Radio: could DAB survive the shift to streaming?

This is an AI-generated extract from a blog article from Audiotiq's website that analyzed an in-depth study titled “Perspektiven 2035+,” done by the association of Swiss Private Radios. It examines the long-term development potential for radio and audio, especially in terms of distribution. Long story short, DAB is purely transitional and poised to disappear, and Radio/Audio distribution is heading towards a fully IP-streaming future. Here are the main implications for radio stations:What are the Implications of Streaming for Audio Publishers and Radio Stations?The current digital transformation of radio has implications across many blocks of the value chain. Here are – in our view at Audiotiq – the 5 main challenges for publishers. Some are easier to address than others.1- A Comprehensive Multi-Platform StrategyBroadcasters must embrace the digital transformation by investing in IP streaming to reach audiences where they are most active—on their smartphones, not their radio receivers. Investing in IP streaming means developing user-friendly apps and platforms to make accessing content easier and more engaging.This is a massive undertaking as one’s mobile app is compared to the best-in-class UX (User eXperience) and UI (User Interface) such as Spotify, Tinder, Amazon, the neo-banks, Strava, etc.Practically, audio publishers need to work on a multi-platform distribution strategy:Be available on their own properties (mobile apps, websites)Collaborate with tech platforms like Spotify, Apple, and Amazon (Alexa) to broaden reach and win new listeners, ultimately attracting those news listeners to their properties.2- An updated Content StrategyAudio publishers should also diversify their content offerings. There should be no more one-size-fits-all, which benefits mainstream content. Publishers should expand into non-linear audio formats and on-demand streaming and create diverse, high-quality content that appeals to younger demographics and niche audiences. IP streaming enables personalization at scale, and users expect content to adapt to their preferences.3- A Mandatory Data StrategyIP streaming is a two-way communication (compared to one-way broadcasting). That enables a massive leap in data and analytics. Audio publishers should leverage data to understand audience behavior and preferences better. Data must also be used to personalize content recommendations….and ad targeting. Average CPMs are higher on streaming platforms where advertisers can target their audience than on classical radios.4- A Revised Business ModelAgain, IP streaming enables personalization at scale. Targeted advertising is a must. Today’s technology allows great targeting across several dimensions but remains underutilized. How often have you heard an ad on a podcast that wasn’t relevant to you? It could be in the wrong language, the wrong location, or non-pertinent ads. Exploring new revenue streams like subscription services or content bundles could also yield significant returns.5- Prepare for further Technological EvolutionsStaying informed about emerging technologies is paramount. As Generative AI has just proved, this is not over yet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.