#radiowontfall (29 June To 1 July 2016)

The 2015 #feesmustfall student uprising was widely reported in both local and international media. Being in the heart of the student body, campus radio had the unique ability to tap directly into on-campus events and students’ associated emotions. Charita van der Berg and Lerato Makate tell us how their stations tackled these historic events.

The ability to facilitate conversations between a radio station and its audience is key to stimulating audience-driven dialogue. Echo Mobile has developed an innovative way to connect poorer audiences to their local station through automated voice calls and SMS, giving them a voice that can be broadcast and heard. Zoe Cohen will detail how this works and how the system is currently used.

Soeren Johannsen (BBC Media Action – Zambia) Patricia Sinyangwe (BBC Media Action – Zambia)) Tikambe (Let’s Talk) is a joint BBC media action project using TV, radio and online media to help young people look after their sexual health and improve their knowledge. Soeren Johannsen and Patricia Sinyangwe speak about the programme and the impact it has had on the sexual well-being of Zambia’s youth.

Commercial radio garners enormous power, not only through large audience numbers, but also with its commercial partners. The ability to translate this into social conscience is a very powerful skill. During recent water shortages and droughts in South Africa, JacarandaFM mobilised its audiences and commercial partners to alleviate the need of communities within its footprint. Kevin Fine talks about the social conscience of radio.

George Wright (Head of Internet Research and Future Services: BBC – United Kingdom) Rethinking existing models and employing new technology and processes, the BBC has managed to create innovative processes within the production chain. George Wright shares his experience within the research and development space, and some of the examples where the BBC has changed the way they do business with particular focus on the production cycle.

Public radio stations often have to create a delicate balance between language-specific programming and catering for a variety of cultural groups within its reach. RSG has had numerous success stories in getting this balance just right. Terrance April tells us how they’ve managed to do this.

Roger Goode (DJ and Radio Presenter: 5FM) In an audio industry, radio presenters often overlook audio. In South Africa, Roger Goode is synonymous with the use of sound. He tells us why and how audio is the key to successfully entertain radio audiences.

Justine Cullinan (Station Manager: 5FM) The SABC recently made headlines with an announcement that all its radio stations are required to play 90% local music with immediate effect. The implications for the commercial portfolio are more challenging and far-reaching than for their public counterparts. Relevance to audience, income generation and brand promise are areas that could be affected. Justine Cullinan explains how 5FM tackled this directive.

In this session, Daryl Ilbury will explain the effect that the disruption of the media environment has had on the media consumer, the opportunities it provides, and the four questions content creators in radio need to ask themselves in order to capitalise on it.

The natural synergy between social media and radio is growing. It is, however, very difficult to predict which social media trends will resonate with audiences. Martin Liss will share success stories and highlight the strategic thinking behind building successful social media campaigns for radio audiences.

Eric Eisen (Marketing Manager: SoCast - Canada) Have you ticked all the boxes on your digital checklist? Broadcasters no longer consider digital as a potential offering. Instead, it is an integral part of any radio station’s content platform. Eric Eisen shares his thoughts on what strategies radio stations should employ to ensure traction and revenue success on their digital platforms. Presentation Slides — PDF (1.1 MB)

Ravi Naidoo (Station Manager: 947) Big dreams and aspirations in our business are often replaced by reality and operational needs. The radio industry requires young and innovative talent, but talent also need to understand what the industry needs from them to successfully operate as a radio professional. Ravi Naidoo talks about how talent should approach potential employers, and what skills they should possess to stand a better chance to break through.

The #MMA has established itself as a leading music-awards event in South Africa. Metro FM uses the awards to engage and interact with their audience. Sibongile Mtyila talks about the growth and success of the awards, as well as the way in which MetroFM utilises the awards to create brand loyalty and awareness through compelling content.

In-car listening has always been a strong area of consumption for traditional radio. The Connected Car is a concept which involves access to a multitude of platforms through data streams in your car. This has received much attention in the USA as it will ultimately disrupt an area where radio has previously dominated. Neale Hill shares his company's innovations in this regard. The following sources are credited: Ford Motor Company, Byrnesmedia.com, mckinsey.com, autoconnectedcar.com, and Ray Kurzweil – “Bold”

Kaizer Kganyago (SABC), Don Laka (Kalawa Jazmee Records), Greg Maloka (Kaya Fm) discuss various aspects of South Africa’s radio past, and the development of broadcasting houses. What changed and what stayed the same in the Music Scene.

Your presence in a digital space is critical in engaging with audiences. When done right, it enhances your brand significantly. Arthur Goldstuck examines brands that are doing good and bad work in the digital space, focussing on websites, mobi and apps

Helen Boaden (Director: BBC Radio – United Kingdom) Having undergone extensive analysis of the role of the BBC in the UK with the British government, Helen Boaden shares her insight into how the BBC has positioned itself as a multi-channel public service provider. Considered as one of the leading public broadcasters internationally, the BBC is often regarded as an industry trendsetter and example of best practice.

Tom Webster (Vice-President: Strategy, Edison Research - USA) Understanding consumer behaviour and consumption is critical to the success of any broadcasting business. Tom Webster shares insight into research projects conducted by Edison for their clients across the globe. He will touch on global research trends and how broadcasters should approach the question of research.

Prof. Franz Kruger (Director: Wits Radio Academy) Helen Boaden (Director: BBC Radio) Daryl Ilbury (Journalist, Writer, Author)+ Leslie Ntloko (Group Executive: SABC Radio) Despite being under pressure from a variety of media offerings, radio continues to thrive. Prof Franz Kruger chats to Helen Boaden, Daryl Ilbury and Leslie Ntloko about the state of radio in South Africa, the continent and across the world. #radiowontfall will look at trends in innovation and technology, as well as the relationship between audiences and radio brands in a changing landscape.

Prof. Franz Kruger, Director of Wits Radio Academy opens the conference with guest speakers Nadia Bulbulia and Tawana Kupe