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ftm Radio Page - April 8, 2011

Karaoke comes to radio
Let’s all sing along

How many people sing along with the radio? Come on. Admit it. And how many broadcasters are looking for a new media application? Everybody, yes?

Two SBS Finland radio stations – The Voice and Iskelmä – are offering a karaoke service through software from Grey Brain Oy, a network games developer. Grey Brain, based in Finland, is rolling out its Karaokegame.com internationally. Iskelmä is a traditional Finnish music channel targeting persons 35 years and older. The Voice, formerly Kiss FM, is a pop music channel.

"Our mission is to entertain and provide entertainment,” said SBS Finland program director Jussi Suvanto. “Karaoke services fit into this world brilliantly.” All the listener needs, so far, is a laptop and a microphone.

Grey BrainOy will turn your entire music library into a karaoke service for only €5.90 per month. (JMH)

Digital radio: forget that date!
“inept and incompetent”

Luminaries from UK broadcasting and technology gathered at a forum (April 5) on digital radio to, once again, move that beam of light. There’s been some reflection as digital radio support group Digital Radio UK chief executive Ford Ennals apologized for focusing on a 2015 FM switch-off date. There was deflection as Bauer Radio’s external affairs director Travis Baxter called DAB a “secondary platform.”

DAB multiplex operator Arqiva's Paul Easton ventured that another £100 million will be needed to fund full coverage. The DAB people want a government bailout after consumers (minus the usual early-adopter group) have decided to buy big screen TVs. DAB share of listening, according to current RAJAR figures), is about half that projected for 2010 when regulator OFCOM stuck a finger in the air (2006) and came up with big numbers. (See more on digital radio here)

There was even a bit of screaming as DAB critics and supporters accused each of bullying the public. The chip-makers and multiplex owners sound like bankers, a flood of money will continue to float their boats. Broadcaster UKRD chief executive William Rogers noted “the completely inept and incompetent way this whole sorry DAB project has been planned and delivered.”

Why is it I'm hearing a very old rhyme: "All the King's horses and all the King's men..." ? (JMH)

Radio Page - April 1, 2011

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