In this letter to the editor, the author comments on Jerry Del Colliano’s guest column, What’s Next for Public Radio? Radio World welcomes letters to the editor on this or any story. Email [email protected].
There’s no doubt that the public broadcasting budget recissions are going to have a serious impact on radio stations, especially in smaller markets where their fundraising capabilities are limited.
Even the large markets are going to feel an impact.
So, what’s next for public radio?
How about thinking outside of the box from a technical standpoint?
COVID-19 taught the industry that you can work from home and make great radio too. Coupled with AI, air talent can be located anywhere there is internet access. This opens up a whole world of air talent that you would never have access to any other way. Think of the programming opportunities, and the potential for savings related to studio space.
Using cloud-based AI like Super Hi-Fi to generate some or all of a broadcaster’s programming is certainly worth investigating, or even for programming HD2 and HD3 channels. Some AI automation vendors have “off the shelf” formats that can be quickly and cost effectively rolled out. Add station branding and talent voices and off you go.
Commercial broadcasters have embraced this technology to downsize studios and office space at significant savings without impacting quality. Dozens of AI based channels are on the air with more being added every month.
Another option for saving money lies in the delivery of content to the transmitter. We’re working with a broadcaster that is delivering content to hundreds of sites using StarLink with 5G backup. It’s cheaper than satellite, which is what they had been using, and gives them much more flexibility in station programming.
Can this same cost savings be scaled down to a smaller, rural broadcaster? If you’re scratching your head over how to replace your aging STL equipment, it’s worth a look.
We all want to help keep you on the air, and embracing some of the newest technologies could be an answer to reducing some of your large expenses.
— Mike Pappas, Senior Vice President – Global Sales
Orban Labs
Pennsauken, N.J.
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