It sounds like a cliche, but this year's Radio Festival in Salford Quays looks set to be the biggest and best yet.
The three-day event will incorporate a trade show, Techcon, Foot in the Door, the Hall of Fame Dinner and radio heavyweights such as Matthew Bannister, Tim Davie, Ashley Tabor, Clive Dickens, John Simons, Chris Evans, Jeremy Kyle, Colin Murray and Graham Norton.
Based in its new home of Salford Quays, from October 18th to 20th, the event will be located in the Lowry Theatre (pictured above) overlooking [link=http://mediacity.ws]Media City UK[/link] (in the background), and hosted by Richard Bacon.
[i]Here is the draft schedule in full – published for the very first time here on RadioToday.co.uk. Times and sessions are subject to change.[/i]
[blockquote]Quays Theatre
TUESDAY
08.50 FESTIVAL WELCOME
Richard Bacon introduces this year’s Festival with opening remarks from Festival Chair, Tim Davie.
09.00 MEET THE BOSSES – RADIO TAKING THE LEAD
Join our panel of radio sector Chief Executives in a lively “Any Questions” chaired by writer, broadcaster and media consultant Steve Hewlett.
Tim Davie (BBC), Andrew Harrison (RadioCentre), Paul Keenan (Bauer), Ashley Tabor (Global). Chaired by: Steve Hewlett
10.00 FESTIVAL GATECRASH – NOW HERE’S WHAT WE’D DO
An alternative take on the industry from a group of creative and alternative voices including a politician, lawyer and a poet. How would they run radio if they were in charge?
10.45 Networking Break
11.15 SEXY SCREEN – BUT WHERE’S THE RADIO?
In-car multimedia systems, smartphones, and social sharing are driving entertainment choices. How can radio maintain its ‘share of ear’ in these growth areas? BMW, Nokia, and Audioboo give us a health-check – with the BBC and Commercial Radio on hand to react.
Matthew Postgate (BBC), Mark Rock (Audioboo), Mark Selby (Nokia), Dr Michael Weber (BMW). Chaired by: Jemima Kiss (Guardian)
12.00 SESSION TBC
12.45 Lunch
13.45 ‘NOBODY DOES IT BETTER’ – THE PICCADILLY STORY
That was the Piccadilly Radio strap-line in 1985. Chris Evans returns to his North West roots in a discussion chaired by Andy Bird, the man who used to answer phones with him at Piccadilly Radio and is now Chairman of International at Walt Disney Corporation. Along with other guests, they examine a period of Manchester history – the mid 80’s – that produced some notable talents in music and radio and ask the question; what stimulates creativity?
Chris Evans (BBC), Timmy Mallet. Chaired by: Andy Bird (Disney)
14.30 THE VERDICT – A RADIO DRAMA
“Judge” Nick Ferrari presides over a courtroom drama. In the dock: the case for and against advertising on radio. Jonathan Gillespie (GMG), Simon Redican (RAB), Chaired by: Nick Ferrari
15.15 Networking Break
15.45 [INSERT TITLE HERE] – HOW TO COME UP WITH A KILLER IDEA!
Picasso stated: “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
So how can we keep our creativity alive? How can we stay fresh and open to new ideas? Some of the most creative and innovative people in the business tell us how it’s done.
Chaired by: Will Gompertz (BBC)
16.30 HERE’S HOW WE DO IT – A VIEW FROM ABROAD
What can the UK radio industry learn from what’s happening in overseas markets? We get the view from three very different players.
Andy Bird (Disney), Prashant Panday (The Times of India), Steve Pratt (CBC). Chaired by: Emma Barnett (Telegraph)
17.15 JUST A MINUTE – FROM THE FESTIVAL
BBC Radio 4's long running panel game Just a Minute is coming to the Radio Festival. We record a special edition to celebrate its 43 years in Radio. Hosted by the legendary Nicholas Parsons and starring Paul Merton with other special guests.
