ftm Radio Page - October 24, 2009

Digital radio – digital divide or digital duel
For radio broadcasters, no agony is worse – after declining revenues – than the seemingly endless groaning about digital radio. Technologies have been in place since the last century to bring the digital dividend to radio. Presumably that would include broadcasters… somehow.

Digital Radio Dims
Same debate, same outcome

Broadcasting luminaries gathered in Paris hoping to light the digital future. Another delay was announced. Big broadcasters are looking for a low cost alternative. 

Speaking at the Siel-Satis-La Radio expo (October 21) broadcasters, largely, expressed support for radio – at least in concept – as if the medium might soon pass into the darkness of buggy whips and printing presses. CBC / Radio Canada vice-president of French services Sylvain Lafrance spoke of convergence, strong brands – radio, TV and internet – each being unique and the difficulty for those in one medium to make the switch to converged media.

Without question, the main discussion point – again – was digital radio. Digital radio was set to ‘launch’ before the end of the year, dozens of channels being authorized last May for major French cities. Regulator CSA has pushed back the big day until mid-2010. (More on digital radio here)

Two arguments prevailed; analogue shut-off and standards. Under rules adopted earlier this year, radio receivers in new automobiles must have digital capability by 2013 and all receivers sold must include that digital radio chip by 2015. Citing differences between digital TV and digital radio, most broadcasters hesitated calling for hard dates for analogue shut-off.

The French adopted the T-DMB standard for digital radio but kept open the possibility of competing standards like DRM, the digital standard for medium wave transmission. Other European countries have a different set of standards – DAB and DAB+. Still in the grand debate is whether or not France can support a digital radio standard different from the rest of Europe.

Digital radio proponents, frustrated, talked of simply getting on with it out of fear of being left behind.  “Habits are changing,” plead digital radio developer Joêl Pons. “It is a necessity. It will serve the public. Radio must remain a major media, closer to people (and) must be consistent with modern technology.”

Major commercial broadcasters have become even more hesitant. Representing the major commercial network operators, Bureau de la Radio president Michel Cacouault talked about the bottom line. Broadcasters revenue is down 18%, he said, and the cost of broadcasting in both T-DMB and FM for an extended period would cost each broadcaster between €2 and €4 million a year. Quieting the crowd, he said a less expensive digital alternative must be found. (JMH)

Another international broadcaster moves to the Web
Cut, cut, cut

Radio Prague, the Czech international broadcasting service, may relinquish short-wave for the internet. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which funds Radio Prague, wants the budget cut by 20%, says IDNES.cz (October 16). A Radio Prague spokesperson confirmed receiving a letter from the Ministry, with a suggested cut off date of January 7, 2010.

Several international broadcasters of modest means – nonetheless well respected – have abandoned short-wave broadcasting for other means. A few years ago Swiss Radio International (SRI) dropped its short-wave services and morphed into Swissinfo on the Web. High transmission costs and questions about listener impact were cited. (JMH)

Radio Page - October 16, 2009

Radio Page - October 9, 2009

Radio Page - October 2, 2009

Radio Page - September 25, 2009

Radio Page - September 18, 2009

Radio Page - September 11, 2009

Recently added radio audience figures

• Romania - National Radio Audience (29/09/2009)
  national survey, market share, trend
• Netherlands Radio Audience (20/09/2009)
  national survey, market share, trend
• Spain - National Radio Audience (11/09/2009)
  national channels, share, trend
• Sweden - National Radio Audience (22/08/2009)
  national channels, reach, trend
• UK - National Radio Audience (06/08/2009)
  market share, trend, sectors
• UK - London Radio Audience (06/08/2009)
  market share, trend
• UK - National Radio Audience (06/08/2009)
  BBC/commercial 'gap'

Also see ftm Knowledge

Europe's Radio – new update

Europe’s media landscape is dotted by 15,000 radio stations and channels. Public, private, digital and even a few MW stations reach upwards of 90% of Europe’s listeners each day. This updated ftm Knowledge file adds new material on digital broadcasting, measurement, regulation, Sweden, Portugal, Poland, Switzerland, France, Germany, Russia and the UK. 195 pages PDF (August 2009)

ftm Members order here

Available at no charge to ftm Members, others from €49
Order

Digital Radio - Forward...slightly

Digital radio is slowly finding its way. Broadcasters are challenged by shifts in business models, audience expectations and regulation limbo. This ftm Knowledge file details the promise of digital broadcasting and the paradigm shifts. 83 pages PDF (June 2009)

ftm Members order here

Available at no charge to ftm Members, others from €49
Order