The RIG “Audio Meets Innovation Day” in Linz – a resounding success

On Tuesday, the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz served as a gathering place for the Austrian radio industry. Fifty managers from Austrian private radio stations, the ORF, the BBC, the Association of Austrian Private Broadcasters, and RMS Austria, representatives of Bavarian private broadcasters, as well as strategy consultants and providers of innovative audio technologies, gathered at the LASK VIP Club at the invitation of RIG Radio Innovations GmbH to discuss the content and technological requirements of a rapidly evolving audio landscape.

Driven by increasing reach—thanks in no small part to a growing market for digital offerings (DAB) and streaming, as well as a consistently strong advertising market—the industry is focusing on the further development of hybrid audio offerings and the optimal use of all available platforms and aggregators.

Lawrence Galkoff, General Manager of Radioplayer Worldwide, presented the data and in-car strategy for radio as part of the European Radioplayer partnership. Operated since 2024 in partnership with ORF, this project—as a platform and metadata provider—ensures the availability of radio on nearly all digital platforms, whether in cars, smart speakers, connected TVs, smartwatches, or innovative apps.

The program-oriented and standardized data structure ensures that these offerings will remain viable in the future, such as Sven Bieber presented in a very focused manner by Bieber Consulting. The subsequent discussion with Rüdiger Landgraf, Program Director at kronehit and Jan Poelmann, Director of Demand Side at aireal, supported Sven Bieber's arguments and provided RIG Day participants with valuable insights for future strategic decisions.

Elmar Giglinger It provided insights into the challenges involved in launching the former music channel VIVA and drew parallels to today's requirements.

“A successful networking event set against a relaxed and innovative backdrop—the ideal setting for radio executives to discuss future digital technologies with RIG partners aireal and streaMonkey. I’m thrilled by the large turnout, the creative exchange, and—once again—the passion for collaboration among private radio stations, as well as the integration with ORF via Radioplayer.”

Andrea Heidrich, CEO of RIG and Radioplayer Austria

Under the title “Recruit. Retrain. Retain.,” a radio producer and strategy consultant Bert Helbig the importance of effective recruiting and how to manage the talent of the future—and where to find them in the first place.

As a grand finale, interested soccer fans were treated to an exclusive tour of the impressive LASK Stadium.

(This article was originally written in German and has been translated into English.)