Unesco-ABU Content Creation for Digital Radio has concluded, having attracted more than 30 senior broadcasters from 17 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

The four-day workshop was staged by the ABU in Kuala Lumpur, and offered attendeed an insight into the skills required for creating digital radio content. Part of the workshop exercise was giving participants a decision-making role on the introduction of digital radio in their countries. They were also asked to analyse complex factors such as geography, technical requirements, cost and consumer benefits to make sensible recommendations about how to implement digital radio.

Other presentations covered how to run the software programs that help broadcasters to move their networks into the digital age, and experience in creating new content for a number of digital platforms. The event also included a half-day visit to Malaysia’s private broadcaster Media Prima, where delegates were able to see first-hand how the station runs its digital radio facilities. ‘Stopping the march of digital media is like standing on a beach, holding up your hand and telling the tidal wave to go back,’ says workship trainer Steve Ahern. ‘Sooner or later, you will get washed away.

Ahern believes that broadcasters must prepare their networks for a time when studios will be fully digitalised, and listeners will contribute to programmes’ content. The target group for the event was radio content creators/programme producers among the ABU’s membership, and it was supported by Unesco through a grant under the IPDC programme. Attendees left with greater understanding of conceptualising, devising formats and in producing content for digital radio.

Digital radio broadcasting is being introduced throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and tests are presently being conducted in many countries. Broadcasting of radio programmes to mobile devices has also begun within the region. ‘It is not a matter of if, but when,’ Ahearn says.

More: www.abu.org.my