THE MEDIA - RADIO ISSUE 2024

ON THE RECORD... R

adio celebrated 100 years of connecting and informing South Africans on World Radio Day in February this year. The Telkom Radio Awards honour this milestone in 2024, the same year our country celebrates 30 years of democracy.

But for me, the awards also ‘Amplify Change’ – and what changes there have been since that first experimental broadcast from Railway Headquarters in Johannesburg on 18 December 1923!

What significant changes took place after 1994 too, when the airwaves were liberated from state control and opened up to new operators, licensees and businesses.

As a teenager, I first tuned into radio stations on my grandfather’s enormous old claw-footed radiogram. My parents, sensibly, installed it in a shed, saving them from the hissing and crackling symphony of us trying to tune into LM Radio while also playing ‘records’, accompanied by much scratching WAY before it became fashionable to do so, on the ancient ‘record player’. Stereo was not yet a thing for those of us living in the backwoods.

Now I tune into any station I want to listen to in the world, simply by having an internet connection. There’s no such thing as a regional station when you listen online. Radio has no borders.

This audio-centric issue of The Media, aligned with the Telkom Radio Awards, is concerned with radio, now.

Stations, sales houses and podcasters are embracing these changes and, like those maverick first broadcasters back in 1923, are experimenting and innovating with the new digital tools at our disposal.

How is artificial intelligence changing the way they operate? Four contributors from different stations share their experiences, highlighting what works for them, issues around ethics and how to use AI to boost personalisation and audience engagement.

How does radio attract and keep Generation Z – and now, Generation Alpha – listening in when they have so many platforms at their disposal? Three young radio professionals have strong ideas on this.

Digital technology has also brought forward some issues, particularly that of piracy, something that affects audio, television and streaming. Frikkie Jonker, director of Anti-Piracy Cybersecurity Services at MultiChoice, lays bare the costs of global piracy on the creative industries.

The winners and finalists in the 2024 Telkom Radio Awards once again show why South Africa’s radio industry is coming of age. Congratulations to each and every one of you involved in keeping South Africans connected.

We appreciate your work.

The Media. Got to love it.

Glenda

www.themediaonline.co.za

PUBLISHED BY

Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Hillside Road), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193

Postal Address: PO Box 1746

Saxonwold, Johannesburg 2193

Telephone: +27 11 280 3000

EDITORIAL

Editor: Glenda Nevill

glenda.nevill@cybersmart.co.za

Content Manager: Raina Julies rainaj@picasso.co.za

Sub-Editor: Lucinda Jordaan

Content Co-ordinator: Natasha Maneveldt

Contributors: Greg Aldridge, Lyndon Barends, Livia Brown, Travis Bussiahn , Kirsty Carlson, Candy Dempers, Kival Dhavraj, Paulo Dias, Frikkie Jonker, Deirdre King, Lindiwe Manzini, Mpho Mothapo, Tim Zunckel

DESIGN

Head of Design: Jayne Macé-Ferguson

Project Designer: Anja Hagenbuch

Cover Image: Freepik.com

SALES

Sales Manager: Tarin-Lee Watts wattst@arena.africa +27 79 504 7729

PRODUCTION

Production Editor: Shamiela Brenner

Advertising Co-ordinator: Johan Labuschagne

MANAGEMENT

General Manager, Magazines: Jocelyne Bayer

Copyright: The Media No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. The Media is published by Arena Holdings. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Arena Holdings. All advertisements/ advertorials have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher.

CONTENTS

08 MORE THAN A MOMENT

Audio as an industry is at a pivotal juncture for content and contributors writes Tim Zunckel.

10 THE ‘I’ IN AI

AI should be a tool to enhance human creativity and operational efficiency, not undermine jobs or remove the human touch that listeners value, Deirdre King believes.

12 COMMUNITY INTEGRATION

By integrating digital platforms, community radio can tap into wider audiences and offer more personalised content, advises Mpho Mothapo.

13 THE AI WISHLIST

If Travis Bussiahn got his wish, he’d ask for an AI assistant that can help him track live listener feedback –refreshing the face of listener engagement as we know it.

15 BEYOND THE MEDIUM

Every aspect of the broadcast value chain value chain has opportunities for AI enhancement, reckons Candy Dempers

16 PIRACY’S DIGITAL EVOLUTION

The rise of high-speed internet and digital platforms has allowed piracy to flourish, making it more accessible and harder to combat. Frikkie Jonker unpacks the substantial costs of piracy, and the promising efforts to counter it.

20 PODCASTING’S COLLABORATIVE FUTURE

Paulo Dias reckons podcasting should evolve beyond the need for advertisers by exploring alternative value creation methods and income revenue streams.

24 LIVING HIS DREAM

5FM and Good Hope FM combo business manager Masixole Mdingane tells Glenda Nevill about how he realised his dream of being ‘on the radio’.

28 WHAT GENERATION Z WANT

Lindiwe Manzini, Kival Dhavraj and Greg Aldridge recently joined the National Association of Broadcasters for a chat about what youth want in radio - and share their insights into this tricky cohort.

32 THE BILLBOARD BUZZ

Out of home experts Kirsty Carlson and Livia Brown share insights they’ve gained hosting the Beyond the Billboard podcast.

30 SONIC STRATEGIES

Radio continues to surprise by adapting and thriving alongside digital platforms, writes Paulo Dias

37 HONOURING EXCELLENCE

Arena’s head of strategic partnerships and events, Lyndon Barends, on why it’s important to celebrate the voices that keep us connected.

38 THE RADIO AWARDS RESULTS

All the finalists and winners in the 2024 Telkom Radio Awards

THE MEDIUM FOR MORE THAN THE MOMENT

Tim Zunckel takes a full spectrum overview of the challenges and changes across the industry – and believes there’s reason to invest in the dynamic resilience of radio.

Irecently had a ‘come to Jesus’ moment about my lifestyle. Although not a sudden realisation, there was a definite recognition and understanding that something major needed to change. It was one of those internal conversations where you acknowledge that you’re not all bad and you might even give yourself some fake props to feel a bit better about the state you’re in.

The first step is accepting that you have a problem. Then comes the introspection, which serves as a bridge to the plan. How did I get here? How do I become a better version of myself, ME version 2.24? Does radio, as a medium, need such a moment?

but some of the legacy issues in the broadcasting sector remain.

In recent years, the shift of community media portfolio to the minister in the presidency – intended to give the sector more meaningful attention –has also created a curious parallel structure, which I believe further isolates the community media sector. It is hard to argue that the communications and digital technologies portfolio has enjoyed the stability the media sector requires, and the effects are evident.

The analogue TV switchoff has been a 13-year rolling disaster, with the final deadline set for 31 December 2024.

Sentech must contend with while trying to maintain transmission services.

The Sentech site footprint is costly to operate, with many sites located in rural and remote areas.

MIXED SIGNALS

While many commercial radio operators still use Sentech for signal distribution, it is no secret that these groups consider the signal distributor a high-risk factor in their business operations.

However, the critical nature of their service has also strengthened the relationship between Sentech and the commercial radio sector, with regular communication and knowledge-sharing.

The community radio sector has long cited onerous monthly transmission fees as one of the main issues threatening its viability.

The evolving media landscape is moving faster than before. The media context is constantly changing, as are budgets, external pressures and the political environment. It is impossible to review a sector in isolation; context remains critical and the ability to stay relevant is key to ongoing success.

The Government of National Unity has appointed its 10th minister of communications in 10 years. Carrim, Muthambi and Dlodlo are long gone,

The ineffective use of this spectrum has long been criticised by mobile operators, who believe the space could have been used more effectively to accelerate digital access.

The ongoing switch-off see-saw has also wreaked havoc for the SABC, which cites this as one of the reasons for its poor financial performance in recent years.

The radio industry is also heavily reliant on the state-owned Sentech, which also falls under the minister of communications’ umbrella.

Load shedding, diesel shortages, cable theft, infrastructure damage and ageing equipment are all challenges that

The ongoing conversation seems to yield little success – despite the sector’s elevated position to the minister in the presidency.

Meanwhile, the SABC appears to be the biggest defaulter to Sentech, with both SOEs locked in a protracted debate over cost and coverage.

Let’s hope the new minister of communications and digital technologies can send a clear signal to both entities to find a resolve and ultimately strengthen the broader radio sector.

ICASA continues to navigate the complexities of its role in the communications space. From a radio perspective, the authority seems to have a love/hate relationship with the community sector.

Tim Zunckel

STATE OF PLAY

For stations that are licensed and on-air, ICASA appears to have made strides in strengthening relationships. The monitoring and compliance officers working with the sector seem to have a better understanding of the challenges stations face, both operationally and in terms of licence conditions.

Improved communication from both sides appears to be the major driver of these stronger relationships.

However, the authority has adopted a much stricter stance on the community radio licence renewal process.

Where flexibility was once part of the authority’s approach, this has now changed to a rigid adherence to deadlines. This shift has led to the closure of several well-known community stations.

The South African Community Radio Organisation (SACRO) has taken ICASA to court to challenge its strict interpretation of the deadline provisions, arguing that the authority can provide more leeway.

As for licensing, it seems that Beat and Rhythm FM will provide neither beat nor rhythm for the areas they were licensed to serve 10 years ago. An April 2020 judgement by the Complaints and Compliance Committee gave the station 180 days to submit an implementation plan.

More than 1 400 days have passed since then. Let’s give someone else a chance to serve that audience or use the spectrum.

WANING WATCHDOGS

From a representational perspective, SACRO has certainly been punching above its weight for the community radio sector, while the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF) has all but collapsed. Although some active provincial branches of the NCRF remain, there is no united national group championing the sector. Now in its 31st year, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has remained a consistent voice for the local broadcasting industry. The recent establishment of the NAB’s Women’s Forum highlights the need for a more formal approach to mentoring and training the next generation of women in the broadcast sector.

Data and research remain vital tools for the radio business. From a commercial

perspective, BRC RAM remains a staple for agencies looking to invest in radio. The challenges surrounding RAMS are well known, and over the last year, commercial groups have intensified their own research efforts to better tell their multi-platform story and collective reach.

PUBLIC VS COMMUNITY

For community radio, which remains data-challenged and underrepresented, AI seems a good starting point to help stations use and analyse data received at studio level to build audience profiles.

Despite not being able to monetise their audience effectively, the SABC continues to dominate local listenership, holding more than 70% of the radio market.

IMAGINE THE IMPACT ON BROADCASTING IF EVERY SINGLE COMMUNITY

RADIO

STATION RECEIVED A GRANT OF R1.6 MILLION A YEAR: MORE BROADCASTERS, GREATER MEDIA PLURALISM, MORE LOCAL LANGUAGE USAGE .

writing and the overall development of the radio ecosystem.

I truly want Nomsa Chabeli and her team to succeed – the sector needs it and audiences deserve it.

MORE POWER TO RADIO

I think we are at a pivotal moment for content and contributors as an industry. We can engineer our next layer of success, both financially and with audiences, by investing in people, ideas, concepts and creativity.

Or we can continue with the status quo.

As an industry, I think we must do better. Audiences are being served vibrant content on multiple platforms, yet we’re still doing “this day in history” and “top ten lists.” Audio is dynamic, immediate, intimate, and accessible. Radio is no longer just a noun – it’s an action, a verb.

We need to amplify the experience for the audience to remain their go-to choice.

We must invest in the heart of our operations: talent.

