The North American Broadcasters Association has released its new document about hybrid radio and metadata for broadcasters. Radio World had previewed this release in an earlier story.
The authors issued a list of recommendations. They say FM stations should least adopt static RDS tools, and ideally provide both static and dynamic metadata using RDS. They encourage AM and FM stations to strongly consider adopting HD Radio’s hybrid IBOC mode as well as the best practices uses of metadata set out in a separate document by the National Association of Broadcasters.
They also asked radio industry associations and network groups to reach out to automakers to “encourage the continued primary placement of broadcast radio within head units.” And they particularly encouraged AM broadcasters to express concern to specific automakers that do not include AM receivers in electric vehicles, asking them to reconsider that decision.
NAB Show rollout
The 30-page report was released in conjunction with a session here at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Its goal is to help improve radio broadcasters’ awareness of hybrid radio technology and understanding of the importance of metadata usage.
The document “highlights the changing automotive media and entertainment landscape regarding audio services, the role metadata and hybrid radio play in improving the broadcast product especially regarding the use of large, colorful dashboard displays, and how broadcasters can position themselves for success,” according to a summary.
“Proper use by broadcasters of hybrid radio and metadata will help broadcasters maintain their dominant position in the automotive audio landscape and maintain listeners’ interest.”
The report explains the basics of hybrid radio, which combines internet protocol connectivity and OTA broadcast radio, and summarizes its promised benefits, including brand reinforcement; enhanced and on-demand content; and “service following.” It gives a layperson’s explanation of the technical issues involved with the latter feature, in which broadcast reception can switch to an internet version of the same content when a vehicle leaves a station’s coverage area.
The report also provides descriptions of various players in the hybrid radio solution landscape including RadioDNS, DTS AutoStage, Radioplayer Worldwide, Radioline SAS and Quu Inc. It has sections about metadata delivery, RDS, and HD Radio metadata; and it discusses licensing and data usage considerations of hybrid radio.
It concludes with a discussion of “creating an environment for success” and explores potential reasons metadata is not deployed properly.