Paul Merton. Chaired by: Nicholas Parsons
WEDNESDAY
09.00 RADIO – THE MOVIE
Steve Hewlett gives his verdict on the state of the radio industry.
09.05 SHOW ME THE MONEY – THE BUSINESS SECTION
As media fragments business opportunities become increasingly complex. Using real examples of profitable, sustainable new ideas we show how some have used core audio content and contacts to create new income streams as well as challenging pre conceptions about traditional revenue. The simple fact is that for those who welcome change there is real opportunity – ‘insanity is expecting change …. and doing nothing’.
09.45 MAKING THE SWITCH – FORD ENNALS IN CONVERSATION WITH MATTHEW BANNISTER
He’s the man with one of the most important jobs in radio and the toughest challenge. Ford Ennals is the chief executive of Digital Radio UK, the body charged with overseeing a digital radio switchover. If radio is to achieve its 2015 switch date a – then 50% of all radio listening must be via digital platforms by 2013. And what plans do we have to boost digital coverage? Ford Ennals tells us how we’re going to get there.
Ford Ennals, Chair: Matthew Bannister
10.15 WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LOCAL RADIO?
We’ll be asking whatever happened to the L in ILR? 2010 will be remembered as the year that the commercial radio sector changed almost beyond recognition. As syndication, networking, and co-location sweep across what once was known as ILR, we ask a number of industry figures whether local really has any importance for the future of commercial radio. Is the old ILR model at all viable? What do listeners make of it all – are they bothered? An unmissable session for anyone trying to assess the future impact of today’s de-regulatory era.
Ian Axton, Michael Betton (Lincs), David Holdsworth (BBC English Regions), Lyn Long (Tindle)
11.00 RADIO REMEMBERS
11.05 NETWORKING BREAK
11.30 THE JEREMY KYLE RADIO SHOW
Jeremy was born in London and – according to the ITV website – did lots of jobs, from cleaning cars to stacking supermarket shelves, before landing a job in radio. In this honest and no-holds-barred session Jeremy “reveals all” to Festival delegates.
12.00 THE RIGHT NOTE – A LESSON FROM THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
If you never realised there was a link between Parker Pens, T in the Park and what the next steps for the radio industry might be, think again. The energetic Will Page, Chief Economist at PRS for Music is the man who helped Radiohead model their innovative "pay what you like" experiment, and who presented much of the music industry's analysis in the 6 Music debate. In a not to be missed festival session, keep up with Will's incredible speed of thought as he highlights the lessons radio can take from the music industry as it looks for new revenue models online and different ways of reaching consumers.
Steve King ( Bauer Radio), Jon Mitchell (Spotify), Will Page (PRS for Music), Jeff Smith (BBC Radio 2)
12.45 SO RADIO FESTIVAL
Radio 2’s newest recruit, Graham Norton, is used to interviewing a host of sparkling celebrities. Now we turn the tables and put him in the Festival chair. Graham reveals all to Mark Goodier.
DIGITAL WORLD CENTRE
TUESDAY
14.00 RADIO DNS
Demo of how it works
Nick Piggott (Global), James Cridland
15.30 SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL
An exploration of the role of community radio, its funding issues, its aspirations, the range of its output and its profile.
Jaqui Devereux, Phil Korbel, Sutish Sharma
RADIO FESTIVAL “EXTRA” – COMPASS ROOM
TUESDAY
11.15 – THIS IS FESTIVAL EXTRA
Margherita Taylor welcomes you to the Extra room – the Festival “alternative”
11.20 ONE TO ONE WITH THE BOSSES: BBC RADIO 4
The BBC Trust has just finished asking us what we think of Radios 4 and 7. New Controller Gwyneth Williams is waiting to see what they’ll conclude early next year. Tim Davie said “I was impressed by her creativity, enthusiasm and ideas for building the network’s intellectual quality while maintaining its relevance”.
So what is Gwyneth planning to do? We’ll find out, as Mariella Frostrup asks the questions. If she doesn’t ask yours, you’ll get a chance from the floor.
