After winning the RadioHack we are not slowing down! On the contrary, our schedule is packed with meetings and there are so many brainstorming sessions to attend. Not to mention some of the breath-taking booths to check, like this one by Emirat radio promotions:

This year we can see the significant rise of subjects related to Amazon Echo, Google Home and online opportunities for radio stations. One of the most interesting sessions was “Digital strategies for radio” led by Alison Winter (Head of Audiences, BBC, UK) and Aled Haydn-Jones, (Head of Programmes, BBC Radio 1, UK). They shared the research that is shaping the strategy for the future of radio in the BBC and addressed some key questions: What does the data tell us about the way people are now consuming audio and radio? In a divergent media landscape, does radio still play a significant part in people’s lives? And how can the “number crunchers” help programmers and producers create content that will engage and entertain radio audiences in the future? Head of Programmes Aled Haydn-Jones from BBC Radio 1 talked about, how BBC Radio is working with research to remain relevant to younger audiences and his view on the role of BBC Radio in an ever ever-changing landscape.

Dan Healy (Head of 2FM and Head of Radio Strategy for RTÉ, Ireland) and Mark Barber (Planning Director, Radiocentre) in their session “Show me the money” presented a new research study, conducted by Ebiquity, which explored the value of media for brand advertising. The research quantified the differences between perception and reality. Dan also pointed, that agencies that are leaving radio last on their plans are missing out on key audiences for their advertisers.