Radio Asia 2007 Commences

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Singapore, 24 April 2007 - The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC) and Singapore Exhibition Services (SES) are organising the third annual radio event - RadioAsia2007 themed 'The Future of Radio in the Age of Convergence' to be held on 19-22 June 2007 in conjunction with BroadcastAsia2007 in Singapore.

The RadioAsia conference, an annual gathering of industry players encompassing all spheres of the radio industry comprising public service radio, commercial radio and community radio will feature conference tracks dedicated to trends related to radio programming - such as how talkbacks add value to radio, injecting comedy into radio and audience research.

Themed 'The Future of Radio in the Age of Convergence', it will provide a forum for radio executives to share perspectives and observations in gauging the future evolution of the medium.

The sessions will debate and identify radio's position within the current media landscape of multiple platform deliveries and discuss how radio can adapt to cater to the fast-changing audience's profile and needs.

"Digitalisation provides significant opportunities for radio to expand its relevance as an information medium in the public service sphere, and as an advertising platform in the commercial arena," said David Astley, Secretary-General of the ABU.

"The conference will also look at the latest trends in radio programming and content creation in this vibrant new media environment," he added.

"New technologies and convergence have changed the way in which all media operate be it from a technological or business perspective. Radio has evolved and has benefited the most from these changes. In fact, radio has traditionally set the path that other media have adapted for their own purposes. The challenge for radio now is how best to generate and sustain new audiences and revenue streams through these technologies to ensure that they remain timely and relevant," said Indrajit Banerjee, Secretary-General of AMIC.

Mr Calvin Koh, Project Manager for BroadcastAsia2007, said, "We are thrilled to hold RadioAsia in conjunction with BroadcastAsia2007 for the third time. As we move towards broadcasting convergence, radio will continue to grow and extend reach to even more listeners. The conferences and workshops will provide a platform for industry experts to discuss issues that arise with changes in techonoloy and audience profiles."

The public service broadcasting tracks will discuss critical issues and challenges faced by public service radio broadcasters and how new technologies can enhance the role of public service radio across radio formats.

Featured speakers include:

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• Neil Curry, Head of Business Development, Asia Pacific, BBC
;
• Kudsia Kahar,Group Networks General Manager, AMP Radio Networks, Malaysia
;
• Jochen Lukas, The Broadcast Partner, Germany
;
• Mark Neely, Regional Director, Nielsen Media, Australia
;
• Joan Warner, CEO, Commercial Radio Australia, Australia
;
• Jawahar Kanjilal, Director, Multimedia Experiences, Asia Pacific, Nokia Multimedia
;
• Michel Mullane, Radio News & Sport, European Broadcasting Union, Geneva
;
• Tobias Grote-Beverborg, Managing Editor, Asia Programmes, Deutsche Welle Radio
;
• Deborah Steele, Executive Producer, News and Current Affairs, Radio Australia
;

Media Development Authority (MDA) is the principal sponsor for RadioAsia2007. RadioAsia2007 is also sponsored by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deutsche Welle, AMP Radio Networks, The Broadcast Partner, Nielsen, Media Prima and Commercial Radio Australia. RadioAsia2007 is supported by WorldDAB and media partners, Radio World International and Exchange4media.

Information at a glance:

About the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC)
The Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC) is a non-profit NGO with the mission of spearheading the development of media and communication expertise in Asia within the broad framework of economic, social, and cultural progress. It exists to encourage ethical and social responsibility of the media to support democratic access and participation in media development and production, and to provide opportunities for empowerment of disadvantaged sectors in the communication/media environment.

About the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU)
The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) is a non-profit, non-government, professional association of broadcasting organisations, formed in 1964 to facilitate the development of broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific region. It provides a forum for promoting the collective interests of television and radio broadcasters, and engages in activities to encourage regional and international co-operation between broadcasters. It currently has over 170 members in 56 countries and regions, with its broadcaster members reaching a potential audience of about 3 billion people.

About Singapore Exhibition Services (SES)
A pioneer of the fast growing and vibrant exhibition industry, Singapore Exhibition Services (SES) is Asia's top organiser of trade events with a diverse portfolio of exhibitions and conferences in sectors such as Communications, Engineering, Machinery and Lifestyle. SES events consistently attract a high level of overseas participation with foreign exhibitors accounting for almost 80% of the show floor. SES is a member of Allworld Exhibitions Alliance, a global network with 34 offices worldwide.