Radioplayer’s mission is clear: put radio first by collaborating on technology (while stations compete on content) to keep radio strong on all connected devices—with the car as the priority. In Ireland, over a quarter of radio listening happens in-car, where radio’s simplicity, scale, and engagement make it a “superpower” for audiences and advertisers. Most car buyers still expect radio to be built-in, prominent, and easy to use.
However, the automotive landscape is shifting fast. Connected cars now ship with built-in internet; Android Automotive and similar operating systems create an on-dashboard app ecosystem (no phone required); and big tech along with fast-moving new auto entrants are targeting the dashboard. App stores bring more competition for driver attention—video, gaming, and other audio—but also big opportunities for radio to deepen engagement through richer features and data.
A crucial point: radio now lives on a screen. Modern vehicles have high-definition displays (or even holographic windshields), so radio must look as good as it sounds. That depends on metadata—logos, station information, now-playing track/artist, and images—supplied consistently by broadcasters to power visually compelling, informative interfaces.
Radioplayer’s work with BMW is the new baseline experience: a hybrid radio that combines broadcast (FM/DAB) with internet-delivered metadata for live A–Z station lists by location, correct service routing (DAB first, then FM), dynamic station branding, and licensed artist imagery that updates with the current track. While this looks simple—akin to a smartphone UX—most cars still don’t offer it, and the back-end orchestration is complex. Early research suggests such enhanced experiences help radio maintain or even grow in-car usage.
Radioplayer focuses on three priorities:
Radioplayer now partners with 17 carmakers, securing premium native radio experiences and more to come. They also showcase new features via a prototype Radioplayer In-Car app (on Android Automotive): a download prompt for broadcaster apps directly on the dashboard; a More button that, with the right metadata, jumps from live shows to relevant podcasts, catch-up content, or sister stations; and a timeline that lets users restart the current or previous show instantly.
Commercially, the connected-car future is compelling across three vectors: (a) deeper engagement and time spent with brands through richer features; (b) sustained premium presence via guaranteed prominence on the dashboard; and (c) a Radioplayer data & insights platform that (with automaker agreements and user consent) can surface real-time listening patterns on broadcast in the car—time spent, platform, and, where permitted, anonymized profile signals—unlocking new advertiser value.
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