Don’t Touch That Dial, Radio In The Digital Age

‘What Happens To Radio?’ – 27th January 2009, The Lukin, W1

Final Panellists And Venue Announced
The Future Of Broadcast Radio Debated
How Will Radio Adapt To A Digital World?

In the second of NMK’s series of events looking into the future of established media in the digital age the focus turns to the airwaves, as NMK asks ‘What Happens to Radio?’ Whilst the rise of the internet and digital media hasn’t had quite as profound or damaging effect on radio as it has on TV or newspapers, there has still been a 15% drop in ‘listening time’ amongst 15-25 year olds over the past decade and as Channel 4’s recent aborted launch of its digital radio stations shows, all is not well.

Despite these setbacks radio, of all the media, seems best placed to ride out the digital storm. Listening figures are still robust and would appear to be holding steady in the face of the challenge from the likes of YouTube. Indeed despite the acres of column inches afforded to these upstarts, even the most provincial local radio station has an audience that would be the envy of these newcomers. Whether it’s the shipping forecast, Archers, Top 40 or the classified pools results, millions still tune in every day and for them radio still matters, and what happens to radio matters more, if it didn’t would we still be talking about Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand’s prank phone call several weeks after the event?

So what is wrong with radio? In many ways you could argue it has become a victim of its own success and longevity, radio has been around so long, it has quite literally faded into the background becoming almost ambient noise. Perceived as dependable and safe, boring even, by the advertising industry radio has had its thunder if not yet its listeners stolen by the likes of Last.FM, and many media planners and buyers have been seduced by the glamour of the web.

Should radio be content to sit in the background or as we access it more and more via the internet or through our television sets should it embrace the possibilities offered by these different media? Is increased interactivity a necessity or even that desirable, can radio adopt these changes and keep its essential character? For many people the fact that the radio can be on in the background is one of its best features, if you have to keep stopping what you’re doing every five minutes to check the studio webcam have you lost more than you’ve gained?

Tackling these issues head on, NMK have assembled a panel of experts that icludes internet guru and CEO of Thinner Media Steve Bowbrick; James Cridland, Head of Future Media & Technology for BBC Audio & Music Interactive; Gregory Watson, MD Radio and New Media at Folder Media; Daniel Nathan, chairman Festival Productions Ltd; and Nick Piggott, Head of Creative Technology at Global Radio (the UK’s largest Commercial Radio Broadcaster) to cut through the static and better understand what a medium developed in the 19th century has to offer in the 21st.

Event: What Happens to Radio?

When: January 27th, 2009 18:00 to 22:30

Location: The Lukin, 4 Conway Street, London W1T 6BB

Price: £25.00

Chair: Steve Bowbrick – CEO, Thinner Media

Panel: James Cridland – Head of Future Media & Technology

BBC Audio & Music Interactive

Nick Piggott, Head of Creative Technology, Global Radio

Gregory Watson, MD Radio and New Media, Folder Media

Daniel Nathan, chairman Festival Productions Ltd

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About NMK
NMK is a learning and business information hub for companies and individuals working in UK digital media, launched by the University of Westminster.

NMK runs a website packed with articles, commentary and white papers and in turn produces a programme of topical and high-level events and courses. All events are offered at minimal cost to delegates to provide an accessible mix of knowledge and experience sharing combined with networking opportunities.

NMK actively encourages suggestions, feedback and requests from readers, delegates, companies and industry bodies – which helps shape its courses, events and online debate.

The University’s neutrality is a critical factor in the existence of a knowledge network that encourages adoption of best practice, new collaborations and evolution of creative ventures into professional success. NMK is a resource for the digital media industry.

www.nmk.co.uk