There are some incredible resources available around the world to assist with radio’s coverage of coronavirus, and how to get radio stations back on track. We have written a number pieces about the commitment shown by various media corporations and individuals as they share content, develop resources to avoid misinformation and promote community support for radio stations through patronage.
As radio changes its trajectory towards a ‘new’ normal in broadcasting, radio associations, groups & radio/audio companies are doing their bit to ensure that radio stations have the resources and information they need to navigate their way through this period, and that we are sharing accurate information around the world.
This week we are providing a snapshot on a few markets and sharing their content focused initiatives. As always, if you know of any initiatives out of your market, let us know.
Radiocentre has been providing fantastic content over the last few months. There is a section of the website devoted to coronavirus information and research, providing up-to-date information on the pandemic and how it affects the radio industry.
The most recent study led by Radiocentre looks at the audience and how listeners are looking to spend as we come out of the pandemic. Some of the main insights out of this study include:
-
People feel mixed emotions about the relaxation of lockdown, with both optimism and concerns dominating feelings
-
There is pent-up desire to spend among commercial radio listeners across a range of categories, particularly on travel and social activities (bars and restaurants) again
This is likely to be realised in a bounce-back in spend across a number of categories, but more pragmatically distributed across socially distanced/practical activities
– DIY/gardening
– domestic travel
– clothes/footwear -
After the initial bounce-back, long-term spending predictions are less extreme with a continued focus on the pragmatic, with positive indicators around social activities as COVID threat recedes – Increase in grocery spend and DIY/Gardening; clothes/footwear – Longer term future looks rosier for restaurants – Domestic travel remains the dominant choice for the longer term
-
Radio has a key role to play in purchase decisions. This is particularly clear among the Newly WFH group who have increased their listening the most, suggesting they have an even greater opportunity to be impacted by radio advertising.
The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia has also presented some fantastic resources over the last few months. Offering a variety of webinars about podcasting to programming strategies, as well as a variety of articles on content and fact checking.
According to CBAA, these webinars run at least once per month and cover various topics of interest to community broadcasters and allow people from all over Australia to learn from experts from the comfort of their own computer workstation. Anyone with an internet connection can get involved. Best of all, the webinars are offered as a free service. Yet another example of the industry supporting community radio and ensuring the survival of the medium during these difficult times, by upskilling those who work in community radio.
We have already discussed how UNESCO were working towards disinformation by producing free COVID-19 commercials for stations around the world, and now the United Nations are using their reach to provide information about the pandemic to remote areas.
In the Central African Republic, radio broadcasts are a useful means to share public information, especially to the most remote populations. UN Volunteers assigned with the MINUSCA’s radio are on the frontline to raise awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic. These dedicated UN Volunteers share current up-dates on COVID-19 via radio programmes, while advocating for prevention and protection measures.
In a context where a high percentage of the population is illiterate, radio shows are an essential way to reach as many people as possible, especially during a health crisis where people should stay home. UN Volunteers make sure that information and advocacy messages are broadcasted in the most adapted and suitable way for local populations. (source: un.org)
Yet again, we see the importance of radio in distributing information around the world, especially to remote areas where other forms of communication are more challenging.
From England and Australia and the United Nations, there is a real focus on delivering high quality content with the purpose of educating radio professionals and informing the general population. The initiatives discussed are available globally and thus exist to benefit individuals who attend the webinars or engage with the resources available. If you have a chance to attend these webinars, we would love to hear more about your experience.
We know there are many more out there creating wonderful content to help radio stations, if you have a company, assocation or individual you think should be highlighted please contact – katalina@radiodayseurope.com
