German multi-platform radio, and linking to podcasts with least friction
Above: I needed an image for Podnews last week, after NPR said they were looking into accepting donations on smart speakers. One of the benefits of having a traveller’s wallet, full of different currencies…
My stuff
Multiplatform radio lessons from Germany – my column this week looks at the growth of DAB there
An opinion piece I mainly wrote for Podnews, my podcasting newsletter - How to link to your podcast most effectively
Here I am, being interviewed in Nuremberg, Germany. I can’t quite remember what I say here, but I look surprisingly old.
I appear to have been translated into Italian. Prego!
Worldwide
Canadian radio - revenue down 1.9%. It’s local advertising that’s in contraction. Is it because local markets are in trouble, or because Facebook is having an effect? (Or, perhaps, both?)
Canada: the CRTC awards a broadcasting licence in Canada. I’ve not seen these before. Compare the layout and language with Ofcom’s decision papers.
Germany: I’m in a German podcast from @radioszene - speaking English, though.
One guy with an (analogue) radio. Everyone else watching the (digital, satellite-delivered) TV. Hilarious.
Good long read about the fundamental problems in journalism. Radio has similar stubborn belief systems that need to change.
United States
US radio shock: morning show presenters are actually from city they broadcast from…
20-25% of all KUOW’s streaming comes through the Amazon Alexa. They’re also experimenting with fundraising through it.
‘Right Now Music Radio’ Format Debuts. This is a fascinating idea - very clever.
The Three Tactics This Radio Personality Used To Make Her Mark In Media
Man achieves lifelong dream of becoming radio DJ for a day (EU users? You’ll need a VPN for this.)
Another for the ‘future of media is all IP’ bucket… YouTube TV falls over during the England Croatia match - if only we had a cheap and scalable way to reach millions of concurrent viewers, say, broadcast from a tower or something?
Should Google give every US household a free Google Home Mini? Imagine how radio would benefit… (free DAB sets would also kickstart the industry, too, particularly in Scandic countries where you could probably make the money work in saved FM transmission costs)
United Kingdom
We need an industry chart for UK podcasters, says James Purnell, boss of BBC Radio. The BBC has hitherto refused to release its podcast figures, citing commercial confidentiality; I’m delighted to hear that they’re thinking of changing their mind. I’d rather have an industry chart for podcasts available in the UK, though - I’d suspect This American Life is in the top ten, and it would be useful to know that. (Concerning line from the article: “We’re talking to Apple”.)
Nick Cohen: “The BBC: platitudinous, frightened, and irrelevant” - it’s a bit strong, but this piece on Brexit coverage of the BBC does hit home.
Big challenges ahead for (TV) broadcasters after Brexit, according to this analysis.. Not least in terms of broadcast licences.
This man must be on a ratings bonus. More seriously, this was a very clever hire by LBC; he’s not a bad broadcaster, either.
The BBC has perplexingly agreed (however forced) to publish their talent’s salaries. Chris Evans earns £1.6m. I understand the publishing of senior management salaries; but talent, surely, comes under commercial confidentiality. I feel for the Corporation, and for the talent whose salary has been rather crudely revealed. The general public don’t understand talent salaries, and these figures will always appear too high. The unbridled jealousy of the British press shines through once more.
Australia
New South Australian internet station to play 100% Australian music - this is an interesting idea. I’m told it’s not the first; but the release makes a good point that everything else is driven by Sydney/Melbourne.
Great news for @oc - and quite surprising for a new breakfast show: his first figures are up. Station is #1, and he’s #2. Go, Britain! (Seriously, this is a broadcaster who’s done his homework. Admirable mix of “I’m new here, it’s all foreign” and casual, spot-on, cultural references.)