If the Springbok rugby team has taught us anything, it’s that the right talent wins. It’s a process that requires time, effort and input. Talent needs to be discovered, nurtured, trained, developed, exposed and rewarded. It’s a process that will sometimes disappoint, but remember: we lost to Japan, then went on to win the World Cup.

I love the resilience the radio sector has shown in the last few years. As a mature industry, the sector continues to prove its worth to audiences and advertisers.

A colleague recently told me that my attitude towards the SABC mirrors an abusive relationship, and that I need to accept that things will never change. I’m still in two minds. Did they lose the wrong people in the S189 process, or is the operational structure hindering progress?

It’s hard to have faith when their latest projection shows them losing R1.6 million a day – though that’s an improvement on the R3.1 million per day lost in the previous year.

Imagine the impact on broadcasting if every single community radio station received a grant of R1.6 million a year: more broadcasters, greater media pluralism, more local language usage, sport and content, greater representation of communities and marginalised groups, and a thriving sector…

We could use the remaining R184 million to support audio and language development, creative

Let’s not underestimate the trust relationship we’ve built with listeners and how powerful that is for us.

We’ve built trust by being accurate, consistent, and meaningful. We’re not an industry of filters, frames, and instant fame. We remain relevant because we meet the needs of our audiences, in good times and bad.

We mirror and reflect sentiment in real-time, with real people.

We respect the audience that grants us the privilege of being in their homes, cars, earbuds, and workplaces.

We’re a business of moments that create memories. Let’s not become a memory by missing the moment.

Tim Zunckel is an audio ambassador and lover of stories. He currently works for Internews as the regional media business advisor for Africa.

ETHICS ON THE AIRWAVES

DEIRDRE KING explores the ethical considerations of embracing the exciting possibilities that automation brings to radio’s smörgåsbord of offerings.

AI has been with us for some time now, but things changed drastically with the arrival of ChatGPT (kinda cool, right?). Suddenly everyone’s searching the millions of AI tools available to customise our everyday experiences.

Some radio stations have started using AI-powered analytics to gain insights into listener behaviours. These tools analyse audience preferences, helping stations make data-driven decisions about music playlists, programme schedules, and advertising strategies.

AI’s ability to sift through large amounts of data makes it a valuable asset for stations trying to understand their audience and provide more relevant content.

And we can use it ethically, if continuous auditing is built into the design and deployment of AI systems; this involves collaborating with technologists, ethicists, and policy-makers to create AI systems that reflect media values and media integrity.

WHILE AI CAN GENERATE FACTUAL NEWS, IT OFTEN LACKS THE DEPTH, NUANCE AND EMOTIONAL ENGAGEMENT OF HUMANCREATED CONTENT.

AI isn’t a once-off silver bullet –human intervention is needed in its employment for ethics to be upheld with this new technology. Here’s what needs to be considered before implementing AI software.

KEEPING AN I

AI software systems should be continually monitored to ensure they function ethically over time. Regular auditing of AI processes can help identify unintended consequences like reinforcing bias or spreading misinformation.

THE HUMAN KIND

AI can automate many processes but human oversight and editorial control must be maintained, particularly to ensure news media content upholds journalistic standards.

TELL ALL

Be transparent with audiences when AI-generated content is used, especially in news reporting or automated shows.

IN SOUTH AFRICA, AI ADOPTION IN RADIO IS STILL AT AN EXPLORATORY STAGE – SO THERE IS TIME TO EVALUATE AND STANDARDISE BEST PRACTICE.

Listeners should know whether they are engaging with AI or human-driven content.

FIRST, DO NO HARM

AI-driven tools require large amounts of data and power to sustainably be implemented. Broadcasters should consider using energy-efficient technologies and assess the carbon footprint of their AI infrastructure.

THE MORE AI, THE LESS LISTENERS

Audiences are becoming more discerning about where they get their information, and trust in news sources is crucial. While AI can generate factual news, it often lacks the depth, nuance and emotional engagement of human-created content. Listeners tune in to radio not just for information but for the connection and personality that human hosts bring.

LET’S BE FRANK

AI should be a tool to enhance human creativity and operational efficiency, not undermine jobs or remove the human touch that listeners value.

In South Africa, AI adoption in radio is still at an exploratory stage, with limited applications across mainstream broadcasters – so there is time to evaluate and standardise best practice.

AI in radio presents both opportunities and challenges. While AI can enhance efficiency, personalisation, and innovation in content creation, it also raises significant ethical concerns around bias, misinformation, transparency, and privacy.

Media organisations need to adopt a clear ethical framework that governs the responsible use of AI, ensuring that the technology serves the public good, respects human dignity, and upholds the core principles of journalism.

Deirdre King is managing director of Jacaranda FM

Deirdre King

INTEGRATE TO INNOVATE

MPHO

MOTHAPO believes that by integrating digital platforms, community radio can tap into wider audiences and offer more personalised content.

Even in an era dominated by digital media, community radio continues to hold a powerful position. Its ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, combined with its accessibility and trustworthiness, makes it an invaluable platform for brands and communities.

Trendsetters and industry experts constantly burn the midnight oil, working to understand the future consumer and anticipate emerging trends. The fifth industrial revolution, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), is transforming industries across the board – and radio is no exception.

Despite the challenges posed by digital disruption, radio has demonstrated its resilience and enduring value. Almost all media platforms pay their allegiance to radio for amplification, enhancement, reach and impact.

RADIO AND DIGITAL MEDIA COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER RATHER THAN COMPETE: RADIO OFFERS A TRUSTED, ACCESSIBLE PLATFORM, WHILE DIGITAL MEDIA PROVIDES INTERACTIVE, PERSONALISED EXPERIENCES.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has played a pivotal role in debunking myths surrounding the perceived decline of radio. A recent radio thought leadership colloquium highlighted the medium’s enduring power, demonstrating that fact tells and stories sell. Generations of audiences has relied on radio for information, education and entertainment.

While the digital terrain has grown significantly in recent years, it’s important to recognise that radio and digital media complement each other rather than compete: radio offers a trusted, accessible platform, while digital media provides interactive, personalised experiences.

The emergence of agencies such as Avatar has showcased the potential of leveraging digital platforms to enhance traditional media strategies. Brands are increasingly recognising the importance of a multi-channel approach to reach their target audiences and drive loyalty.

RADIO: REACH, FOR REAL

Trust and accessibility: Radio remains one of the most trusted media globally. It’s accessible to a wide audience, even in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Emergency communication: Radio is still regarded as a reliable source for disseminating urgent information and updates.

Community connection: Radio helps listeners feel connected to their community, offering diverse programming that reflects local culture and issues.

DIGITAL MEDIA: INTEGRATE

Interactivity and engagement: Digital media allows for interactive content, such as social media platforms where users can engage directly with content creators and other users.

Wide reach and personalisation: It offers a vast reach and the ability to personalise content based on user preferences and behaviours.

Multimedia integration: Digital platforms can integrate text, audio, video, and interactive elements, providing a richer user experience.

Radio and digital media both play significant roles in today’s communication landscape, each with unique strengths and relevance.

FORCE FOR AUTHENTIC CONNECTION

The future of community radio in South Africa lies in leveraging the power of digital technology to expand its reach and accessibility. By integrating digital platforms, community radio stations can tap into wider audiences and offer more personalised content.

Brands increasingly recognise the importance of authenticity and cultural relevance in their messaging. Language plays a crucial role in resonating with consumers, and community radio’s ability to communicate in local languages gives it a distinct advantage.

While social media likes can be a vanity metric, they don’t necessarily translate into tangible results. Effective communication requires a blend of art and science. By maintaining a consistent brand voice and leveraging both digital and traditional platforms, community radio stations can capture audiences and drive meaningful engagement.

Mpho Mothapo is the chief revenue officer at Motherland OMNi, bringing a wealth of experience in broadcasting, content production, on-air promotions, marketing and business development. With a strong background in television and video production, Mothapo has also excelled in events and entertainment, specialising in media advisory, sponsorships and business development.

Mpho Mothapo

FUTURE FORWARD

East Coast Radio’s Travis Bussiahn is transparently upbeat on AI’s role – and potential – at the KwaZulu-Natal radio station.

Artificial intelligence is making waves across industries, including the audio space. At East Coast Radio I’ve welcomed this shift as an active ingredient in our strategy that helps us remain innovative.

We’re by no means an AI-run station. But AI is being woven into our fabric. It’s helping to optimise programming for me, enhance our audience engagement, and streamline some of our internal processes. It also gives me a creative sparring partner to bounce things off of.

But let me be clear: our deepest connection with listeners is rooted in trust. AI is simply a tool that allows us to see things from new perspectives, and to elevate our work.

At its heart, radio is a human story –AI is just helping us to tell it in better ways.

ON MY AI WISHLIST…

If had to dream up some cool stuff I’d start with an AI assistant that can help me track live listener feedback. There are so many unheard voice notes and unanswered calls; so much potential content gold, and so little human capacity. It would refresh the face of listener engagement as we know it. This would be my first AI wish.

Secondly, I’d like AI that could update and generate promos in line with the templates we give it. I’d still want them voiced by humans – but the AI can spit out the creative (obviously trained to match our editorial voice) so the creatives can stay focused on making their art, while the AI handles the admin and cadence of it all.

And then there’s music.

Human curation still reigns supreme for me, but AI offers the power to mine through endless streams of data, unearthing hidden gems –or predicting the next big hit.

HUMAN CURATION STILL REIGNS SUPREME FOR ME, BUT AI OFFERS THE POWER TO MINE THROUGH ENDLESS STREAMS OF DATA, UNEARTHING HIDDEN GEMS – OR PREDICTING THE NEXT BIG HIT.

Interactive voice bots could also become regular fixtures in live shows or competitions, seamlessly engaging with voice notes and quiz segments in real time. Listener interaction wouldn’t ever need to stop, meaning that lone caller on a Sunday morning at 3:30am can still reach out – and still get on air.

IMAGINING THE FUTURE… ETHICALLY

Picture AI-driven voice personalities co-hosting alongside humans. Imagine virtual hosts bantering, responding to live listener calls, and adapting their tone to match the moment’s mood.

I believe that there is an irreplaceable soul that only humans bring to the table. AI only serves to enhance that. We made AI – it must never be reversed lest we lose our humanity.

We must ensure that amidst the digital transformation, the human element isn’t lost. AI should be used to assist, never deceive.

We should never pretend that something AI-generated is human. So we must always disclose if we are using AI to generate specific content. It’s a dance, and the human touch must lead.

AI’s role in radio will inevitably grow. It will help us work smarter, anticipate trends, and engage our audience in new and exciting ways. Yet, at the heart of it all, radio remains a deeply human experience. A platform that thrives on connection, storytelling, and authenticity.

Travis Bussiahn is programming and content director at East Coast Radio

His expertise lies in creative management, content development, and multi-channel programming, all underpinned by strategic planning and production insights.

Travis Bussiahn

AUDIO’S AI ADVANTAGE

Candy Dempers unpacks the cost-effective, game-changing opportunities AI offers audio – and how community radio, in particular, can benefit.

I’m fortunate to work in a space that thrives on testing, tweaking, breaking, building, amending, actioning, conceptualising and creating.

No two days at a specialist agency are the same, and the skill set of the creative collective of dedicated specialists at MediaHeads 360 is challenged daily.

