In fact, most everything about radio in this region is new... and changes often. The ftm Knowledge file reports on Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia and Ukraine. 159 pages PDF (April 2013)

Order here

Europe’s Radio – Northern Europe

Northern Europe’s radio has a very digital sound. And change is in the air. Economic challenges abound for both public and commercial broadcasters. The ftm Knowledge file reports on Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and the UK. 144 pages PDF includes Resources (November 2012)

Order here

Digital Radio - Possibilities and Probabilities

Digital radio has many platforms. From broadcast platforms to internet radio and rapidly emerging smartphone platforms, listeners and broadcasters have choices galore and decisions to make. Some regulators have made up their minds, others not, some hedging their bets. This ftm Knowledge file details the possibilities for digital broadcasting and the probabilities for success. Includes Resources 149 pages PDF (August 2012)

Order here

Become an ftm Individual or Corporate Member and receive Knowledge files at no charge. JOIN HERE!

ftm Knowledge files are available to Members at no additional charge.

The Six Radio Brands is about the uniquely European development of radio brands. Competition among broadcasters - and certainly between the public and commercial sectors - gives radio in Europe a rich dynamic. As consumers become more media-literate and demand more attachment broadcasters find target markets illusive.
Regulators, advertisers and broadcasters take turns trying to influence radio brands. Culture and technology makes an impact. More and more, the greatest influence comes from consumers.
The Six Radio Brands describes advantages and pit-falls of brand strategies, with illustrations from current radio practice.

100 pages. 2004

Available at no charge to ftm Members, €49 for others. Email for more information

copyright ©2004-2023 ftm partners, unless otherwise noted Contact Us • About Us