For years, radio wrongly appeared to be a dying format, with TV and online access taking over.
However, like most trends and fashions, their cyclical nature is bringing radio back to the masses. While online access threatened the radio industry for a spell, it could ironically become its saviour.
While The Buggles sang about video killing the radio star, the ability of popular radio shows to live-stream their broadcasts and clip memorable moments is helping to improve radio’s profile and gain new followers. Radios are often listened to at work and in the car, with listeners keen to discover new music and listen to expert opinion on a variety of subjects.
The radio industry is funded by a strong advertising network, with emerging industries sponsoring shows and appearing during breaks. The online gambling industry is one such backer, with sports and general interest shows benefiting from sponsorship deals from the best online casinos UK consumers can access, giving them a platform to promote their wide range of betting markets, deals, and offers.
The new monetisation models available to radio shows and podcasts give advertisers the opportunity to enjoy more targeted advertising campaigns, boosting the appeal and making it easier for radio shows to get the financial backing required to compete.
The popularity of podcasts as a radio show format has also been a massive boost to the industry, with experts and celebrities able to create and host their own shows and reach new audiences.
The benefit of celebs and specialists hosting their own shows is that they can exploit industry connections to bring some of the biggest names in their fields to the airwaves. Most modern podcasts will offer audio and video versions of their shows, improving access for everyone.
Digital radio channels are fast becoming the best option for modern consumers who use DAB radios and digital devices to listen to their favourite shows. On-demand channels have already transformed how we watch movies and TV, and radio channels are following suit.
Traditional radio channels now offer recorded versions of their shows for fans to tune in at their convenience, in a similar way to listening to their favourite podcasts. This has helped some radio programs enjoy a global audience where they would previously be limited to local access.
Though on-demand platforms have increased convenience for modern consumers who might not be able to listen to live shows due to busy schedules, live radio still has its benefits, as it can be more reactive to breaking news or provide information about current events.
Cross-platform access has helped to transform how consumers access radio shows, improving access and the entertainment experience.
Radio has been a staple in homes and cars for decades, and modern platform integration is helping to spark a revival that should give it long-term stability for the foreseeable future. Improving technology should open up further opportunities and help radio shows and podcasts continue to entertain listeners.