We’re a business built on constant change and innovation, and we continually look at trends shaping the way that brands and consumers can connect efficiently and effectively.

Eighteen months ago, LLM was an abbreviation for an academic qualification; now, it is also the daily reference for the large language models powering Consumer AI.

I’ve always championed the concept of change or be changed, and AI is creating new perspectives, opportunities and efficiencies.

The few AI tools I’ve engaged with that are targeted for use in the radio and audio industry are game changers that adds exceptional layers of opportunity.

TOOLS TO THRIVE ON

Community radio thrives due to their local nature and entrenched position as a key member of society. Yet community radio has long suffered a lack of audience data and insights. Products and solutions to solve this gap are costly, as they rely on expensive inputs to build data sets.

Now, with free AI tools available, community radio stations can source their own data and insights.

WhatsApp is a common form of communication in the community radio ecosystem that further builds local networks and conversation. Using free versions of tools like Google Sheets and Chat GPT, radio stations can get extra insight into data, trends, conversations, news and community issues.

By exporting the thousands of chats in

WhatsApp as a .txt file, converting this into a data sheet in Google and importing into Chat GPT, smaller resourced stations can start gaining insight into their audience.

With meaningful prompts and an understanding of the information they are looking for, stations can start using data that was not viably available to them before.

I recently spoke to a rural station that found their “super users” by analysing their WhatsApp and SMS data.

Based on interaction and commentary on content (using a Chat GPT prompt), the station then created a closed chat group with these audience members to gain further insights. The process has unlocked audience data that had previously been unavailable to them, based on cost.

WITH FREE AI TOOLS AVAILABLE, COMMUNITY RADIO STATIONS CAN SOURCE THEIR OWN DATA AND INSIGHTS.

Thanks to messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, a beautiful layer of the audience’s voice quickly and easily becomes a valuable addition to programming.

Previously, producers answered phone calls, recorded callers, edited recorded conversations, then broadcast. Now, there’s the voice note, allowing for more voices and opinions on the air, and quicker too.

Yet the sheer volume means many more voice notes are never heard or acknowledged. Using automated transcription tools, producers can scan through summarised text copy of voices notes.

These notes can be grouped by sentiment, location, language or any

preselected filter. Producers can then, with the help of AI, extract the most relevant, diverse, funny, meaningful or poignant voice notes – without listening to hundreds of recordings.

This process can also add value to client competitions by helping stations process data quicker and more efficiently.

A PROCESS OF ENHANCEMENT

Audio can be enhanced, background noise removed, and the essence of a message captured by deleting repetition or unnecessary silence. These audio pieces can seamlessly be received, analysed, edited, enhanced, spliced together and delivered to the on-air playout system.

Coupled to this, a written note to the DJ can give them an “in and out” to the audio segment to give context to the voice note. Content opportunities can be identified and unique possibilities for brands to collaborate can be unlocked. And this is only when considering AI and studio messaging.

Radio has always embraced technology as a partner to improving our audiences’ listening experience. AI is no different.

Every aspect of the broadcast value chain has AI opportunity: copy, voice overs, audio processing, music scheduling, data management, news gathering and verification, jingle creation and recording -all these aspects can benefit positively if we harness the opportunity and create the right prompt!

Candy Dempers has loved all things media for 23 years. A sales and marketing specialist, her first love was radio and bringing brands and platforms together. Her specialist field has expanded into television and digital media where she heads up the team at MediaHeads360. As a specialist agency, her task is to ensure brands captivate consumers through amplified messaging and activated ideas.

AI generated image of Candy Dempers

In the digital age, piracy – a longtime threat to the creative industries – has evolved into a sophisticated global problem with challenges that require more coordinated efforts, advanced technology, and broader public awareness.

Today, piracy goes further than counterfeit DVDs and music CDs to illegal streaming, unauthorised downloads, and the sale of pirated digital content that presents a growing challenge to the entertainment sector.

As piracy becomes more entrenched in the digital space, it is essential to understand how it affects the creative economy, the actions being taken to combat it –and why this battle matters.

PIRACY’S DIGITAL EVOLUTION

The rise of high-speed internet and digital platforms has allowed piracy to flourish, making it more accessible and harder to combat.

Illegal streams and downloads are just a click away for consumers, while cyber pirates have become more adept at hiding their tracks. This shift has transformed piracy into a global crisis, with its roots embedded in organised crime.

Unlike the small-scale operations of the past, today’s digital pirates run sophisticated networks that offer access to premium content for a fraction of the legal price. From music and films to TV shows, or live sports, the damage caused by this illicit activity is felt across the entire value chain, harming businesses, and people alike – from the actors and directors to technicians and support staff.

This evolving threat requires us to rethink how we approach piracy, both from a law enforcement perspective and through education and public awareness.

BREAKING THE CHAIN

This year, MultiChoice and Irdeto achieved critical milestones in the fight against digital piracy through a series of highprofile raids across South Africa. One of the most significant operations targeted the notorious Waka TV piracy ring, which had been illegally distributing live TV channels, including DStv content.

CRACKING THE PIRACY CODE

Frikkie Jonker delves into the substantial costs of the growing threats of piracy –and the measures being taken to control the scourge.

Law enforcement successfully apprehended several key individuals linked to Waka TV in coordinated raids across the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces. These actions resulted in the seizure of equipment and financial records, marking a substantial victory in disrupting one of the continent’s largest pirate networks and sending a strong message about the consequences of piracy.

The raids in Germiston, Worcester and Cape Town were part of a broader coordinated effort led by MultiChoice, Irdeto and local law enforcement agencies. These operations targeted individuals involved in the sale of illegal streaming devices and login credentials, leading to multiple arrests.

The breadth and impact of these raids underscore the unwavering commitment of MultiChoice and Irdeto to dismantle piracy operations that harm the content creation industry.

Every successful raid protects intellectual property and safeguards the livelihoods of countless individuals whose work relies on the integrity of their creative contributions.

COUNTING THE COSTS

Piracy is more than just a corporate concern; it is a profound social and economic issue. Every illegal download or stream chips away at the viability of creative industries, contributing to significant revenue losses and undermining job creation.

The creative sector, which contributes nearly 3% to the country’s GDP, plays a vital role in driving economic growth and providing employment for thousands of South Africans. Yet, this contribution is at risk.

“Pirated video material gets over 230 billion views a year, whilst more than 80% of global online piracy can be attributed to illegal streaming services,” according to Data prot

Irderto has found that more than 5.4 million illegal downloads or streams are consumed globally every day, with South Africa being one of the most affected countries in Africa.

This explosion in piracy demands immediate attention, as it not only impacts corporate profits but also stifles the creative potential of our artists. When piracy thrives, the ability to invest in new content and provide opportunities for emerging talent diminishes.

Countering piracy is not just about enforcing copyright laws; it’s about preserving the ecosystem that allows creativity to flourish. On a larger scale, Parks Association projects that streaming services will lose $113 billion by 2027 due to piracy.

In the African context, Nollywood alone loses $3 billion annually to piracy, according to Financial Express. In South Africa, piracy has affected nearly all forms of content, from sports broadcasts to local films, stifling investment and job creation.

WHEN PIRACY THRIVES, THE ABILITY TO INVEST IN NEW CONTENT AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMERGING TALENT DIMINISHES.

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY

As the entertainment landscape changes, so too must the tools we use to protect it. At MultiChoice, we are leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to monitor, identify, and dismantle piracy operations.

watermarking and AIpowered content tracking allow us to trace illegal streams back to their source, while rapidresponse takedown teams ensure that pirated content is removed quickly from online platforms.

platforms have also become a new frontier in the fight against piracy. Facebook,

PIRACY IS MORE THAN JUST A CORPORATE CONCERN; IT IS A PROFOUND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUE. EVERY ILLEGAL DOWNLOAD OR STREAM CHIPS AWAY AT THE VIABILITY OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES, CONTRIBUTING TO SIGNIFICANT REVENUE LOSSES AND UNDERMINING JOB CREATION.

YouTube and X are frequently used to distribute illegal content and we work closely with these platforms to enforce takedown policies and protect intellectual property.

However, technology alone cannot win this battle. We need more collaboration between ISPs, governments, and industry stakeholders to ensure that piracy does not continue to spread unchecked.

CONSUMER ACCOUNTABILITY

A significant aspect of the fight against piracy lies with consumers themselves. While many may view illegal streaming as a victimless crime, the reality is that it fuels organised crime and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of professionals.

Moreover, consumers who engage with pirated content often expose themselves to cybersecurity risks, as these illegal sites are frequently riddled with malware and phishing schemes.

Educating consumers about these risks and the real costs of piracy is crucial.

Today’s legal content providers offer more flexible pricing models than ever before, making premium content accessible to a wide audience. The choice between supporting legal platforms or contributing to the illegal economy is one that we must highlight and promote more vigorously.

STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS

The fight against piracy is an ongoing journey, but the recent raids and advancements in technology show that progress is being made. Governments and

regulatory bodies must step up their efforts to implement stricter penalties and collaborate with industry stakeholders to protect intellectual property more effectively.

The industry must continue to innovate, developing new strategies and technologies to stay ahead of the pirates.

The results of 2024’s high-profile operations, such as the Waka TV raids, demonstrate what is possible when organisations like MultiChoice, Irdeto, and law enforcement work together. These actions are just the beginning, but they highlight the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration in the years ahead.

SUSTAINABLE SECURITY

Piracy impacts all industries. Countering this is not just about safeguarding profits; it is about ensuring that our creative potential continues to thrive, provides jobs, entertainment, and contributes to economic growth.

As piracy evolves, so too must our approach to fighting it. With continued technological innovation, robust partnerships, and increased public awareness, we can protect the creative sector from the scourge of piracy.

Together, we can ensure that South Africa’s rich creative industries are given the chance to flourish in a digital world, free from the clutches of illegal distribution.

Frikkie Jonker, director of Anti-Piracy Cybersecurity Services at MultiChoice Group, has over 30 years of experience in broadcasting, anti-piracy and cybersecurity. He leads a team focused on protecting MultiChoice’s content and platforms from piracy and cyber threats, working closely with law enforcement agencies, regulators and industry partners across Africa.

Frikkie Jonker

POPPING THE PODCAST ADVERTISING BUBBLE

Paulo Dias reckons the future of podcast advertising may not involve advertisers – but can be sustained by community and collabs.

Great. I can now walk into a meeting in which people understand what a podcast is. They can even see the value in podcast advertising – kind of. But are podcasters ready for what getting advertisers on their shows really means – and do they even need to?

Podcasters could instead, build ecosystems of mutual support, where creators, listeners and other podcasters sustain each other through rewards, gifts, and monetary and

Brands see the potential of the medium, leveraging pre-roll ads and branded podcasts to reach specific audiences. However, these methods often come with limitations – and frankly, there are better options if mass reach is your game.

Advertorial content is another option. This is where advertising is embedded into the show. Done well, everyone can win –but you run the risk of alienating listeners who have become adept at identifying (and skipping) these sections.

There is also the question of effectiveness. Even when brands invest in podcasting, they often find it difficult to measure long-term impact.

The transient nature of branded content means that its effect on listeners tends to fade quickly – unless brands fully commit to a long-term strategy.

Only those who persist with an ongoing inbound marketing plan tend to see results.

