Radio broadcasters face unique challenges in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, complicated by the emergence of new distribution platforms. Success is tied to the ability to offer fresh and up-to-the-minute content on a growing number of channels. But radio broadcasters are facing fewer resources than ever to support expanding, or even ongoing, production and broadcast operations. It’s a classic case of ‘do more with less’ – requiring cost-effective tools that enable broadcasters to optimise workflows for multiplatform content creation and playout.
In the past, broadcasters have often been prevented from providing full coverage of the latest news and events because the field reporters have lacked the ability to collaborate with studio staff or access studio resources. As a result, radio broadcasters have had a limited ability to enhance the live broadcast product, as well as the content they offered on mobile and web-based platforms.
Today, however, radio automation solutions equipped to provide mobile access to both content and production tools are enabling the more collaborative and efficient workflows critical to successful delivery of rich, relevant news and entertainment content. Whatever the size of the broadcast operation, streamlined end-to-end multimedia production, broadcast, and publication workflows that link internal and external resources are proving essential in optimising the production and delivery of multiplatform content.
Netia is continually enhancing its radio automation solution to meet such challenges, dedicating more than 30 percent of its budget to R&D. As a result, this high-performing solution meets the needs of individual broadcasters and the market as a whole. The software suite addresses each part of the production and broadcast workflow, allowing users to record, edit, or prepare a playlist. In addition to providing browse and publishing tools for full multimedia functionality, it also features tools for acquisition, archiving, audio editing, commercial and music production, newsroom systems, scheduling, broadcasting, and administration.
A recent upgrade, the iSnippet, makes the editing tools of the radio automation solution available for iOS devices including the iPhone and iPad. Sharing the same look and ergonomic principles as the desktop interface, the iSnippet makes it convenient for field reporters and other remote users to take advantage of the familiar audio editing capabilities.
A new mobile teleprompter function adds further value by enabling journalists to jump into the studio news broadcast, reading their news pieces directly from tablets and other mobile devices running the Windows 8 operating system.
In addition, Netia has adapted its media asset management software for use on any mobile platform. This solution enables journalists to access, search, browse, retrieve, and play any content from anywhere with intuitive controls for displaying video segments and performing simple edits.
At the IBC2014 exhibition in Amsterdam, Netia is demonstrating these innovations and more, designed to give staff across radio broadcast operations convenient multiplatform access to a robust array of workflow automation, editing, and MAM tools. By supporting portable devices such as smartphones and tablets, Netia brings powerful functionality to users’ fingertips anytime and anywhere.