12.00 LISTEN UP: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE AUDIENCE
What is the impact of our new digital world on radio listening habits? Is radio dying? Current Rajar figures would suggest that all is well, but what lies ahead? Is our diary research methodology the most accurate? What would happen if we introduced a people meter method similar to the Abitron system in operation in the US? These and many other questions will be answered as we unveil the results of several recent studies. Panelists include Hal Rood from the US based research company SRS and Alison Winter from the BBC.
12.45 LUNCH
13.45 DAVID LIDDIMENT: A QUESTION OF TRUST
The Chairman of the BBC Trust's Audiences & Performance Committee returns to Manchester, where he was Director of Programmes for Granada TV, to discuss the role of the Trust, its relationship with BBC management and why it turned down a request to abolish BBC 6Music. Trevor Dann asks the questions.
David Liddiment (BBC Trust). Chaired by: Trevor Dann (Radio Academy)
14.30 THE A TEAM
5 live and new Match of the Day 2 host Colin Murray hosts a lively session which promises to give you top tips on how to build a really great team that can deliver great things. He will be joined by a panel of guests who have made great things happen with companies or teams. They have inspired people and have created a really positive atmosphere and outlook. Their tips and advice should make this session un-missable. Colin's aim is to make sure you hear inspiring stories to leave with a positive glow and hopefully some handy hints and tips that will help you with your team.
Felicity Aston. Chaired by: Colin Murray (BBC)
15.15 NETWORKING BREAK
15.45 YOUTH AUDIENCES
Session TBC
DJ Semtex, Jamal Edwards (SB.TV (UK)). Chaired by: Chantelle Fiddy (Writer, columnist, journalist)
16.30 WoCC’s THE STORY ? The Indie Future
The UK Independent Radio Production sector is 20 years old. It’s consistently punched well above its weight in terms of creative accolades and the scale of production it’s delivered. With fresh BBC Trust recommendations about increased indie activity and growing commercial commitment in and out of radio, we define what makes indie content win such a high proportion of awards as well as addressing some of the most pressing questions around the indie future.
Chaired by: Steve Hewlett
17.15 ONE TO ONE WITH THE BOSSES: ABSOLUTE RADIO
Clive Dickens innovates for a living. He took over the reins at Virgin Radio in 2008, rebranded it, expanded it, spun off brand extensions, bought football rights, blogged openly and went very digital. RAJAR hasn’t been kind to Absolute but the tide is starting to turn. How can Clive keep up the momentum, and show us all how it’s done? Matt Wells invites Clive to explain his plans for the next 12 months. And you can ask him questions too.
WEDNESDAY
09.00 ONE TO ONE WITH THE BOSSES: BBC RADIO 2 & 6 MUSIC
It’s a big year for Radio 2 and 6 Music. The BBC Trust said that Radio 2 must “break out of the routine with its programming, in particular to be more distinctive during peak time”. They also said “6 Music must grow its audience base without losing its USP”. Bob Shennan tells us how he’ll do that in the next 12 months. Matt Wells grills Bob on the detail, and you’ll have your chance to ask questions from the floor.
09.45 AN INTERVIEW WITH PETER SALMON
5live joins Radio Manchester and existing network radio departments in Salford next year as BBC North becomes a reality at Media City UK. Alongside Sport, Childrens, Breakfast and much of Future Media and Technology, and with other cutting edge media companies and indies expected to relocate, the man in charge of the BBC's move tells us what it will mean for radio.
10.15 LEGENDS & CHAMPIONS
Some big names and rising stars from the world of radio are given the opportunity to champion their ‘radio legend’. A chance for you to hear inspiring stories about who inspired who!”
11.05 NETWORKING BREAK
11.30 ONE TO ONE WITH THE BOSSES: GMG
GMG’s Smooth has taken advantage of the Digital Economy Act to turn five regional stations into a single national station. It’s the first commercial radio brand to do so, but will it work?
What is John Simons planning in order to make Smooth – in the words of GMG itself – “a strong commercial alternative to BBC Radio 2”? Sandy Warr asks John to explain his vision for Smooth, and you’ll get the chance to ask questions from the floor too.
