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I'm home from my wanderings. At least for a few days. In the past two months I have attended the Radiodays conference in Athens, Greece and the National Association of Broadcasters in Las Vegas. Thousands of broadcasters gathered together to learn, to exchange ideas and to meet and greet new and old friends.
At both conventions, AI was a topic front and center in everyone's mind. Is it a threat or benefit? Will announcers still have jobs in 3 years? What about graphic artists, copywriters and production people? Having begun looking into AI options for radio stations a couple of years ago, I am amazed at how rapidly AI is progressing. The voices are more and more "human". I'm reminded of "Open the pod door, Hal" and the response "I can't do that, Dave." For those of you too young to remember this, I'm sure it's online somewhere. It was science fiction at the time: we are living it now!
New technology is being blended with experience. One of my favorite things about these gatherings is meeting new people. There are great minds in broadcasting: there are many things to learn by having a glass of wine and conversation.
As I learned during my time at Broadcast Leadership Training, much of the action during NAB is not on the official floor. It happens in the private meeting rooms and restaurants in the other hotels. Deals are made. Connections are formalized.
Radiodays is a radio conference attended by 1600 or so radio people from all over Europe. Occasionally, they let an American in (that would be me!) and I have found a few Australians and Canadians. I go to learn. How is radio different in the EU? While many of the radio stations are state owned and non commercial, there are commercial stations competing with them. Larger budgets in the state owned stations allow a plethora of great promotions. I've been blown away by many of them. US budgets could never compete. Announcers are still a big thing. There are radio stars.
One challenge both US and EU broadcasters are facing is keeping radio in cars. There was much discussion. We all recognize how important that portal is to our listeners.
Podcasts are important on both sides of the big pond. People want to listen to good content.
I sat through a very interesting session in Athens on the efficacy of radio. This was another study on how radio accelerates other forms of media. We are the perfect partner for digital strategies. I've seen many of these studies in the past few years. They prove what we've always known: people learn through the ear. Radio is the direct pathway to our brains.
I will say that Radiodays knows how to party. I give them an A+ on that. NAB could take a lesson, although arranging a party for 60,000 people is a bit more daunting than for 1600.
I would urge you to consider attending these conferences. We must always learn new things. We must always meet new contacts. We should always share with one another. There is truly strength in numbers.
Next year Radiodays is in Riga, Latvia. Look it up on a map. Make reservations now. It's in March: NAB in April. Two ways to jump-start your year.
Happy selling!
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