The theme for this year’s Radio Asia conference is ‘Creating Radio with Passion: Looking into the World of Radio’.

The conference, organised by Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and co-organised by The Public Relations Department of Thailand, will be held from April 26 to 28 in Bangkok.

While new technologies have actually helped radio to develop further and deliver its products over multiple platforms, ABU believes innovation in content is the key to the future of radio.

Across the region, the radio industry has matured and fresh investments are being made in radio broadcasting.

Collaborative content is the key to the future, partnership with audiences will help radio broadcasting to be successful and enhance public trust. Looking forward, radio will continue to enhance its presence in the multimedia space.

Here are the sessions planned during the conference that will explore the major aspects of its theme and how it will add to the efficacy of the radio industry in the years to come.

Day 1

Invited Address: How are European Radio Broadcasters Engaging Audiences Industry

Keynote: Radio Scenario in Thailand – Near Term Developments

Session 1

Creating the Future: In the rapidly changing media landscape and diverse methods of media consumption, how to create the future of radio so that it can put itself in a pivotal position while staying strong and relevant? Listening is high and radio is increasingly using alternative platforms to reach audiences and develop its offer to stay relevant. This session will see leading radio professionals addressing where radio should be heading and how to ensure a bright future for radio.

Day 2

Session 2

Beyond Radio: Programming with Passion Current radio is not just limited to programming in words and music. Modern radio stations do a lot more to create keen interest among audiences and to engage them closely. They also enhance their brand image. Holding of events with audiences is one such measure which is very common. This session will hear about the efforts and the ways radio stations have developed to further enhance the impact of radio among audiences and promote audience participation.

Session 3

Radio Streaming and Podcasting: How are Broadcasters Making use of Internet Platforms Most radio broadcasters, including those in the Asia-Pacific, run parallel service through Internet streaming. This provides access to their live programmes to audiences on mobile devices (phones). This also extends the reach of the content to well beyond the broadcasting coverage, potentially to anywhere in the world. Many broadcasters make use of the Podcasts to supplement their Internet offerings. How are the radio broadcasters addressing these operations, both on the basis of content and on streaming. This session will receive information on how this has been practically accomplished by broadcasters.

Session 4

Radio Initiatives: How New Ideas were Implemented In this debate, presenters will expound on how they actually implemented new ideas in radio content programing and delivery

Session 5

Implementation of Technology Initiatives in Radio:  While new technologies for radio keep on evolving and developing, their implementation takes a good bit of effort. There are many stakeholders whose participation is essential for successful introduction of new technologies in radio broadcasting; in the studios, over the air and in Internet delivery. Presenters in this session will address these issues.

Day 3

Session 6

Radio Summit: This session will offer a high level debate in which top radio executives from Asian and European broadcasters will provide insight on current opportunities and challenges in radio broadcasting. They will also discuss how their organisations dealt with such issues successfully.

Session7

Storytelling on Radio: Radio is the “theatre of the mind” and story-telling is what is the strength of radio is. This genre of radio content carries the listeners into a different world and environment without the use of visuals, leaving a lasting impact on them. It is perhaps the most powerful tool available to the radio content creator.

Session 8

Festivals in Europe and Asia: Promoting Culture Festivals have been the show-stoppers of radio broadcasting industry in Europe. In Asia, broadcasters are making rapid progress in this direction. Asian song shows are getting to the forefront. Experience gained in conducting and attracting huge audiences in both these regions will be shared at this session.

For more information and to register, click here.