LEAN INTO LONGEVITY

One of the podcast medium’s greatest strengths is its long-term relevance. Unlike many forms of media that lose their audience after an initial burst of interest, podcasts often attract new listeners years after they were first released. Thanks to search algorithms and the evergreen nature of quality content, as well as growing audiences, podcast episodes remain accessible and continue to be discovered.

This durability gives podcasts a unique advantage. Creators can build up a library of episodes that continue to engage listeners, driving new traffic with minimal effort.

However, traditional advertising models fail to capitalise on this, focusing instead on short-term returns.

UNLIKE MANY FORMS OF MEDIA THAT LOSE THEIR AUDIENCE AFTER AN INITIAL BURST OF INTEREST, PODCASTS OFTEN ATTRACT NEW LISTENERS YEARS AFTER THEY WERE FIRST RELEASED.

THE CODEPENDENT ISSUE

Another challenge brands and podcasters face is that we are at the behest of tech behemoths like Apple, Spotify or YouTube, which control podcast discovery through algorithms. Even slight changes to these algorithms can have a devastating impact on creators who depend on predictable ad revenue.

As these platforms prioritise certain content, some podcasts may lose visibility, and with it, their primary source of income.

Paulo Dias

This dependence on third-party platforms has already resulted in financial instability in several markets and the perception that the ‘’bubble has burst’’ in the massive US market.

Studios have been forced to close and employees laid off as a result of these sudden shifts. In a time of economic uncertainty, this reliance on big tech companies for distribution and monetisation is a major problem.

AN ALTERNATIVE ECOSYSTEM

How about an alternative model to traditional advertising; one built on a selfsustaining ecosystem where creators and listeners support one another?

In this system, podcasters could reward listeners for engaging with their content – whether it’s through listening into multiple episodes, sharing episodes with others, or offering feedback or social media support.

Listeners, in turn, can show their support by recommending the podcast,

sharing their own content, or collaborating with the podcaster in meaningful ways. Fellow podcasters could also participate by cross-promoting each other’s work, contributing to a larger community that benefits everyone involved.

This collaborative approach fosters a deeper, more authentic connection between creators and their audience, while reducing reliance on advertisers and time creating the loyalty and community that leads to longevity.

LOCAL, COLLABORATIVE CONTEXT

In South Africa, where many consumers are reluctant or unable to pay for media content, this alternative model holds particular promise.

Subscription-based podcasting has struggled to gain traction here, and audiences are generally not fans of spending money on content.

South Africans could gravitate to non-monetary exchanges – such as contributing feedback or participating

in discussions – which aligns with the ecosystem approach.

By focusing on community support and collaboration, South African podcasters can avoid the limitations of traditional advertising models and build stronger, more sustainable relationships with their listeners.

A COLLABORATIVE FUTURE FOR PODCASTING

Ultimately South African podcasting continues to grow without major investment or ad support, sustained by creators and listeners.

Podcasting needs to continue to evolve beyond the need for advertisers, by exploring alternative ways of creating value and increasing revenue.

Paulo Dias is the head of audio innovation at radio and audio advertising specialist agency, Ultimate Media , and a successful podcaster in his own right. He is also the founder of the South African Podcasters Guild.

PASSION AT PLAY

Masixole Mdingane takes the daunting task of heading up two massive commercial stations in his stride – because it’s long been on his vision board, writes Glenda Nevill.

Not many people are lucky enough to know what they want to do for the rest of the lives when they’re young. Masixole Mdingane did.

Now, as the combined business manager of both 5FM and regional station, Good Hope FM, Mdingane is living his boyhood dream of moving from King Williamstown (now Qonce) and “radio”.

HEAD-HUNTING (FOR

TALENT) ACROSS

STATIONS

IS A THING – “WE ALL DO IT” – AS IS KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON COMMUNITY AND CAMPUS STATIONS.

Mdingane was raised by his grandmother in the small Eastern Cape town.

“Radio was literally the only thing that we listened to,” he recalls. “We listened to music, drama series and church services. As an only child, it was a treasured companion. I was so interested in how it was done and was convinced I’d end up being on the radio.”

Masixole Mdingane

As a student at Rhodes University in 2004, he got his first gig at a local community station before joining Rhodes Music Radio (RMR), the campus station. “That’s where everything started, really. I joined as a presenter and became a producer, a music compiler – and even read the news.”

MAKING COMMERCIAL SENSE

Working behind the scenes attracted Mdingane more than being ‘the talent’. By the time he graduated with a BCom in business and information systems, he was RMR’s deputy station manager, and had served as acting station manager, too.

He joined 5FM as a music compiler in 2012, staying for three years before exploring other roles at the SABC, particularly Tru FM.

A stint as programme manager on Umhlobo Wenene showed him the power of a station with a massive audience, and this, combined with a media management studies, prepped his next big step in May this year: his combo role at 5FM and Radio Good Hope.

While both are commercial music stations, that’s where the similarity ends, reckons Mdingane. “They complement each other, it’s important that they have their own positioning, with 5FM being a youth station, and Good Hope more family oriented.”

Maintaining their identities is a “daunting task”, he admits, but programme managers ensure the ‘sound’ of each station reflects its identity. Both stations are actively seeking marketing managers; while work is done in-house, agencies also play a role.

CREATIVITY IN RADIO ADVERTISING, HE BELIEVES, HAS WAY MORE TRACTION WHEN AD VERTISERS WORK WITH THE DIFFERENT BRANDS SO THEY CAN TAILOR THEIR CONTENT TO AUDIENCES PREFERENCES.

Of course, agencies buy advertising on SABC channels, and that hasn’t always been the easiest relationship. In fact, the commercial arm of the public broadcaster has been through trying times.

While the SABC now has one sales team – with account executives selling across the broadcaster – each station has a product manager (formerly a sales manager) devoted to its needs who oversees the sales element of the brand.

Mdingane believes relationships with media agencies are improving and product managers do communicate effectively with their agency counterparts.

Creativity in radio advertising, he believes, has way more traction when advertisers work with the different brands so they can tailor their content to audiences preferences.

But: “You tend to find the same advert being flighted on most stations, with even the translation being word for word. That doesn’t take the nuances of the different audiences into account, and loses creativity,” says Mdingane.

MDINGANE BELIEVES RELATIONSHIPS WITH MEDIA AGENCIES ARE IMPROVING AND PRODUCT MANAGERS DO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITH THEIR AGENCY COUNTERPARTS.

“There are instances where there’s collaboration between clients and stations, and I think we need to take the lessons from that. If you don’t work with the stations directly, then you might just miss the mark.”

Sponsorship and social media spend does allow for more interesting opportunities, notes Mdingane.

AN ALIGNED POSITION

On his role, Mdingane says more is expected of a business manager than was of station managers.

“I think it says that a radio station is a business and should be run as one. It’s a more high-level role. It’s not just about managing the talent; it’s about strategy and stakeholder management.

“There are many KPIs to meet, such as generating revenue at the end of the day. Each of the entities must show a return on investment,” he says.

“As business manager, you are really the station’s accounting officer.”

That said, talent is pretty important. Mdingwane says it’s difficult to find the right talent – despite the SABC being the biggest employer in radio. Head-hunting across stations is a thing – “We all do it” – as is keeping a close eye on community and campus stations.

“What we look for, more than anything, is creativity – and how the personality resonates with the audience. Voice is important, but so is how you grab my attention; how your personality shines through.

“Presenters don’t necessarily come out of media courses. It’s quite diverse, actually. And I think that’s the beauty of the radio industry: we’re unlike straight up journalism, and we’re not strict on background,” he says.

That Mdingane is a seriously busy man is in no doubt. But he still finds time to take his two beloved pugs for walks, going out and about with friends, drinking wine and cooking … or parking off with a series on Netflix.

And what does he listen to at home?

“Some laidback music on a Sunday, like Good Hope FM’s old school stuff. House and dance on a Friday or Saturday.” A soundtrack to his life.

OPTIMISING AUDIO ADVERTISING

Findings and tips from Kagiso Media Radio’s research division, SoundInsights.

By Melissa Mc Nally, research and analytics manager.

At SoundInsights, Kagiso Media Radio’s research and analytics division, extensive investigations have unveiled crucial insights into the relationship between listener attentiveness during audio advertising and overall engagement.

Our Neuro Lite product examines how sight and sound intercept by measuring eye movement and its relationship with auditory attentiveness.

Our study has revealed that higher levels of attention are correlated with a more focused gaze and less extreme saccade movements.

Using our Neuro Lite product, the SoundInsights team has examined

ADVERTISERS MUST SELECT VOICE TALENT STRATEGICALLY, KEEPING THEIR TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC IN MIND

several facets of audio adverts, including narrative structure, voice selection, cadence and sonic identi ers.

This article summarises and highlights our ndings, emphasising the signi cance of storytelling, voice characteristics, shifting consumer perceptions and strategic word choices in crafting effective audio advertising campaigns. Further to this, the audio platform used needs to be considered when crafting an audio advert.

Looking at our key ndings, we see that this really is about utilising science to balance the art of advertising.

INTRODUCTION

In the fast-evolving realm of audio ecosystems and advertising, understanding listener engagement is essential for brands aspiring to forge meaningful emotional connections with consumers.

Over the past four years, consumers have undergone a signi cant behavioural and psychological transformation, but many brands have not evolved their communication strategies at the same rate.

SoundInsights employs innovative research methodologies to analyse and understand listener behaviour, revealing key strategies for optimising audio advertisements.

By focusing on elements such as cadence, tone and narrative structure, we empower brands to enhance listener engagement and improve memory retention.

THE POWER OF STORYTELLING AND EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS

Our primary nding highlights the critical role of storytelling in audio advertising. Narratives that resonate emotionally with listeners establish robust memory structures, leading to enhanced brand recall and connection.

While consumers have access to information online, what remains memorable is the relevance of brand narratives to their lives.

Our data shows that relatable stories are more effective than purely rational arguments; thus, building emotional connections is a compelling strategy that can signi cantly enhance ad performance.

THE IMPACT OF VOICE ON ATTENTION

The voice conveying the message signi cantly in uences listener engagement. Our research indicates that female voices often evoke warmth and trust, particularly important in traditionally male-dominated categories such as nance and automotive. This trend re ects a growing cultural inclusivity, notably observed in South African markets.

Advertisers must select voice talent strategically, keeping their target demographic in mind to ensure authenticity and resonance within a diverse audience. Cultural relevance is essential; a voice that feels jarring or unrelatable can undermine the advertisement’s impact and reduce purchase intent or action, depending on a campaign’s objectives.

REDEFINING CONSUMER CATEGORIES

Our analysis reveals a transformation in consumer perceptions and behaviours over recent years, particularly in uenced by Covid-19 and shifts within the South African economy.

Luxury has evolved from high price points to a focus on value, innovation and meaningful experiences. As a result, brands

need to adapt their audio communication strategies to align with the behavioural and psychological shifts visible in the South African consumer landscape.

Embracing this evolution will enable brands to establish more consistent connections with their audiences.

THE ROLE OF MUSIC, JINGLES AND SONIC IDS

Music and sonic identi ers are fundamental to the effectiveness of audio advertisements.

Our ndings indicate that striking the right balance between narration and background music is crucial; poorly managed musical elements can detract from the advertisement’s message. Overly loud or rhythm-heavy music may lead to decreased attention spans, while aggressive sonic identi ers can distract from the core message.

Although jingles can effectively build memory structures, if perceived as corny or overused, they may negatively impact emotional engagement with the brand.

