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ftm Radio Page - November 12, 2010

FM merry-go-round whirls
Opportunities abound

As it occasionally does, the Berlin-Brandenburg Media Authority (Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg MABB) is shifting stations to different FM frequencies. Effective December 1st four broadcasters will have new spots on the dial, so to speak

OldieStar will be getting the 98.2 FM frequency of Radio Paradiso, which lost its license in a June decision. Radio Paradisio, a religious station, was, according to the MABB, the first Berlin radio broadcaster to be denied renewal based on programming issues. It’s owner, Digital Radio Berlin, is appealing the decision but the frequency shifts December 1st.

Public channel Radio Teddy, programmed for children, will take the 90.2 FM frequency of the BBC World Service. The BBC has requested a “less expensive” frequency so it will take 94.8 FM used by Metropol FM, the Turkish-language commercial station.

Metropol FM will take the 101.9 FM frequency used by Jazz Radio, which has changed ownership and will move to 106.8 FM. That’s a frequency previously used by Radio Teddy. Jazz Radio filed for bankruptcy in May and reorganized with a new financial partner, Dubai-based Fujairah Media.

There might be in this “frequency merry-go-round,” says Radiowoche.de (November 19), an opportunity for a new private radio station in Berlin-Brandenburg. (See more on media in Germany here)

Another opportunity for new stations in Germany comes as British Forces Radio abandons its 6 FM frequencies in North Rhine-Westphalia (Düsseldorf/Cologne). Regional regulator LfM (Landesanstalt für Medien) is also examining the plethora of frequencies used by Radio NRW, the combine of all private radio in North Rhine-Westphalia, looking for opportunities for new stations. (JMH)

Public radio most trusted
Some things never change

Over the years surveys have shown strong public trust in radio, particularly public broadcasting. Here’s a new one: in a University of Götenburg survey people in Sweden have more confidence in Swedish public radio (SR) than all other media outlets. 48% of those surveyed voted confidence in radio and television channels, all lumped together, far higher than Swedish daily newspapers at 29%.

Swedish public television (STV) was voted 2nd place among media outlets, then, in order, newspaper Dagens Nyheter, commercial TV channel TV4 and newspaper Aftonbladet. Interestingly, independent web news portals ranked very low. Of all Swedish companies, the much loved Ikea is the most trusted. SR ranked number 2 overall.

The MedieAkademins Trust Barometer, released this week (November 10), was based on 1000 interviews. (JMH)

Secret Shopper Returns
Oldie but goodie

Radio promotions enter high art when both audience and sales are stimulated. In recent times broadcasters avoided these projects as too complicated and expensive. Well, times change.

Radio Energy (NRJ Group) in Vienna, Austria is bringing back one of those tried and tested promotions – the Secret Shopper. The object is to stimulate ad sales as well as workplace listening, often the most forgotten audience settings.

Over a two-week period one of the stations well-known DJs will drop into local retailers, reporting live of course. If the business has Radio Energy playing it’s entered into a drawing for €100,000 in advertising and other prizes. The other benefit is connecting the radio brand with real people in real life settings. Imagine how that could be augmented with a special social network page. (JMH)

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Recently added radio audience figures and references

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