Audacy, a leading American radio and podcast service, has embarked on a significant technological enhancement through its partnership with Super Hi-Fi, a company specialising in AI audio solutions. This collaboration marks a milestone in the operational framework of Front Range Country 103.1 (KQKS-HD2) in Denver, which since March 2023, has been supported by Super Hi-Fi’s advanced Program Director platform. This innovation marks the first integration of such technology on the FM band for Audacy.
The incorporation of Super Hi-Fi’s technology enables a wide range of operational enhancements across the station. By allowing Audacy’s programming team to manage key aspects of broadcast production such as music curation, content scheduling, advertisement placement, and voice tracking remotely, the structure underscores a significant shift to a cloud-based and transmitter-driven model. This transition aims to enhance the efficiency and adaptability of content management, irrespective of location constraints.
This advancement is part of Audacy's broader initiative to expand its AI capabilities across the company throughout the year. In April 2023, Audacy introduced the Super Hi-Fi AI Program Director across five other HD Radio stations located in major cities including Boston, Los Angeles, Houston, Buffalo, and Portland. That same month, Audacy entered a joint effort with ElevenLabs to incorporate sophisticated synthetic voice technology. This development is intended to deliver realistic, multilingual AI voices for use in broadcasts and commercials, further transforming the audio broadcasting landscape.
In addition to this integration, Audacy’s 700 digital Exclusive Stations have also adopted Super Hi-Fi’s HLS+ streaming technology, reflecting the company's commitment to tapping into innovative audio streaming solutions.
Jeff Sottolano, Chief Programming Officer at Audacy, expressed optimism about the ongoing technological advancements, stating, “As we continue to leverage new technology to enhance our portfolio and content, we’re excited to take this next step in our partnership with Super Hi-Fi and implement their capabilities for Front Range Country 103.1. Together, we’ll optimize human-led programming and production efforts to better serve station listeners and partners.”
Super Hi-Fi's CEO, Zack Zalon, also shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “This is an incredibly exciting moment. With this partnership, we are using cutting-edge innovation to help drive the entire industry forward. All with a goal of continuing radio’s legacy as the premier listening experience, just with much less complexity and much more efficiency,” Zalon stated.
This strategic partnership and the technological integration it encompasses represent a significant shift in radio broadcast operations, demonstrating both companies' commitment to innovation and efficiency in delivering a superior auditory experience to listeners.
Source: Noah Wire Services