WORD CHOICE, CADENCE AND THEIR EFFECTS ON ATTENTION AND ACTION

Our research reveals that speci c word choices signi cantly impact listener attention and subsequent actions. Action-oriented words such as “get” or those conveying exclusivity like “limited” may provoke attentional drops due to diminished emotional resonance.

While scarcity can motivate, it can also provoke anxiety, hindering decision-making.

Simplifying language and removing barriers in lead generation create a more positive listener experience and boost conversion rates.

Calls to action should be less instructional and price placement should ideally come later in the advertisement to foster effective brand engagement.

Additionally, cadence is vital; an excessively rapid delivery can impair comprehension, causing listeners to miss essential information.

NARRATIVES THAT RESONATE EMOTIONALLY WITH LISTENERS ESTABLISH ROBUST MEMORY STRUCTURES, LEADING TO ENHANCED BRAND RECALL AND CONNECTION

NEED STATES AND DIFFERENT AUDIO PLATFORM FORMATS IMPACT MESSAGING

Audio operates primarily as an active medium, prompting consumers to engage while on the move.

Each audio format – streaming, live AM/FM radio and podcasts – demands tailored messaging strategies suited to the varying environments in which they are consumed.

Our research indicates that AM/ FM radio typically accompanies listeners during commutes, streaming radio is enjoyed while working or doing chores and podcasts are favoured during leisure time or moments of relaxation.

Understanding these contexts is crucial; calls to action must correspond with listeners’ activities to effectively drive engagement.

AM/FM consumers seek information and upliftment while streaming listeners associate the medium with happiness and podcast consumers feel informed and positive.

Brands can leverage the positive emotions elicited by various audio formats to create long-term brand effects while ensuring messaging aligns with each platform’s unique environment.

CONCLUSION

The SoundInsights team continues to enhance the understanding of effective audio advertising through diligent research.

By prioritising storytelling, voice selection, evolving consumer values and intentional word choice, brands can foster deeper emotional connections and maximise the effectiveness of their audio advertisements.

These insights are crucial for brands striving to excel in a competitive audio landscape. By embracing these strategies, brands can not only enhance immediate listener engagement, but also cultivate lasting brand loyalty over time.

This is sponsored content.

Melissa Mc Nally

YOUNG IDEALS

As radio practitioners who want to cater to the youth, the first question to consider is what the interests and needs of the youth are.

Some may argue that most youths need opportunities or employment, while others are still figuring out their needs.

The danger for those figuring things out is that anything can fill this gap – and this is where radio, used correctly, can fill the gap by helping the youth discover their world, nurture themselves and try to help sustain a livelihood.

Perhaps radio can be an outlet to help individuals figure it out – and accommodate individuals who have already figured it out, by providing opportunities for them to explore.

It is safe to say that the youth need to feel seen, and have a sense of belonging, and independence.

Here’s how I think radio can better cater to youth interests and needs:

1. Provide content that is locally relevant and addresses the specific issues and concerns of the youth. This can include discussions on mental health, education and social issues that are particularly affecting young people.

2. Ensure that programming is inclusive and diverse, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and interests of the youth.

This can include shows that cater to different languages, and content and shows around cultures and genres.

TUNING IN TO GEN Z’S DYNAMIC FREQUENCY

Lindiwe Manzini, Kival Dhavraj and Greg Aldridge recently took part in a panel discussion on youth in radio hosted by the National Association of Broadcasters. We asked them for their insights into this generation.

And of course, ensuring that presenters and hosts who do the shows are young, relatable and familiar to the youth. This can help to build trust and make the content more appealing to young listeners.

3. Collaborate with other organisations and initiatives that support youth development and empowerment. This can help to amplify the impact of radio programming and create a broader reach.

Let us continue creating platforms for young voices, promoting talents, and engaging youth through participatory shows and contests that can significantly enhance youth engagement and satisfaction.

Where possible, use your industry networks to open employment opportunities by sending recommendations and referrals.

To early industry entrants, or youth aspiring to work in radio: Get educated. Many have talent, but with education you can stand out, and have informed discussions with your listeners on a variety of topics and social issues.

1. Confidence is key to success in radio. Believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to take on new challenges.

2. Building working relationships with fellow presenters, producers, and assistants is crucial for a successful radio career. Support and encourage others, and they will do the same for you.

3. Stay up to date with current events and engage with your community. This helps you tailor your content to your audience’s interests and improves your general knowledge.

4. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. This means being well-prepared for your shows and not just relying on your natural talent.

Lastly, if there aren’t open opportunities, create them.

Volunteer at local stations, join campus radio or start a podcast. Learn about broadcasting, editing and public speaking. Be persistent and pursue opportunities with determination and resilience. Bring fresh, innovative ideas to your content by cultivating creativity.

CHANGING AUDIO WORLD

With technology evolving at lightning speed, the way people consume media is changing just as fast. Radio, once the king of all media, now faces a big challenge: how to stay relevant with today’s youth, especially Gen Z.

This generation is used to getting everything on demand and through their phones, so how does radio fit into their world?

Ever feel like there’s just too much going on? Welcome to the attention economy, a term first coined by psychologist Herbert A. Simon way back in 1971 to underscore that the more information we get bombarded with, the harder it is to focus.

Gen Z knows this struggle better than anyone. They’ve grown up in a world where everything is constantly vying for

Lindiwe Manzini is the Capricorn Connection presenter on Capricorn FM in Limpopo.

Lindiwe Manzini

their attention, from instant messaging to 24-hour social media notifications and livestreams .

Here’s the catch: despite being more connected than any generation before them, many Gen Zers feel isolated and stressed out. This became even more obvious during the Covid-19 pandemic, when lockdowns cut off in-person interactions, and their devices were their only tools for connectivity.

The result?

If Gen Z is part of the radio process, they’ll help shape content that speaks directly to their peers. And that’s a win for everyone.

As the philosopher Franz Fanon once said, “Each generation must discover its mission; fulfil it, or betray it.”

For Gen Z, that mission might be transforming radio from a traditional medium into a vibrant, multi-platform experience that speaks to their needs and values in today’s digital world.

event that made a serious impact on you as a child? By broadening our event to include youngsters, we are nurturing a new generation of listeners who will remember and connect deeply with 947 and its events.

Globally, stations like BBC Radio 1 have experimented on creating content where their audience plays; from ASMR to sleep aids.

While we are not fully there, we are making strides to ensure 947 remains relevant to the youth. As a Hot AC/AC station, we strive to cater to the various tastes of our audience.

They crave honest, personal connections more than ever – something that radio actually provides, when done right.

Even though we now have endless streaming services, audio is still a big part of our daily lives – and these newer formats – music streaming and podcasts – are holding their own in a domain that radio used to own.

People want personalisation and, with podcasts, they get to choose what they want to listen to, when. But at its core, radio hits deeper with the ultimate human connection.

Research shows that the biggest reason people tune in to radio stations is for that live, real-time interaction. Radio is about more than just the music or the talk shows; it’s about feeling connected to other people, something Gen Z values highly.

Sure, they might get their music from Spotify, but radio still has that unique “live” element that streaming platforms can’t quite match.

For radio to stay in the game, it needs to do more than just exist on AM or FM frequencies. Gen Z wants content that fits into their lives and reflects their individuality.

That means radio has to meet them where they are: on social media, through podcasts, and via streaming services. It’s about creating a 360-degree radio experience that’s accessible wherever they hang out online.

That’s not all. The industry also needs to bring more young people into the fold – and not just as DJs and presenters; in all the behind-the-scenes roles like marketing, research, production –even administration.

SPACE TO PLAY

The future of our entire industry rests firmly in ensuring that the next generation of listeners is properly catered for – while also ensuring that the next generation of content creators choose radio!

To attract Gen Z and Alpha listeners, radio needs to be a space in which they feel they belong at all times; not just relegated to late-night slots. It should reach them across various touchpoints throughout the day, and in the multitude of ways in which they consume content.

Offering high-quality, on-demand content – like that found on our new app, Primedia Plus – is essential. This app serves as a content hub combining everything from MSW (Marawa Sports Worldwide) to Deal or No Deal to EWN. It also shows how nicely radio plays with other forms of media; something we need to tap into more.

At 947, our breakfast show Anele and The Club, specifically plan and craft content that includes kids in the car on the way to school. Topics are intentionally designed to make sure everyone in the car – even the person in the booster seat – feels like they are a part of the conversation.

We can see this personified in the youth-focused campaigns we run, like Anele and The Club Live and School Invasion, which give young listeners the opportunity to have the radio experience live, in person.

Additionally, 947’s flagship music event, Galaxy 947 Joburg Day, sold out because we opened the day to families, allowing children as young as three to attend. Do you remember the first public

Opportunities for young talent in radio are becoming increasingly scarce. Automation, pre-recordings, and the reliability of established talent make it harder for newcomers to get mic time – which makes nurturing young talent ever more important. At 947, we are actively trying to build a space for young talent but, it’s critical the industry invests in community and campus stations. These have historically developed the next generation of broadcasters – a number of them now work at 947 – who serve the audience our advertisers are keen to reach: the youth themselves.

We’re not just catering to our core audience; we’re also taking active steps to shape our future by ensuring that our radio content remains relevant and engaging – on-air, and across multiple platforms for young listeners and creators.

has had a successful career in radio both on and off air –most recently at 947, where he is programme manager.

Greg Aldridge

Kival Dhavraj works in the research and analytics department at Kagiso Media Radio

Kival Dhavraj

Greg Aldridge

BEYOND THE BILLBOARD: BY THE INDUSTRY, FOR THE INDUSTRY

What inspired you to launch a podcast on the world inside out of home?

We both share a passion for the sector, having both individually led out of home departments at large agency groups in our careers. We have often had discussions on the landscape regularly, and believed those discussions would be beneficial if shared on a platform for the industry.

We wanted to create a platform that would educate, inform and inspire the industry regarding OOH as a medium. OOH is a specialisation and a critical skill and we saw a gap in the local market for a

podcast created and hosted by OOH industry experts, for the local industry.

We hope our listeners continue to enjoy the content on the Beyond the Billboard podcast.

You now interview people who work for what was previously your competition. Is this a case of the ‘greater good’ for the sector?

Kirsty Carlson and Livia Brown, hosts of South Africa’s only out of home media podcast, tell Glenda Nevill about inspirations and insights gained and shared on this highly competitive sector.

client, creative agency, media agency, and media owner unite with the common goal of creating effective and impactful work.

This involves setting aside egos and focusing on the end goal rather than whose idea it was. It’s about partnering with the client and each other to deliver great work.

We are both independent consultants who provide consulting services to agencies, direct clients, and media owners. We both have extensive senior experience specialising in OOH media, and believe that having guests from various agencies and companies within the industry offers a wide range of perspectives and insights.

We continually see the importance of collaborating as an industry to grow the OOH channel as a whole; this requires us to work closely with media agencies, creative agencies and clients and bring all parties along the media process together to achieved the best results and drive the category forward.

How do you select your interviewees?

We look for subject matter experts who have the knowledge to share that would be beneficial for our listeners. We also ensure that we are representing across the value chain, by including guests who represent media experience, advertising industry and client/brand experience to reflect all opinions, insights and guidance on how to get the best use from the OOH media channel.

What have you learnt about partnerships and collaboration from your podcasts?

