The International Radio Festival is preparing for its ninth annual event, which takes place in Valetta, Malta — the European Capital of Culture 2018 — from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4.
On tap for this year’s gathering will be a host of presentations focused around the business, production and curation of audio and radio content. Of special interest during the Audio Conference, held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on Nov. 1, will be the topic of blockchain technology and audio and how it can benefit the radio industry.
During the conference, Cliff Fluet, a digital lawyer from London-based law firm Lewis Silkin, who advises clients on music-based content, branded entertainment and rights issues, will explain what blockchain is, and what it might mean for audio and other creative businesses. Fluet will look at how the technology can facilitate consumer sales and peer-to-peer transmission; allow a producer or musician to track, tokenize and monetize their work; and help ensure the protection of intellectual property.
Other speakers include composer and producer David Lowe, who will discuss his work on branding and idents around the world, including the BBC News theme. In addition, Xanthe Fuller, Mixcloud’s head of Community; Nicky Birch of BBC Research & Development; and Scott Cohen, co-founder of digital distribution pioneer The Orchard will explore how the radio and audio sector is reinventing itself.
Finally, record producer and artist Martyn Ware will close the day in conversation with presenter and DJ, Carly Wilford. He’ll talk about his career, from founding the Human League in 1978, to his current work with unique 3DAudioScape immersive sound technology, including a demonstration in the setting of Malta’s historic Mediterranean Conference Centre.
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The IRF B2B forum in Malta will also be the center stage for more than 25 radio stations broadcasting live from the event. These include Dublin Digital Radio, Pride Radio (U.S); Love Radio Shanghai; Vibe FM (Malta); Flex FM London; and Jazz FM (Malta).
Register for the IRF 2018 audio conference here.