RDA 2016 #radiowontfall

Gary Stroebel (CEO: Central Media Group)

The 30-second radio spot has long proved to be a useful advertising tool. The changing media landscape and consumer behavioural trends have meant that radio has also had to adapt. Gary Stroebel talks about new revenue opportunities in a traditional space and shares insight into growing the bottom line.

Soeren Johannsen (BBC Media Action – Zambia)

Patricia Sinyangwe (BBC Media Action – Zambia))

Tikambe (Let’s Talk) is a joint BBC media action project using TV, radio and online media to help young people look after their sexual health and improve their knowledge. Soeren Johannsen and Patricia Sinyangwe speak about the programme and the impact it has had on the sexual well-being of Zambia’s youth.

The ability to facilitate conversations between a radio station and its audience is key to stimulating audience-driven dialogue. Echo Mobile has developed an innovative way to connect poorer audiences to their local station through automated voice calls and SMS, giving them a voice that can be broadcast and heard. Zoe Cohen will detail how this works and how the system is currently used.

Public radio stations often have to create a delicate balance between language-specific programming and catering for a variety of cultural groups within its reach. RSG has had numerous success stories in getting this balance just right. Terrance April tells us how they’ve managed to do this.

George Wright (Head of Internet Research and Future Services: BBC – United Kingdom)

Rethinking existing models and employing new technology and processes, the BBC has managed to create innovative processes within the production chain. George Wright shares his experience within the research and development space, and some of the examples where the BBC has changed the way they do business with particular focus on the production cycle.

Commercial radio garners enormous power, not only through large audience numbers, but also with its commercial partners. The ability to translate this into social conscience is a very powerful skill. During recent water shortages and droughts in South Africa, JacarandaFM mobilised its audiences and commercial partners to alleviate the need of communities within its footprint. Kevin Fine talks about the social conscience of radio.

Roger Goode (DJ and Radio Presenter: 5FM)

In an audio industry, radio presenters often overlook audio. In South Africa, Roger Goode is synonymous with the use of sound. He tells us why and how audio is the key to successfully entertain radio audiences.

The natural synergy between social media and radio is growing. It is, however, very difficult to predict which social media trends will resonate with audiences. Martin Liss will share success stories and highlight the strategic thinking behind building successful social media campaigns for radio audiences.

In this session, Daryl Ilbury will explain the effect that the disruption of the media environment has had on the media consumer, the opportunities it provides, and the four questions content creators in radio need to ask themselves in order to capitalise on it.

Justine Cullinan (Station Manager: 5FM)

The SABC recently made headlines with an announcement that all its radio stations are required to play 90% local music with immediate effect. The implications for the commercial portfolio are more challenging and far-reaching than for their public counterparts. Relevance to audience, income generation and brand promise are areas that could be affected. Justine Cullinan explains how 5FM tackled this directive.