The magic happens when all participants in the ecosystem work together to bring amazing work and campaigns to life. Award-winning work occurs when the

A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF GREAT WORK IS ENSURING THAT YOU DRIVE BUSINESS RESULTS FOR THE CLIENT; THIS HAS TO BE AT THE CENTRE OF SHAPING AND CRAFTING STRATEGIES THAT DELIVER FOR CLIENTS.

A critical component of great work is ensuring that you drive business results for the client; this has to be at the centre of shaping and crafting strategies that deliver for clients.

What possible trends for 2025 can you share?

Data will play an increasingly important role in OOH advertising in 2025. Jarred Pillai from Robust Marketing emphasised this in one of our episodes, stating that “the thinking is in the data.” We will see a growing trend in the use of data in OOH planning, from pre-planning to reporting.

Also highlighted by Roanna Williams, chief creative officer at Boundless, is how international campaigns like ‘Adoptable’ by Pedigree have demonstrated the significant role data plays in driving efficient and impactful campaigns.

Additionally, there is a growing adoption of Programmatic DOOH here, and across

Kirsty Carlson

the continent, as more media owners embrace this technology.

On the more traditional side we will see a focused interest and commitment to shaping creative for the OOH channel specifically, focusing on simplicity, and creativity that includes humour and creates intrigue.

We have seen brands starting to play in this space and winning favour with consumers and driving brand recall, and even results in sharing OOH campaigns on social media.

What have been the major industry shifts this year, and how will these play out in 2025?

Measurement remains a contentious industry topic and this will take centre stage in 2025, to be reviewed and unpacked further.

Creativity in OOH has also been discussed profusely in 2024, and the challenge is set for more impactful and effective creative crafted for OOH, specifically in 2025.

Faux OOH really has hit South Africa. However, the use of it remains in contention: some believe it should live under digital; some under OOH, from a budgeting perspective. There is also some negative sentiment regarding how it is being used.

What essential factors should media suppliers consider in client campaigns?

Media owners need to position themselves as partners and trusted advisors to media agencies and clients. This can be done through the use of relevant data, research and insights about their format types and environments.

How is programmatic OOH playing out in South Africa right now?

Programmatic digital out-of-home is merging digital to the OOH channel.

It is important for media agencies to ensure that planning and campaign information flows seamlessly between digital channels and the OOH channel. This helps to complement and uphold the principles of OOH in (PDOOH) advertising.

Although advancements in measurement have facilitated the growth

ON THE MORE TRADITIONAL SIDE WE WILL SEE A FOCUSED INTEREST AND COMMITMENT

CREATIVE

TO SHAPING

FOR THE OOH

CHANNEL SPECIFICALLY, FOCUSING ON SIMPLICITY, AND CREATIVITY THAT INCLUDES HUMOUR AND CREATES INTRIGUE.

of PDOOH, there is still a need to standardise measurement and establish best practices for further growth.

Programmatic DOOH is gaining traction in South Africa and driving adoption across the rest of Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Kenya. Polygon is actively working to promote PDOOH adoption across Africa.

What about the measurement issue? It is clear to us that there is a need for a measurement focused episode on the Beyond the Billboard podcast and we are working on getting that live. The measurement discussion was touched on with Sally Stewart in an episode on the podcast. The use of different measurements from media owners to rationale their OOH proposals can create confusion for media agencies as well as for clients. We understand that having varying measurement for different types of environments, i.e roadside vs mall as an example, given that different environments operate differently, and the consumers in those environments can often move, and behave differently.

However the varying use of measurements that require multiple explanations to clients can cause confusion. It is also important that the industry agrees to what type of measurement/ format is included on site rate

cards for ease of reference. In addition, understanding that different measurement can be used for different purposes like standard fixed measurement is great for pre-planning and for medium comparison or utilising in media mix tools, however more ‘real time’ data is great for post-campaign reporting. It is about understanding how the different data can be best used in the OOH strategy, planning and reporting process.

This topic remains important and critical one for us to unpack further with the right guests.

What is the outlook on global brands to local markets?

There are often cases where there are global principles that have to be followed by a client and agency when executing/ planning media locally. However it is always important to adapt and localise global campaigns to ensure relevancy to connect with your audiences. I.E speak to the community in their local language.

At times global guidance can be limiting in a market such as South Africa where there is a vast landscape, economical and audience differences, it is critical that both media agencies and media owners work closely with their clients and empower clients with relevant data and research to approach global businesses to gain a greater understanding of the local market. What defines innovation in out of home?

Innovation is being disruptive. As Eve Pennington references in the OOH Innovation episode ‘Innovation is the process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products, services or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value. And “Innovation in outdoor is creating something that is so compelling that it literally stops people in their tracks’.

As an industry we need to be mindful of not referring to LED lights, 3D moulds and cut outs as innovation, as these are more production techniques to “enhance” a billboard site, for example.

Follow Beyond the Billboard on LinkedIn. It is available on Spotify and Apple

ABOUT CO-HOSTS AND THE PODCAST

Kirsty Carlson, owner of Synapse Media, and Livia Brown, owner of What3things, are independent consultants and experts in OOH advertising, with over 13+ years of experience.

Livia Brown

ALCHEMIC AUDIO: RADIO’S TRUE MARKETING MAGIC

In the daily marketing noise of AI, algorithms, Omnichannel, blockchain ad transparency, predictive analytics and the like, Paulo Dias focuses on how modern marketers can tap into the sonic synergy of integrating resilient radio with tech’s disruptive tools.

Remember radio? It’s only been around for 100 years – and sounded pretty much the same for the last 40 of those. Yet radio remains a staple in South Africa, regularly listened to by 75% of the population.

In a world of podcasts, streaming and endless online content, terrestrial radio still offers something that digital platforms struggle to replicate: a human connection and real-time engagement.

What our radio stations do best is offer content in local languages, making it accessible to a broad demographic. While the digital age offers personalisation and on-demand content, radio’s shared experience, trustworthiness and immediacy are still unparalleled. Hosts are seen as authoritative figures, trusted voices who can influence buying decisions, sway opinions, and promote products.

A MAGICAL MIX

Radio may seem like an old-school medium in the modern marketing mix, but it continues to surprise by adapting and thriving alongside digital platforms. What makes it so successful is a blend of science and magic: science, in understanding audience behaviour; magic in the connection that radio personalities form with their listeners. The science is in the data. With over seven million listeners on a single station like Ukhozi FM, advertisers can access an enormous, engaged audience.

The magic lies in the human element – radio personalities who are trusted and loved by their listeners.

This combination of numbers and trust creates a potent mix for advertisers.

INTEGRATING DIGITAL

Radio no longer operates in isolation. In fact, it has long been at the forefront of integrating new technologies. From being an early adopter to leverage Facebook and WhatsApp for audience interaction, radio has consistently proven its adaptability.

radio personality Dudu Khoza. The feature was short – 3 to 5 minutes –but highly impactful. However, the campaign didn’t stop there: it extended into the digital realm with a longer, more in-depth podcast, easily accessible via a simple link on Dudu’s Facebook page.

The challenge for advertisers is to move beyond traditional methods of simply broadcasting a message, and instead formulate an audio strategy that maximises radio’s unique strengths, while incorporating digital tools.

A successful example of such sonic synergy is a campaign we ran for Huggies, that tackled the challenge of bridging traditional and modern parenting practices, by creating a radio feature with trusted

In a demographic that traditionally wasn’t seen as likely podcast listeners, the campaign generated thousands of downloads, demonstrating the power of integrating radio with digital platforms.

INNOVATING MEASURABILITY

One of the strongest criticisms levelled at radio is the perceived lack of immediate measurability. Unlike digital platforms –which offer real-time data on clicks, views,

THE CHALLENGE FOR ADVERTISERS IS TO MOVE BEYOND

TRADITIONAL METHODS OF SIMPLY BROADCASTING A MESSAGE, AND INSTEAD FORMULATE AN AUDIO STRATEGY THAT MAXIMISES RADIO’S UNIQUE STRENGTHS, WHILE INCORPORATING DIGITAL TOOLS.

WHAT OUR RADIO STATIONS DO BEST IS OFFER CONTENT IN LOCAL LANGUAGES, MAKING IT ACCESSIBLE TO A BROAD DEMOGRAPHIC.

and engagement – radio traditionally relies on surveys and listener diaries, which can take time to process.

However, with the integration of digital assets, radio campaigns can now offer more measurable outcomes.

Take, for example, the DHL Message Delivery campaign that integrated radio with SMS notifications: listeners could schedule a time for their message to be broadcast and received a personalised SMS with the time and radio station details, ensuring that the recipient would hear their message.

This integration multi-platform integration provided measurable, trackable results and offered a fresh, engaging take on what radio can deliver.

BROADENING STRATEGY

Advertisers must think beyond traditional radio spots and consider how to create a holistic audio strategy that incorporates multiple touchpoints. As consumers increasingly adopt streaming platforms and podcasts as part of their daily routines, there is an opportunity to create campaigns that extend beyond live radio broadcasts.

SONIC SYNERGY, THE HARMONIOUS BLEND OF AUDIO AND DIGITAL, OFFERS ADVERTISERS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

Streaming platforms have powerful algorithms, allowing you to target audio fans and pull them to your visual content if needed.

AMPLIFYING INFLUENCE

Many radio personalities have far larger followings on social media than the stations they work for. This opens up opportunities for advertisers to use these influencers to amplify their message across multiple platforms – from retro Facebook, to dynamic TikTok. We often use presenters’ combined audiences to leverage campaigns and extend them beyond the airtime schedule.

Radio personalities are more than just voices on the air; they are influencers in their own right. Advertisers who can tap

into this influence, both on-air and online, will see their campaigns resonate more deeply with targeted audiences.

SONIC SYNERGY

Radio may be a century-old medium, but it continues to evolve and adapt in the digital age. By aligning radio with digital assets, advertisers can create content that is both effective and measurable. The key to success lies in understanding the unique strengths of each platform: radio’s trustworthiness, immediacy, and human connection; and digital’s measurability, personalisation and reach.

Sonic synergy, the harmonious blend of audio and digital, offers advertisers the best of both worlds. With the right strategy, radio can continue to play a vital role in the media mix, driving results for brands while keeping audiences engaged across multiple platforms.

Paulo Dias is a self-confessed audiophile, head of innovation at Ultimate Media , a director at the South African Podcasters Guild and a multi award-winning podcast host and producer.

AMPLIFYING EXCELLENCE: A WORD FROM THE ORGANISERS

South Africa’s thriving radio industry has transformed over the years, writes Lyndon Barends, managing director of strategic partnerships and events at Arena Holdings. The Telkom Radio Awards are fair, relevant and reflective of the industry’s dynamic spirit. We honour and celebrate all those involved – especially the winners.nonecabore

Radio remains a powerful force in the lives of South Africans; not merely as a medium, but as a lifeline that connects, engages and entertains.

As a trusted source of news, entertainment, storytelling and information, radio has stood the test of time. The first radio broadcast took place on 18 December 1923 from Johannesburg. And on World Radio Day in February, we marked 100 years in South Africa, proving the enduring strength of sound.

South Africa’s radio industry has thrived and transformed over the years, reflecting the vibrant diversity of our nation to offer a platform for diverse voices, a stage for stories that inspire and a beacon of hope that guides us through our complex world.

The theme of the Telkom Radio Awards in 2024 is ‘Amplifying Excellence’, and it is an honour to do so through this vital annual event.

