Orbyt Media, a division of Astral and Canada’s premiere radio content syndication company, is giving radio stations the chance to put their listeners in charge. Launching in April on Virgin Radio stations in Toronto, Montreal, Vanvouver, Edmonton and Calgary, “Listener Driven Radio” marks a new, interactive model for radio, shifting stations from "broadcasts to crowdcasts."
Listener Driven Radio’s software allows the audience to collaborate in minute-by-minute programming and is designed to tie in directly to a radio station’s automation systems. LDR lets listeners vote and affect live and automated playlists in real time, all within the rules set by the radio station’s Program Director. Listeners vote and participate from their web browser, mobile, or tablet device. Listeners can also sign up for alerts by SMS, IM, or E-mail when their favorite songs are going to play.
Astral Radio’s Executive Vice-President of Content Rob Farina: “ We are excited to bring LDR’s groundbreaking, interactive experience to Canada- and launching the service across all Virgin Radio stations across the country.”
"Orbyt Media is the definitive leader in broadcast content across Canada. We are honored to partner with Orbyt's team of top strategic specialists to bring Listener Driven Radio to leading stations across the country," said Daniel Anstandig, President/CEO, Listener Driven Radio.
LDR is featured on some of the most popular radio stations around the world. From Country to Adult Contemporary and Rock to Top 40, Listener Driven Radio is utilized to give listeners a collaborative role in creating programming/playlists for radio and helps drive Cume through its social networking capabilities. LDR is already on air in markets around the world from New York to Los Angeles and Milan to Paris.
Stations can elect to use listener input as a feature several times an hour through the day, or for entire dayparts of listener control. The LDR platform allows listeners to move songs in the playlist queue; recommend songs for airplay; receive SMS text messages, IMs, or e-mails when their favorite songs play; and dedicate songs to friends via Facebook.
Other LDR features include deep integration with Facebook and Twitter, direct integration with music scheduling software, built-in capabilities for mobile devices including optimized interfaces for iPhone, iPad, and Android, and seamless integration into station websites.