Radio TechCon 2023: Innovating the Airwaves, Safeguarding the Future
From 5G to AI
This year’s Radio TechCon covered everything from 5G to AI. Held at the prestigious IET London: Savoy Place, the conference once again showcased how technology is reshaping the radio and broadcast industry.
There was an over-riding theme around networking at the day-long conference - and I don’t just mean the drinks afterwards. From 5G private networks, to building flexible but resilient networks and securing wireless networks; cyberthreats and cybersecurity were a running theme.
The first session revealed how using 5G networks is transforming the future of remote broadcasting. We were given insights into the BBC’s use of 5G during the coronation of King Charles III. To cover the event tech teams created a private 5G network enabling broadcasters to avoid the data heavy public networks.
A quick comparison between old and new showed the significant leap in speed and quality that 5G offers. Gone was the stuttery, breaking picture we may have seen in former broadcasts and here was a crisp, clear image with fully understandable audio as the presenter reported from the crowd.
[We also heard how the expensive new tech had to be hoisted above the crowds, cable-tied to a long pole with arrows marked in Sharpie along the bottom pointing the way to receivers. We’re not surprised right techies? I mean is it even an OB without duct tape and some cable-ties?…]
But while a private 5G network might offer all we ever dreamed of in terms of speed and quality. It isn’t yet the norm at large-scale public events. We also heard about the work Ofcom puts into securing wireless frequencies at the Download Festival and Eurovision.
Another session focussed on cybersecurity was the masterclass on sound network design. This brain-busting 20-minute ride took us through the importance of building resilient networks - including the risks of relying on single points of failure (both technical and personnel).
Hearing about a cyberattack that came about as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict made everything we were hearing very real. Thoughts around how information and content might be authenticated to reduce the risk of fake news making it to the airwaves were also shared. The idea of digitally signed media authenticating when and where something was created, seems a likely way of ensuring broadcast media remains secure and trustworthy.
While other sessions caught my ear (more on those in future SRP editions) this year’s conference had its attention firmly on securing and maintaining networks. The digital dawn is brimming with possibilities, but we must be alert to the risks as well as the rewards. The message for broadcasters? Act now to secure networks and stay vigilant to the digital threats that may be revealed.
✂️ Cut The Tape
AI is both a tool and a threat to broadcasting.
Using digital signatures on content helps authenticate material in the face of fake news.
Networks should be built flexibly and securely with cybersecurity in mind.
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#AllThingsAudio will be back on air next week. Madalyn and I will go live on X Spaces at 8pm BST/3pm ET on Wednesday, December 6 to talk about what’s been happening in the world of social audio since we last met a few weeks ago.
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Following on from last week’s post about branded podcasts, The Genre List offers more food for thought on innovating through formats (though less burgers ;) This show focusses on how advertisers can leverage podcast audience with this episode exploring different ways marketers can get their message across as part of a podcast.
If you’re after some new podcast listen suggestions and up for some festive fun then follow me over on Instagram where I’m attempting to create an audio advent calendar!
Keep Listening!
Suze