SOUTH AFRICA’S RADIO INDUSTRY HAS THRIVED AND TRANSFORMED OVER THE YEARS, REFLECTING THE VIBRANT DIVERSITY OF OUR NATION TO OFFER A PLATFORM FOR DIVERSE VOICES, A STAGE FOR STORIES THAT INSPIRE AND A BEACON OF HOPE THAT GUIDES US THROUGH OUR COMPLEX WORLD.

As organisers of the Telkom Radio Awards, we hold deep respect for the achievements of the talented professionals who tirelessly bring radio to life. From captivating on-air presenters to the dedicated behind-the-scenes teams, these individuals keep us informed and entertained every day, playing a vital role in the heartbeat of our nation.

This year, the South African Radio Awards proudly celebrates the second year with Telkom as

our naming partner. With over 140 years in South Africa’s communications landscape, Telkom brings a dynamic synergy to our celebration of radio, the country’s most popular broadcast medium.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Telkom for sharing our vision of honouring excellence in radio; their support is invaluable in making these awards a reality.

Congratulations to the winners, finalists, Bright Star honourees and Hall of Fame inductees of the 2024 Telkom Radio Awards. Your dedication and resilience enrich our lives and strengthen our nation.

We also extend special gratitude to our judges from the broadcast industry, who devoted their time and expertise to evaluating this year’s entries, and to our advisory board for their valuable insights and guidance. Their roles are critical in ensuring that the Telkom Radio Awards remain fair, relevant, and reflective of the industry’s dynamic spirit.

Our thanks go to BDO, official auditors of the Telkom Radio Awards, for their diligent work in ensuring accuracy and transparency, and to the Arena Events team – Philantu Nkanunu, Zandi Nhlapo, Nadine Elie and Sphesihle Zama – for their ongoing dedication to the programme.

In this 15th edition, let us celebrate the voices that keep South Africa connected, engaged and entertained, and honour a century of radio: a medium that continues to shape our lives and our nation.

Lyndon Barends is MD: Strategic Partnerships at Arena Holdings, owners of the Telkom Radio Awards.

Lyndon Barends

CAMPUS STATION

VOW88.1

TUKS FM 107.2

TSHWANE FM 93.6

UJFM 95.4

MFM 92.6

COMMUNITY STATION

RADIO KHWEZI

LINK FM 919 FM

GROOTFM 90.5

FINE MUSIC RADIO

PBS STATION

LESEDI FM

UMHLOBO WENENE FM

TRUFM

SAFM

UKHOZI FM COMMERCIAL

CAMPUS STATION PRESENTER

VOW88.1 RICARDO GENESIS

TUKS FM 107.2

TSHWANE FM 93.6

TSHEPANG MOJI

MACBETH TSHUNGU

TSHWANE FM 93.6 VEE ROYALTY

MFM 92.6 WILNE VAN ROOYEN

COMMUNITY STATION PRESENTER

RADIO KHWEZI SAZISO DLAMINI

RADIO KHWEZI MANGALISO MPUNGOSE

LINK FM GARY GERBER

INANDA 88.4FM SIYABONGA SEME 919 FM NICOLE DA SILVA

PBS STATION PRESENTER

LESEDI FM MOLEBOHENG MAOELA

PHALAPHALA FM TICO AND DJ SJHHH

TRUFM REGGIE SOLANI

UKHOZI FM KHATHIDE ‘TSHATHA’ NGOBE

UMHLOBO WENENE FM LUYANDA GIDANE

COMMERCIAL STATION PRESENTER

KFM 94.5 CARL WASTIE

METRO FM THABO ‘TBO TOUCH’ MOLEFE

JACARANDA FM ROB FORBES AND ROZ MCKENZIE

5FM NIC HAMMAN

947 FM THANDO THABETHE

AFTERNOON DRIVE SHOW

CAMPUS STATION SHOW

PUKFM 93.6 PUKFM DRIVE

TSHWANE FM 93.6 326 LANE WITH VEE ROYALTY

TUKS FM 107.2

TUKS FM DRIVE WITH TSHEPANG MOJI

VOW88.1 VOW FM DRIVE WITH RICARDO

VOW88.1 VOW FM DRIVE WITH KHUMO

COMMUNITY STATION SHOW

919 FM FEEL GOOD DRIVE

RADIO KHWEZI THE DRIVE

FINE MUSIC RADIO THE CLASSIC DRIVE

RADIO KHWEZI 120 DRIVE

LINK FM THE AFTERNOON DRIVE

PBS STATION SHOW

UMHLOBO WENENE FM IDRIVE-ENOCHATHA

PHALAPHALA FM DZI A OROWA

MUNGHANA LONENE FM KHOMA NDLELA

LIGWALAGWALA FM ASAMBE DRIVE SHOW

LESEDI FM REA THELLA AFTERNOON DRIVE SHOW

COMMERCIAL STATION SHOW

5FM THE ROGER GOODE SHOW

HOT 102.7 FM THE BIG JOBURG DRIVE

KFM 94.5 THE FLASH DRIVE WITH CARL WASTIE

METRO FM THE TOUCH DOWN

JACARANDA FM THE DRIVE WITH ROB AND ROZ

BREAKFAST SHOW PRESENTER

CAMPUS STATION PRESENTER

MFM 92.6 SIBULELE NDUDULA

TUKS FM 107.2 NOMALANGA LANGA

TUKS FM 107.2 NELISWA MHLONGO

UJFM 95.4 JOY FAKUDE

VOW88.1 THABILE TTO

919 FM SHANE HUNTER

MIX 93.8 TONY BLEWITT

BUSH RADIO 89.5 FM YUZRIQ MEYER (MR MEYER)

IMPACT RADIO 103 ZINHLE TWALA

FINE MUSIC RADIO MIKE MILLS

919 FM BREAKFAST ON DEMAND GROOTFM 90.5 DIE GROOT BREKFIS

RADIO CAPE PULPIT 729AM

729 GET UP AND GO BREAKFAST SHOW

RADIO KHWEZI KWASA BREAKFAST SHOW

RADIO KHWEZI

KWASA BREAKFAST SHOW WITH SAZISO DLAMINI

UKHOZI FM VUKA AFRIKA BREAKFAST SHOW

JET SET BREAKFAST

THE BREAKFAST EXPRESS WITH O’NEIL AND SHAASTRA TRUFM TRUBREAKFAST

AND THE CLUB ON 947 KFM

KFM MORNING WITH DARREN, SHERLIN & SIBS 567 CAPETALK GOOD MORNING CAPETALK WITH LESTER KIEWIT

EAST COAST RADIO EAST COAST BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST WITH BONGANI BINGWA

AND FINANCE SHOW

COMBINED STATION SHOW RSG RSG GELDSAKE

AND 567 CAPETALK THE MONEY SHOW GROOTFM 90.5 #BRUNCHMETANNELIE –MAANDAG FINANSIES

KAYA 959

KAYA BIZ WITH GUGULETHU MFUPHI

MARKET UPDATE

COMMUNITY PROJECT

CAMPUS STATION PROJECT

TUKS FM 107.2 FLY@UP THRIFT

TUKS FM 107.2 TUKS FM TEXTBOOK DRIVE

TUKS FM 107.2

TUKS FM WORLD RADIO DAY

TSHWANE FM 93.6 MENS CONFERENCE 2024

TSHWANE FM 93.6

MARK UR FUTURE –A CIVIC PROJECT TO GALVANISE THE YOUTH FOR THE 2024 ELECTIONS

COMMUNITY STATION PROJECT

RADIO KHWEZI #IKHWEZILIZAKUWE

FINE MUSIC RADIO CARING FOR KRONENDAL KIDS

RADIO KC UNLOCKING YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WINELANDS

LIFEFM THE BIBLE DRIVE

BUSH RADIO 89.5 FM #PUSHFORWARD #16DAYS

CONTENT PRODUCER

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY COMBINED STATION

PBS STATION PROJECT

LOTUSFM BREAKFAST EXPRESS MAKING LIVES BETTER

UKHOZI FM

UKHOZI FM 63 – EVERYDAY HEROES CAMPAIGN

UKHOZI FM UKHOZI FM BACK-TOSCHOOL CAMPAIGN

RSG RSG MATRIEKAFSKEIDPROJEK X 7DE LAAN

LESEDI FM YOUTH KE YONA

COMMERCIAL STATION PROJECT OFM OFM WINTER DRIVE

KFM 94.5 GEKNIT DIT MET TRACEY LANGE

HOT 102.7 FM HOT CARES CHRISTMAS

KFM 94.5 THE KFM STATIONERY VEHICLE WITH THE FLASH DRIVE OFM OFM PINKTOBER

TSHWANE FM 93.6 BREAKFAST WITH T LESEDI MADIMABE

RADIO KHWEZI SAKA ISIZWE WITH SAZISO DLAMINI SAZISO DLAMINI

UJFM 95.4 UJFM OPEN FORUM

TSHWANE FM SOMETHING BRUNCHY

PHUMELELE ZULU

PHELADI SEKOBO

TSHWANE FM THE AFTERNOON DRIVE SHOW FREDDY ‘GEE’ MADISE

GROOTFM 90.5 #BRUNCHMETANNELIE ANNELIE BOUWER

PBS STATION

UMHLOBO WENENE FM IDRIVE-ENOCHATHA

PHETHU SOGA

UMHLOBO WENENE FM UMXHOLO KUMHLOBO MONWABISI MBELEKANE

RADIO 2000 LIFE, LOVE AND ALL NTOSH NTLOKWANA

LOTUSFM THE BREAKFAST EXPRESS YASHIKA RAMAUTAR

UKHOZI FM JABULUJULE

LIGWALAGWALA FM TFOKOMALA NAMI

SIHLE MVUNDLA

CHARLES MNISI

COMMERCIAL STATION SHOW PRODUCER

JACARANDA FM

BREAKFAST WITH MARTIN BESTER

METRO FM LIFE AND MUSIC WITH PAUL

947 ANELE AND THE CLUB ON 947

947 947 DRIVE WITH THANDO

5FM 5 DRIVE

DAYTIME SHOW

CAMPUS STATION SHOW

TUKS FM TUKS FM BRUNCH WITH ZANELE NDALA

TSHWANE FM SOMETHING BRUNCHY

UJFM 95.4

UJFM 95.4

UJFM BRUNCH WITH BK AND KWANDA

UJFM BRUNCH

VOW88.1 AREA CODE WITH NTSIKELELO & KAMOGELO

COMMUNITY STATION SHOW

NKQUBELA FM YOUTH PARADISE

FINE MUSIC RADIO THE CLASSIC MORNING

LINK FM THE LUNCHBOX (WITH GARY GERBER)

