The Future of Radio Broadcasting – Four Important Trends

Digital transformation is happening everywhere. Over the years, we have witnessed this shift in the television industry and other media. Currently, the radio industry is at the cross roads of digital transformation. This means there is much more to expect in the coming decade. The following are key trends in future of radio that are discussed on the basis of insights provided by leading media analysts, and media forecasters.

1. Easy Access to Your Favourite Local Radio from Anywhere in the World: The term local radio will extinct. Right now, our radio access is limited to the area, where we live. In the next decade, this geographical restriction will be lifted. Wi-Fi enabled cars and internet will play a major role in this shift. This means you can enjoy your favourite radio anytime without any restrictions. The radio stations that still adhere to a traditional rigid single-format transmission will die, if they don’t match up this transformation. With this democratization of radio broadcasting, radio stations will be at war to improve their public outreach and market share.
2. Smartphones with FM Chips: Today, smartphones are build with FM chips that allow people to enjoy their radio time. In 2015, it was reported that these chips were inactive in almost 2/3rd of smartphones. The radio industry is working hard to promote the acceptance of these chips through easy-to-use mobile apps. Buyers are optimistic that these chips will retain relevancy of radio in a new era.
3. FM Translators Will Boost HD Radio: Listeners had great expectations from HD radio. There are many who still believe that HD radio is yet to deliver. Industry experts believe that FM translators will help to improve HD radio technology. A FM translator is engineered to convert HD audio signal into an analog signal on a low frequency. This will definitely improve audio clarity of HD signals, which was lacking.
4. In-Car Music Radio Apps: Connected cars will help boost popularity of apps like MOG and Pandora. People happily tuned their radio because it was free, and was always there. With in-car music radio apps, people don’t have to listen to channels which don’t interest them or seem irrelevant. Also, they can enjoy their favorite weather updates, news, songs, and celebrity gossip. There is also a scope for personalized music experience, which when happens, the traditional radio will lose its charm.

Internet of Things (IoT) has already opened doors for better radio communications. Like any other area, IoT has made technology evolutions much faster in radio. People will be able to easily access their favorite audio data, and share it with their loved ones through WiFi connections. With many new technologies in the development phase, the future of radio is bright.