EBU head Noel Curran: The intimacy of radio is very important
Radiodays Europe 2023, the largest pan-European conference for radio, podcasting and audio content production professionals is winding up in Prague. The three-day gathering of professionals from public and commercial radio and independent audio content creators from across Europe was co-organized by Czech Radio. Czech Radio’s Petr Dudek spoke to Noel Curran, head of the European Broadcasting Union, and former Irish radio and television producer and journalist, about the significance of radio in the present day.
“Radio is a very intimate medium. People feel very connected to it. I think television is a wonderful medium, but it is more transigent, people feel that they “own” that radio channel, they feel that this is my connection with the day, and my connection with this presenter or this story. I think that is quite important today, that we don’t lose that intimacy. We have so much choice across social and broadcasting media, but trust intimacy. They are not words that people use around media, but they are very important.”
So, given what you just said, do you think that radio will survive as a means of information, education and entertainment?
“Absolutely. All media is facing huge competition and huge turbulence in the market, but just look at the radio stats, the radio figures –it is the most trusted medium in 70 percent of European countries. Podcasting among younger audiences is growing rapidly. Eighty-four percent of people access or listen to radio at least once a week. That is extraordinary. That does not mean it is not going to have to fight for its position –it is going to have to change, it is going to have to adapt, it is going to have to follow where the audiences are going. But radio has a very strong base in terms of meeting these new challenges.”
Some people say that television is a sort of “big brother” of radio, that TV starts are more famous, more popular, TV productions make more money… isn’t that true?
“Is that true across Europe? Probably. TV productions certainly generate more income. Advertising is more expensive on TV. I think radio has huge followings though. Huge audiences and very loyal audiences. So I think that what all media face now is just the need to adapt and change and go with the audience. Czech Radio is 100 years old this year. Congratulations! But we need to be careful that we don’t look on radio as this “legacy” –you know - Oh, its 100 years old! You get this image of someone sitting in a corner, an old man or woman drinking a cup of tea and listening to the radio. Radio is really dynamic, it is really innovative, there is some cutting-edge programming being done. Younger audiences are finding their own piece of radio that they want to listen to – be it podcasts, be it whatever. So we need to respect and cherish the fact that radio is 100 years old, but we need to look ahead and radio just needs to continue the dynamic track.”