MIX 93.8 THE POWER MIX ON MIX 93.8

LINK FM THE LUNCHBOX

PBS STATION SHOW

TRUFM LUNCHTIME SHANDIES

UMHLOBO WENENE FM 123 PHOLAS

LIGWALAGWALA FM SISONKE MIDDAY GROOVE

UMHLOBO WENENE FM KHANYISA KUKHANYE MHLOBO

LIGWALAGWALA FM KHIBIKA NATSI

MEGAN MITCHELL AND ETHAN BAIRD

BOHLOKWA MATLOSA

RYAN JANSE VAN RENSBURG

BEN MATJIU

MIKE BOWER

COMMERCIAL STATION SHOW

702 THE CLEMENT MANYATHELA SHOW

702 MIDDAY REPORT WITH MANDY WIENER

METRO FM BREAKAWAY WITH KHUTO THELEDI

567 CAPETALK VIEWS AND NEWS WITH CLARENCE FORD

702

DRAMA PROGRAMME

702 AFTERNOONS WITH RELEBOGILE MABOTJA

COMBINED STATION SHOW

MUNGHANA LONENE FM MINA-HI-MINA

LESEDI FM MONYAKA

RSG LAM VIR DIE PASE

RSG SOETE DROME

RADIO KHWEZI NGIFIKE EKUGCINENI

FIELD NEWS REPORTER

COMBINED STATION SHOW

POWER 98.7 NKOSIKHONA MALINGA- MNISI

EWN VERONICA MAKHOALI

EWN KGOMOTSO MODISE

HOT 102.7 FM TARA PENNY

KAYA 959 PITSO MOLEMANE

MULTI-CHANNEL PROMOTION

COMBINED STATION SHOW

KFM 94.5

KFM BEST OF THE CAPE 2023

VUMA FM THE PROVINCIAL WEDDING

RADIO PULPIT ‘PITCH YOUR BUSINESS!’ COMPETITION

JACARANDA FM

SPAR CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT, PRESENTED BY JACARANDA FM

5FM THE ROGER GOODE EXPERIENCE

MUSIC SHOW

CAMPUS STATION SHOW

VOW88.1 VOW FM TOP 30

TUKS FM 107.2 INDIE ALT

VOW88.1 KWAITO KOOLERBOX

CUT FM THE TREND TOP 30

CUT FM NXT LVL MU$IC TALK

COMMUNITY STATION SHOW

UCR-FM 97.0

UCR-FM TOP 30 SOUNDZ

RADIO KHWEZI AZIBUYE EMASISWENI

RADIO KHWEZI RADIO KHWEZIS TOP 10

RADIO KHWEZI INGCWENGA 919 FM 919 TOP 40 CHART SHOW

PBS STATION SHOW

TRUFM TRUFM TOP 30

TRUFM 7 COLOURS

LOTUSFM THE NEXT EPISODE

SAFM THE FULL CIRCLE

TRUFM THE LAST ROUND

COMMERCIAL STATION SHOW

5FM TOP 40 ON 5

GOOD HOPE FM SAAIMAN SAYS

KAYA 959 THE BEST T IN THE CITY

HOT 102.7 FM CLASSIC COUNTDOWN

KFM 94.5 KFM TOP 40 WITH CARL WASTIE

NEWS AND ACTUALITY SHOW

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY COMBINED STATION SHOW

RADIO KHWEZI AMABALENGWE (THEMBELANI BUTHELEZI)

MFM 92.6 NEWS, POLITICS & CURRENT AFFAIRS!

PRETORIA FM KLANKKOERANT LAATMIDDAG

VOW88.1 AREA CODE WITH NTSIKELELO & KAMOGELO

GROOTFM 90.5 #BRUNCHMETANNELIE –OPPINUUS

PBS STATION SHOW

UMHLOBO WENENE FM UPHENDLONDABA

UMHLOBO WENENE FM LAPHUMIKHWEZI

SAFM SAFM SUNRISE

RSG BRANDPUNT

TRUFM INCOKO

COMMERCIAL STATION SHOW

HOT 102.7 FM THE BULLY CHAIN

HOT 102.7 FM BLINDSPOT

VUMA FM KZN IN 60 MINUTES

702

702 DRIVE WITH JOHN PERLMAN

HOT 102.7 FM PADKOS & PLAYDOUGH

NEWS BULLETIN READER

CAMPUS STATION PRESENTER

UJFM 95.4

UJFM 95.4

REALEBOGA NKE

KARABO HOBO

VOW88.1 CAMERON PARSONS

VOW88.1 TASHA SIZIBA

COMMUNITY STATION PRESENTER

RADIO RIVERSIDE ASATHABA GROOTBOOM

ZIBONELE FM ATHI NGANGALI

ZIBONELE FM ZUKHANYE GAM

IZWI LOMZANSI FM ZUSIPHE DIDI

MIX 93.8 FM MUMMY MAKONI

PBS STATION PRESENTER

LOTUSFM SARESHEN PILLAY

SAFM EVA CHIPA

SAFM LUYANDA MAOME

RSG MARIETTA KRUGER

SAFM ZOLEKA QODASHE

COMMERCIAL STATION PRESENTER

HOT 102.7 FM TARA PENNY

EWN (702/947/KFM 94.5 / CAPETALK) JOHN PERLMAN

POWER 98.7

947

KFM 94.5

NKOSIKHONA MALINGA-MNISI

THEMBEKILE MROTOTO

VANIA CLOETECOLLISON

NIGHT-TIME SHOW

CAMPUS STATION SHOW

VOW88.1 VOW BREAKING GROUND

MFM 92.6 SIYAKHULA LIVE

TUKS FM HAPPY HOUR WITH EULENDER CHAUKE

TUKS FM WEDNESDAY WRAP

TSHWANE FM PITORI ORIGINALS THURSDAY (POT)

COMMUNITY STATION SHOW

RADIO KHWEZI SAKHA ISIZWE WITH SAZISO DLAMINI

RADIO KHWEZI AZIBUYE EMASISWENI

RADIO KHWEZI SAKHA ISIZWE WITH SIZWE ZUNGU

MIX 93.8 LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX WITH LAURI

RADIO RIVERSIDE THE CATALOGUE OF THE HEART

PBS STATION SHOW

RADIO 2000 LIFE, LOVE AND ALL

UMHLOBO WENENE FM UMXHOLO KUMHLOBO

RADIO 2000 THE VINTAGE HOUSE

UMHLOBO WENENE FM MASONWABE

UMHLOBO WENENE FM SIYABAKHUMBULA

COMMERCIAL STATION SHOW

EAST COAST RADIO EARLY BREAKFAST

SMILE 90.4 FM THE SOUTH AFRICAN JAZZ SHOW

METRO FM AUDIOGASM

702 THE AUBREY MASANGO SHOW

GOOD HOPE FM SAAIMAN SAYS

PODCAST

COMBINED STATION SHOW

JACARANDA FM GOOD MORNING ANGELS PODCAST

MONEYWEB RADIO FIXSA PODCAST ON MONEYWEB

567 CAPETALK GIFT OF LIFE

METRO FM ASK A MAN

ENGINEER YOUR LIFE

ENGINEER YOUR LIFE WITH LUNGELO KM

PROMOTIONS/STUNT/EVENT

CAMPUS SHOW

TUKS FM FRESHERS

VOW88.1

SPORTSHUB MENSTRUAL SIMULATOR

TUKS FM UP FM REBRAND

TSHWANE FM 93.6 TSHWANE FM ELECTIONS MANIFESTO

UJFM 95.4 UJFM OUTREACH ACTIVATIONS

COMMUNITY SHOW

LIFEFM THE BIBLE DRIVE

RADIO KHWEZI #IKHWEZILIZAKUWE

RADIO PULPIT UP FM REBRAND LIFEFM THE TEDDY DRIVE

LINKFM BATTLE OF THE BURGERS 2023

PBS SHOW

UKHOZI FM KNORROX HIGH TEA NOLADY D

LESEDI FM KE MOLLELWA POETRY SESSION

RSG RSG BRING HULDE AAN DIANA FERRUS (AVBOB)

UMHLOBO WENENE FM KHENKETHA NOMHLOBO

MUNGHANA LONENE FM 59 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

COMMERCIAL SHOW

5FM THE GREAT RADIO TAKEOVER – WORLD RADIO DAY

HOT 102.7 FM TEDDYTHON

EAST COAST RADIO EVERY CALLER WINS OFM OFM COOL SCHOOLS

5FM THE ROGER GOODE EXPERIENCE

RADIO DOCUMENTARY

COMBINED STATION SHOW

EWN LEFT FOR DEAD

HOT 102.7 FM THE BULLY CHAIN

LESEDI FM DOCUMENTARY –BOIPATONG MASSACRE

RISE FM RISE FM NEWS – LILY MINE DOCUMENTARY

EWN (702, 947, KFM 94.5, 567 CAPETALK) CRYSTAL MINING IN MPUMALANGA

RADIO INNOVATION

COMBINED STATION SHOW

KFM 94.5

CASH HUNT ON KFM MORNINGS

5FM 5 DRIVE WAR CRY CHAMPIONSHIP

KAYA 959

KAYA 959 KASI SME SUMMIT WITH STANDARD BANK

SMILE 90.4FM 10000 JOBS FOR CAPE TOWN

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

PBS STATION SAFM TOP SPORT

RADIO 2000 THE SPORT WRAP

RSG RSG SPORT

RADIO 2000 GAME ON LESEDI FM SPORTS SHOW AND COMMENTARY

COMMERCIAL STATION

HEART FM

SPORTS PRESENTER

RADIO SHOW (NICK FEINBERG & TASLEEM KARRIEM)

COMBINED STATION SHOW

UKHOZI FM VICTOR MPHO MOLEFE

LESEDI FM TSHOLO LEOKAOKE 947 ROBERT MARAWA

GROOTFM 90.5 STEPHEN NEL

LESEDI FM SEBILI MOLEFE

SPORTS SHOW

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY COMBINED SHOW

ALEX FM THE SPORTS AVENUE

GA-RANKUWA FM GFM SPORTS TALK

GROOTFM 90.5 SLAT DIE SPORT

INANDA 88.4FM EXCLUSIVE SPORT HOUR

INKONJANE COMMUNITY RADIO SIZONWABISA EMABALENI, WEEKEND SPORTS SHOW

VUMA FM MARAWA SPORTS WORLWIDE 947 MARAWA SPORTS WORLDWIDE

METRO FM SPORTS NIGHT AMPLIFIED

HEART FM

SUPER SATURDAY WITH JEREMY HARRIS YOU FM YOU FM SPORTS HOUR

STATION IMAGING CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY COMBINED SHOW

95.4

93.8

FM 93.6

HELDERBERGFM

PBS STATION SHOW

UMHLOBOWENE FM UMHLOBOWENE FM

RADIO 2000 RADIO 2000

UKHOZI FM UKHOZI FM SAFM SAFM

LOTUSFM LOTUSFM

COMMERCIAL STATION SHOW

KAYA 959 KAYA 959 METRO FM METRO FM

5FM 5FM – AMPLI5 MANIFESTO LAUNCH

5FM 5FM – AMPLI5 YOUR CITY FREQUENCY

EAST COAST RADIO EAST COAST RADIO

TRAFFIC PRESENTER

STATION

5FM YONAKA THELEDI

5FM MARLI VAN EEDEN

702 AND 567 CAPETALK MONGEZI KOKO

947 FRANKIE DU TOIT

947 MATT FLAX

BRIGHT STAR INDUCTEES

YONAKA THELEDI

JODELL TANTIJ

THATO MOLOTO

JAN WILLEM LOTZ

NDIVHO MAKHWANYA

CHLOE VAN ROOYEN

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

JILL STEWART

EON DE VOS

SIMON PARKINSON

DARREN SCOTT

NICK GRUBB

STATION MANAGER’S CHOICE

LILLIAN TAU

LEITH SMITH CHRISTOPHER FRANCIS PHAKAMANI MKHWANAZI

FLORINA SEBOLA