12.00 BREAKING NEWS
Join Matt Wells and his festival panel for a special edition of the Guardian's razor-sharp podcast, Media Talk. Watch the team tear through the week's radio news and pass their verdict on the festival – and step up to the mic with some questions of your own.
RADIO FESTIVAL CAFE – HEXAGON ROOM
The Festival Cafe – The Fun Place to Be This Radio Festival
The Radio Festival cafe (in the Compass Room at the Lowry) will be the place to relax over a coffee (or something stronger) with some of the movers and shakers in UK radio today. There’ll be the chance to book one to one meetings – and the opportunity to take part in a Dragon’s Den-style pitching session to 5Live and GMG. In addition, radio big wigs will be showing they are real human beings after all in our ‘Anything But Radio’ talks. And in a fun finale, we’ll be turning the tables on commissioning editors as they are forced to pitch their ideas (under the strictest and most bureaucratic of rules) to producers instead. Sounds like fun, make sure you pop by the Compass Room this Festival.
[/blockquote]
And here's the line up for Tech Con:
[blockquote]
Radio Data System – are you making the most of it? A technical overview of Radio Data Systems.
Martin James from Ofcom’s Technical Licensing team opens this year’s festival with a technical overview into the technology which many of us take for granted as well as explaining some of the new features recently added to the RDS standard including RT+.
Martin James (Ofcom)
FM on the move – building national RDS networks
Using BBC Network and Local radio and the Heart network as case studies, Luke Sluman from BBC Distribution and Tim Donaldson from Global Radio take us through the opportunities and challenges of setting up complex multi-transmitter and multi-station networks. How do you make sure you keep your listeners with you as they move from place to place?
Luke Sluman(BBC), Tim Donaldson (Global Radio)
Radio and Internet: how to enhance user experience and monetize your content
In this learning session we will demonstrate the value of richer user experiences with live streaming radio today. We will show best practices and how radio broadcasters use the internet and the mobile to increase brand awareness and monetize their content. We will also demonstrate concrete examples of how audio Ad replacement can be used.
Jean-Paul de Vooght (Ando Media Group)
iTunes Tagging
iTunes tagging allows a broadcaster to transmit additional RDS information to allow songs to be ‘tagged’ and purchased through the iTunes store on iPod Nanos with built-in FM radios. Unique Interactive are the UK suppliers of a commercial implementation of iTunes Tagging from Jump2Go.
Pascal Grierson (Unique)
Radio DNS
Nick Piggott explains this exciting new project to provide a link between radio broadcast and IP-delivered services. It aims to significantly enhance the experience of radio listening using scalable and resilient broadcast technology connected with additional information provided over an IP back-channel.
Nick Piggott (Global Radio)
Periphany
What is Periphany and Ambisonics? A lighting explanation by BBC R&D with a chance to have a listen later!
Anthony Churnside (BBC)
Making the Most of your content
Jean Michel Laveissiere talks us through making the most of YOUR online player, explores user engagement through social media and other ways in which you can monetise your stream culminating in a future vision of 3d streamed content.
Jean Michel Laveissiere (Ipercast)
Planning our Digital Future
Gain an interesting insight into the current thinking and activities being undertaken by the Planning Working Group. Chaired by OFCOM, the recommendations proposed by this group will influence policy development for Radio Switchover. Discover the complexities of coverage planning, current thinking on field strengths and parameters necessary to deliver robust DAB coverage and the plans being put forward to enable an exciting Digital future.
David Peters (Arqiva), Glen Doel (Arqiva)
The Wonder of the Archive
A look at the way the National Sound Archive of the British Library archives audio including considerations of selection, storage, indexing, quality, format and preservation.
Richard Ranth (British Library)
Surround Sound for Broadcasting
Some surround sound basics and how surround sound is broadcast with HD TV services, then looking forward to how Radio could provide Surround Sound and what lesson we should learn from surround sound for disc, cinema & TV. [/blockquote]